We are delighted to shine a spotlight on two extraordinary community leaders, Penny and Charlie Shuman, who will be honored by FDNow at a special event in New York City on May 12, 2025.
FDNow is a vital organization dedicated to advancing research to treat—and ultimately cure—Familial Dysautonomia (FD), a rare and devastating genetic disorder of the autonomic nervous system that predominantly affects individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. This cause is deeply personal for the Shuman family: their beloved granddaughter, Goldie, lives with FD. Alongside their son Danny and daughter-in-law Chaya, Penny and Charlie have emerged as beacons of strength, leadership, and hope—not only for Goldie, but for countless families navigating the challenges of this condition.
Longtime residents and deeply respected members of Jewish Buffalo, the Shumans have spent more than five decades enriching Jewish life through philanthropy, education, and service. Their enduring impact is felt across numerous institutions both locally and nationally.
A Legacy Rooted in Values
Penny and Charlie’s passion for Jewish life and communal responsibility was instilled early. Charlie’s father, Peretz, was a devoted board member of Buffalo’s Chevra Kadisha (Burial Society), and his mother, Chaika, was an active leader in Pioneer Women, a national Zionist organization. These early examples of service became a blueprint for the Shumans own life of giving.
Born in 1929 on Buffalo’s East Side to Ukrainian immigrants Philip (Peretz) and Ida (Chaika) Shuman, Charlie served in the U.S. Army before co-founding Shuman Plastics with his brother Hy in 1955. Together, they transformed a small family scrap business into a global leader in recycled plastics. In 1964, Charlie married Penny Kanel, and the two went on to raise three sons while steadily deepening their involvement in Jewish communal life across Western New York.
A Lifelong Commitment to Jewish Continuity
For over half a century, Penny and Charlie have been passionate advocates for Jewish education, Zionism, and communal well-being. They are founding supporters of Kadimah Academy, and key partners—alongside Arthur and Susan Gellman—in establishing the Ohr Temimim School. They are also devoted supporters of Chabad, both locally and nationally, and at Chautauqua, where they have summered for decades, and they remain champions of Jewish life here in Western New York through the Jewish Community Center (JCC), Buffalo Jewish Federation, Young Israel, Jewish Discovery Center, and the Center for Jewish Life.
Their commitment has not gone unrecognized. In 2007, Charlie and his brothers, Irving and Hyman, received the Endowment Leadership Award from the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies. In 2020, Penny and Charlie were honored with the Nathan Benderson Leadership Award at the Campaign for Jewish Buffalo Kickoff Event. Their generosity and foresight are further reflected in their legacy gift through Federation to ensure a vibrant Jewish future for generations to come.
Investing in the Future Through Genetic Research
Penny and Charlie were instrumental in establishing the Jewish Genetic Research and Treatment Fund through the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies. This fund supports critical research and therapies for genetic conditions that disproportionately affect the Jewish community—chief among them, FD.
Their leadership in this effort underscores a legacy defined not only by giving, but by vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to healing and hope. To honor Penny and Charlie Shuman and support the ongoing fight against Familial Dysautonomia, please consider a contribution to the Jewish Genetic Research and Treatment Fund at the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies here.
