Today we are delighted to cast a spotlight on Ellen Goldstein, who last month retired as the Editor of the Jewish Journal of Western New York, a publication that she helped launch 12 years ago. Ellen worked in the Jewish community for nearly three decades; her passion for Jewish Buffalo and dedication to sharing stories of Jewish life in our community is unmatched.
“Ellen is truly one of a kind,” shares Miriam Abramovich, COO of the Federation. “She has helped me and so many of us hone our ability to write with clarity and brevity. As a friend, for those of us lucky enough to call her one, Ellen is caring and generous, full of witty, poignant, and well-earned stories and advice!” Cindy Oppenheimer agrees: “Knowing Ellen for most of my life through Temple Beth Zion, I have had the pleasure to work beside her in many capacities…she is articulate, dependable and dedicated to her work in the greater Buffalo Jewish community.”
Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein reflects on Ellen’s kindness, humility and curiosity, that has not only made a difference to him, but impacted the entire community for the better. “What comes to mind is the Hebrew value of “B’Tzelem Elohim/in the image of God,” he notes. “This is the value taken from the story of creation that tells us that each and every one of us embodies God. The word Tzelem is particularly important when it comes to Ellen. Tzalam, from the same root as Tzelem, means photographer, a recorder of the image of God. That is who Ellen is, someone who recognizes what is holy and celebrates it.”
“Ellen has taught me so much about our community,” adds Barbara Macks, Publisher of Buffalo Spree, and she has brought so much to my life not only as a proud Jewish woman but as the very proud Publisher of our city’s Jewish paper as well as Buffalo’s city & regional magazine. “
Ellen Goldstein is a Buffalo institution and while she will no longer lead the Jewish Journal, she will continue to share her love, care and passions throughout WNY along with her husband Mitch Flynn. Lovingly known as the Flynnsteins, this dynamic duo will be seen around town on bike, with camera in hand, and in the garden, as they tend to one of the jewels featured each year on the East Side Garden Walk.
Check out the spread on Ellen in the most recent Jewish Journal here, and feel free to reach out to Ellen her personal email goldsteinellen4@gmail.com.
