Creating opportunities for meaningful, purposeful and relevant Jewish exploration.
New Projects
THE CENTER FOR JEWISH ENGAGEMENT AND LEARNING BOARD:
Chair: Stacey Block
At-large members: Hadar Borden, Leah Blum, Laurie Criden, Gretchen Gross, Jonathan Epstein, Jonathan Freirich, Ralph Halpern, Robin Raphael, Sheri Rodman, Harvey Sanders, Blaine Schwartz, Ted Steinberg, Ellen Weiss, Shelly Yellen. Immediate Past President: Michael Berger
Staff
Miriam Abramovich
Division Director, Jewish Engagement and Learning
Miriam and her family called New York City, Boston, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh home before landing in Buffalo five years ago. Miriam values raising her two children in this warm and tight-knit community. Her professional passion is engaging with individuals and finding ways to help them access Jewish tradition, Jewish values, and Jewish time - in powerful and transformative ways. When not in the office, you can find Miriam with her kids, at the gym, baking or traveling.
Nicole Bard
Director, Young Adult and Young Family Engagement
Nicole Bard ventured to Buffalo from Rockland County, New York to attend the University at Buffalo, and now calls the Nickel City home. She is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships that pivot around Judaism with both young adults and families with young children. Nicole can often be found exploring the Buffalo food scene, in a ceramics studio, or spending time outdoors.
Cindi Mikulik
Director, Yad B’Yad
Cindi Mikulik grew up in Buffalo, returning back after completing her education. She has enjoyed teaching in many diverse Jewish settings over the years. In her role with The Center, she has taken on the responsibility of removing barriers to Jewish gatherings, traditions, learning, and life cycle events for everyone. Cindi loves spending time with her daughter, caring for her cats, studying Jewish texts, traveling, and meeting new people.
Susan Schwartz
Director, Adult Engagement
Susan’s Buffalo roots run deep. She has strong connections to individuals and families across multiple generations in Jewish Buffalo, and also a strong and personal connection to Israel. Susan is a master Jewish educator who finds great joy in learning about people’s personal Jewish stories, and facilitating connections with others who share similar interests. When not in the office, you can find Susan with her granddaughter, with her guitar leading Shabbat services, or on a kayak exploring the inner harbor.
Rob Taylor
Hebrew High Manager
Rob is a proud father and educator and the newest member of our team. Rob is an avid triathlete and runner, competing in both Ironman distance triathlons and the Boston Marathon. This drive to compete and complete endurance events carries over to his everyday life to provide the best that he can for his students, family and friends. As an educator and Jewish leadership professional, Rob finds deep meaning in helping guide teens to access Judaism in relevant ways.
Evie Weinstein
Administrator
Evie, retired Executive Director of the Bureau for Jewish Education, is passionate about Jewish learning. Even through her retirement, she has continually worked on designing curriculum for The Mussar Institute and spends time mentoring new Jewish professionals. Evie finds great joy in spending time with friends, camping, walking on the beach, and being with her four grandchildren.
