This week, Buffalo Jewish Federation proudly spotlights Jordan Edelstein, a NEXTGen co-chair working strategically on recruiting and retaining young adult Jewish engagement.
Originally from New York City and one of three triplets, Jordan currently works for the Buffalo Sabres as an Account Executive of Membership Sales, where he drives new business through season memberships, premium hospitality, and group initiatives. He played collegiate hockey at Syracuse University, combining his passion for the sport with his academic experience. When he is not in the office working for the Sabres, you can catch him on the ice playing in many different men’s leagues across Buffalo, exploring new food spots throughout Buffalo and Western New York, or playing video games and watching movies.
Jordan grew up in a family deeply involved in the Jewish community of New York City, celebrating Shabbat with family nearly every Friday and reflecting together on the week. His family belonged to a Reform synagogue, where he began attending preschool and continued his Jewish education through high school. Summers were spent at Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Crane Lake Camp, where he strengthened his connection to Judaism while playing sports and learning from clergy members and Jewish educators. As Jordan got older, his Jewish identity continued to evolve. In college, Jordan thoughtfully surrounded himself with other Jewish students while staying connected to Judaism in ways that felt authentic to him. One of his favorite college traditions was hosting a Passover Seder each year with his fellow Jewish Syracuse University hockey teammates, an experience that reinforced his strong sense of Jewish connection. After graduating and moving from New York City to Buffalo, Jordan felt inspired to become more actively involved in the Jewish community once again.
Today, as a young professional, being part of the Jewish community to Jordan means connection, belonging, and intentionality. Moving to the Buffalo area as a transplant encouraged him to be more mindful about how he meets and connects with other Jewish people, while reinforcing the importance of creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where individuals can build genuine relationships and feel proud of their Jewish identity. Being part of the community now feels purposeful to him — not only staying connected to his roots, but also helping bring people together and foster a stronger sense of belonging. Through NEXTGen, Jordan hopes to create a space where everyone feels welcomed, regardless of how a person defines their Jewishness, and where people can show up as their authentic selves. His goal is to help build a tight-knit community where, after attending just one event, young adults feel excited to return, continue forming connections, and deepen those relationships over time.
