Sometimes, one moment can change the course of a life. For Julie and Mike Weinberg, that moment came in 2012 when they traveled to Israel with the Buffalo Jewish Federation. They returned not only with a deeper connection to the Jewish homeland but also with a renewed commitment to Jewish Buffalo — a commitment that continues to shape their family and their community involvement today.
Buffalo-born and raised, Julie graduated from Cleveland Hill High School, earned her undergraduate degree from SUNY Albany, and completed her master’s in social work at Smith College. Today, she is a clinical social worker in private practice. Mike grew up in New York City, attended the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, earned his undergraduate degree from Binghamton University, and came to Buffalo for medical school. He interned in internal medicine before deciding to pursue a residency in anesthesiology, after which he completed a fellowship in pain management, all through the University at Buffalo. He has provided care at several local hospitals throughout his 30 year career but has always been based at the Children’s Hospital of Buffalo (now Oishei), and is a shareholder in Great Lakes Anesthesiology.
The Weinbergs live in Williamsville and are the proud parents of two adult children. Hayley, pursuing her PhD in school psychology at the University of Maryland, lives in Boston, while Zack works in investment banking at UBS in Manhattan. Both share their parents’ strong ties to Jewish identity and Israel — connections first sparked by that Federation trip.
Deeply involved with Temple Beth Zion, where Julie grew up and recently served as president, the Weinbergs understand the value of collaboration. “We are a very small Jewish community,” Julie notes, “and it’s so important that we build strong relationships — across synagogues, Federation, and all of our agencies. We can’t afford to work at cross-purposes.”
Their love for Buffalo is palpable. Mike, who didn’t grow up with a strong Jewish community, recalls being struck by the warmth of Jewish Buffalo. Julie laughs remembering their early days together: “When we started dating, we’d go to Stumpy’s in North Buffalo, and Mike was amazed that my family knew everyone who walked in!”
That sense of welcome — and the opportunities to get involved — has been a defining part of their experience. “What’s special about Buffalo,” Julie reflects, “is that you don’t need to be a major donor to be a respected, active part of the community. If you want to get involved, there are so many opportunities.”
Looking back on the 2012 Leadership Mission to Israel, Mike shares, “That experience gave us a chance to connect more deeply with people we already knew and to build new friendships that made us feel truly part of the community.” Julie adds, “Several months later, we returned to Israel with our children. It was so important to us that they experience what we had just experienced.”
Rob Goldberg, immediate past CEO of Federation and co-leader of that mission with his wife Shira, remembers the trip well. “Julie and Mike were so engaged throughout our journey. Their experience was exactly what we hoped for — that couples would return to Buffalo eager to bring that energy and passion to invest more deeply in Jewish Buffalo.”
Over the years, that passion has increased and philanthropy, too, has become a central part of their lives. Looking ahead to the upcoming Kickoff at UB, Mike reflects, “A friend once told us that when you give, you always get back more than you put in. We’ve found that to be true. Sure, we’re giving — and it feels good — but what we’ve received in return from this community is immeasurable.”
With couples like the Weinbergs — deeply committed to Jewish Buffalo, synagogue life, Israel and the mission of Federation — our community continues to grow, evolve, and thrive.
You can help make a difference like Julie and Mike by joining them at our Annual Campaign Kickoff Event on Tuesday, September 16 at the UB Center for the Arts. Click HERE to register.
