Creating opportunities for meaningful, purposeful and relevant Jewish exploration.

 

LiNK Jewish Buffalo


LiNK Jewish Buffalo’s vision is for all Jews, their family and friends of other faiths, and those exploring Judaism, to connect with one another through meaningful Jewish living and learning experiences regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability.

The word link, means to connect – or – the relationship between two things. You will see in our brand a small i, which represents you, the individual, who is always at the center of our work. The soft and rounded letters evoke an openness, a feeling of being surrounded by others (friends, community, the Jewish calendar, our ancestors) – and b’tzelem elokim – another one of our guiding values, that underscores how everyone has something of value to contribute and everyone has the right to belong. Our brand colors are warm and vibrant, and we hope conjure a sense of curiosity, an invitation to explore, ask questions and engage.

LiNK Jewish Buffalo - LiNK Logo RGB

Ongoing Gatherings & Experiences


LiNK Jewish Buffalo - LiNK Impact Report 2023 cover

Click Here to Read Our
2022 – 2023 Impact Report

About LiNK Jewish Buffalo


Our Vision

All Jews, their family and friends of other faiths, and those exploring Judaism, connect with one another through meaningful Jewish living and learning experiences.

Our Mission

LiNK Jewish Buffalo:

1. Engages and nurtures relationships with and among families and individuals at all stages of life;

2. Creates opportunities for meaningful and relevant Jewish exploration and learning; and

3. Supports and amplifies the work of synagogues and partner organizations.

Core Values

Several core Jewish values underpin our mission and are central to activating our vision:

LiNK Jewish Buffalo - Hazon

HAZON - VISION & INNOVATION

We are forward thinking and believe that Jewish living and learning can happen both inside of and outside of institutions. We facilitate new kinds of Jewish experiences; our work is iterative and continually improving.
LiNK Jewish Buffalo - Sakranut

SAKRANUT - CURIOSITY

We encourage anyone to ask questions, explore, and seek depth and meaning in their Jewishness.
LiNK Jewish Buffalo - Anavah

ANAVAH - HUMILITY

We focus on building relationships and creating shared Jewish experiences that build and deepen connections.
LiNK Jewish Buffalo - Spark

B’TZELEM ELOKIM – CREATED WITH THE SPARK OF THE DIVINE

We believe that everyone has something of value to contribute and everyone has a right to belong. We are inclusive of those raised inside Jewish community, those raised completely without Jewish community, individuals who are Jew-adjacent, and inclusive of all abilities, gender identities and sexual orientations.
Young Families
Young adults
Teens
Adults
Belonging

LiNK LEADERSHIP COUNCIL


LiNK Chair: Marni Marciano
LiNK Vice Chair: Kirstie Henry
PJ Library Chair: Nikki Balsom
PJ Library Vice Chair: Elyse Skerker Sigal
Middle School Engagement Chair: Jessica Cunningham
Jewish Teen Initiative Chair: Amy Rosen
Young Adult Engagement Chair: Macie Clawson
Adult Engagement Chair: Ellen Weiss
Adult Engagement Vice Chair: Dan Gattuso
MidLife Engagement Chair: Alissa Rabach
Partnerships Chair: Shiri Kester
Partnership Vice Chair: Donna Levy
Immediate Past Chair: Brenda Feldstein

Professional Team


Mike Steklof

Mike Steklof

Senior Director, LiNK Jewish Buffalo

(he/him)

Mike experienced the best of Rochester, Albany, Louisville, and Cleveland before choosing Buffalo as his home. Mike loves Buffalo for its warmth, weather, and charm. He is energized by connecting those who share similar passions, creating meaningful experiences  and ensuring there is space for all to belong in Jewish Buffalo. Outside of the office, Mike can be found cooking savory vegetarian dishes, training for his next half marathon or walking the Ellicott Creek bike path.

Email Mike

Robin Kurss

Robin Kurss

Director of Jewish Experience

(she/her)

Robin is a lifelong Buffalonian. She grew up in and has raised her three children in the Buffalo Jewish Community. Connecting people through the traditions and beauty of Judaism is an important part of her life and she often spreads this passion through cooking with children and adults alike. Robin loves to share generations of her family’s recipes in her monthly cooking column in the Jewish Journal of WNY. When not in the office, Robin can be found with her husband, FaceTiming with her out of town children and grandchildren, cooking, baking and reading.

Email Robin

Regina Misercola

Regina Misercola

Manager of Jewish Experience

(she/her)

Coming from New Haven, Connecticut, Regina forged a strong connection with her Jewish identity while in college and through starting a Hillel chapter. Having previously worked in philanthropy, she is excited to build teen and young adult engagement programs that help others connect with their spark of Judaism. Outside of work, you can find Regina wandering in the woods on a hike, exploring the city, or petting a dog. She loves storytelling and is an avid reader and writer. Regina is also a passionate advocate for folks in the childhood cancer and chronic illness communities.

Email Regina

Zahava Fried

Zahava Fried

Manager of Young Family Engagement

(she/her)

Originally a native of Pittsburgh, PA, Zahava now considers herself to be a full-fledged Buffalonian after realizing she can’t help but root for The Bills. She has a strong love for Jewish liturgical music, Torah learning, and engaging our community’s children through music and creative arts to embrace the beauty of our shared tradition. Zahava can often be found making up silly songs, riding her Pelaton, reading historical fiction, or chasing after her two daughters and husband while ensuring her iced coffee doesn’t spill!

Email Zahava

Noah Block

Noah Block

Teen Engagement Intern

(he/him)

Noah grew up in Buffalo and is a junior at Ithaca College studying Health and Physical Education. In Ithaca, is actively involved in Hillel, Chabad and is the vice president of Alpha Epsilon Pi. Noah has a passion for working with kids and plans to work with children throughout his career. Outside of the (virtual) office, Noah loves fishing, playing golf and spending time with his friends and family.

Email Noah

Eli Pincus

Eli Pincus

Middle School Engagement Intern

(he/him)

Eli is from Rochester and is currently attending the University at Buffalo where he is majoring in Media Studies. Eli has a passion for creating meaningful artistic work and making an impact in the Jewish Community. He also works as the Media Coordinator at Camp Seneca Lake. In his free time, Eli can be found spending time with friends, listening to music, or out on the golf course.

Email Eli

Rabbi Sara Rich

Rabbi Sara Rich

Senior Jewish Educator

(she/her)

Rabbi Sara was raised in Maryland, studied in Jerusalem and New York City, and came to Buffalo in 2017 after serving as the Director of Education at the Princeton Hillel. She served for six years as the Executive Director of Hillel of Buffalo, and is now the Senior Rabbi of Temple Beth Tzedek. Rabbi Sara loves to learn and to teach, and often finds herself doing both at the same time! She lives in Williamsville with her husband Ezra and three daughters.

Email Sara

Susan Schwartz

Susan Schwartz

Jewish Educator

(she/her)

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 grandchildren, leading Shabbat services with her guitar, or on a kayak exploring the inner harbor.

Email Susan