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.
Ongoing Gatherings & Experiences
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:
HAZON - VISION & INNOVATION
SAKRANUT - CURIOSITY
ANAVAH - HUMILITY
B’TZELEM ELOKIM – CREATED WITH THE SPARK OF THE DIVINE
LiNK LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
LiNK Chair: Marni Marciano
LiNK Vice Chair: Kirstie Henry
PJ Library Chair: Nikki Balsom
PJ Library Vice Chair: Elyse Skerker Sigal
MidLife Engagement Chair: Alissa Rabach
MidLife Engagement Vice Chair: Donna Levy
Partnerships Chair: Shiri Kester
Immediate Past Chair: Brenda Feldstein
Professional Team
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.
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.
Rabbi Shlomo Schachter
Jewish Educator
(he/him)
Rabbi Shlomo grew up in the Jewish Renewal community as it coalesced around his father, Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. After playing college football, he studied in Israeli Yeshivas for nine years, trained in acupuncture and reflexology, and coached the Israeli National Football Team. Shlomo came to Buffalo as the Rabbi of Kehillat Ohr Tzion having served as an Associate Rabbi in Vancouver, BC and as a Campus Rabbi in Champaign, Illinois. You can often find him in the JCC gym, and if you do, please stop and say hi.
Cantor Susie Lewis Friedman
Jewish Educator
(she/her)
Cantor Susan Lewis-Friedman comes to Buffalo from having served congregations in Suburban Chicago since 2015. She received Cantorial Ordination in 2015, and a Master of Sacred Music in 2014 from the Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music. Susie loves working with kids and became a Cantor because she wanted to infect children with her love of Judaism, Community, and being part of a Synagogue family. She is married to the love of her life, Ross Friedman, and they have 2 amazing kids, Abigail and Zev.