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, 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 new 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.
What has not changed — our mission, vision, and purpose: to serve you and your families through PJ Library, PJ Our Way, Middle School Engagement, the Buffalo Jewish Teen Initiative, Nickel City Jews, Adult Engagement and Learning, Women and Men Gathering, and Buffalo Israel Experience.
Ongoing Gatherings & Experiences
2021 – 2022 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:
HAZON - VISION & INNOVATION
SAKRANUT - CURIOSITY
ANAVAH - HUMILITY
B’TZELEM ELOKIM – CREATED WITH THE SPARK OF THE DIVINE
Young Families
Young adults
Teens
Adults
Belonging
LiNK LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
LiNK Chair: Brenda Feldstein
LiNK Vice Chair: Marni Marciano
PJ Library Chair: Rebecca Freedman
PJ Library Vice Chair: Nikki Balsom
PJ Our Way Chair: Rebecca Shaw
Middle School Engagement Chair: Sharon Nisengard
Teen Engagement Chair: Donna Levy
Teen Engagement Vice Chair: Amy Rosen
Teen Engagement Teen Leadership Council Chair: Honey L.
Nickel City Jews Chair: Eric Niles
Nickel City Jews Vice Chair: Macie Clawson
Adult Engagement Chair: Ellen Weiss
Adult Engagement Vice Chair: Dan Gattuso
Belonging Chair: Kirstie Henry
Belonging Vice Chair: Michelle Lawson
Partnerships Chair: Shiri Kester
Professional Team
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.
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.
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.
Rabbi Adam Rosenbaum
Jewish Educator
(he/him)
Adam was born in Winnipeg, Canada, and grew up in Denver, Colorado. After serving congregations in Livingston, NJ, and Charleston, SC, Adam moved to Buffalo in July 2020 to become the Rabbi of Temple Beth Tzedek. He is grateful that his professional life enables him to teach, write, and make Judaism more accessible to others. Adam adores his three children, is an avid baseball fan, and enjoys stand-up comedy.
Sari Arrow
Teen Engagement Intern
(she/her)
Sari grew up in Long Island before moving to Buffalo to attend the University at Buffalo where she is currently a senior. She considers Buffalo to be her home away from home. Sari’s passions are creating safe spaces for individuals to be their true selves, making the world a better place and empowering teen leaders. Outside of the (virtual) office, Sari is always singing, cooking, or teaching American Sign Language.