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 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.
Young Adult Engagement Chair: Eric Niles
Young Adult Engagement 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Zack Steinberg
Jewish Educator
(he/him)
Zack grew up in Buffalo and spent wonderful summers at Camp Lakeland where he found a love and connection to Judaism through music. After graduating from the University at Buffalo he moved to New York City where he learned how to be a songleader, putting together Jewish experiences at numerous parks, community centers, and temples. Zack wants to bring all that he’s learned in these places to help Jewish Buffalo continue to grow and thrive. In his free time, he loves singing, playing and watching hockey, and relaxing with his cats.