Penny and Charles Shuman received the Nathan Benderson Community Leadership Award this past Wednesday evening at the 2020 Campaign for Jewish Buffalo Kick-Off Event. 

Penny and Charles, passionate and committed philanthropists in Buffalo’s Jewish community for more than 50 years, are pillars of Jewish Buffalo who have invested significantly in Israel and Jewish Education.  Early supporters of Kadimah Academy, the Shumans also partnered with Arthur and Susan Gellman to create the Ohr Temimim School.  The Shumans have been ardent supporters of Chabad, not only in Buffalo, but nationally, and at Chautauqua where they have summered for decades.  Additionally, they invest in the work of Aish Hatorah and countless other Jewish and secular institutions that benefit the greater community.

Involvement in Jewish life and giving back was modeled for both Charlie and Penny at an early age.  Charlie’s father, Peretz, served on the board of the local Chevra Kadisha (Burial Society) and his mother, Chaika, was a leader in Pioneer Women, a national Zionist Organization.

The Shumans have three sons, Kenneth, Roberg, and Daniel, and are blessed with a large family that includes eight grandchildren.

Congratulations, Penny and Charlie, on receiving this prestigious award!