Today, we’re delighted to shine a light on one of the newest families in Jewish Buffalo: Andrew Rogers, Neta Ben Ezra, and their children, Ariya and Gabriel.
Neta, originally from Jerusalem and raised in a traditional Jewish household, met Andrew while serving as a shaliach (emissary) for the Jewish Agency for Israel in Columbus, Ohio. At the time, Andrew — a Los Angeles native raised in a Reform Jewish home — was pursuing graduate studies at The Ohio State University.
This past fall, the family made the move to Buffalo when Andrew accepted a faculty position at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. A psychologist by training, Andrew specializes in chronic pain in adolescents and young adults, and now works alongside Jeff Lackner, Chief of the Division of Behavioral Medicine at UB, who helped bring him to Buffalo. “This opportunity came at the perfect time,” Andrew shares. “We were ready for a change — professionally and personally.”
Dr. Lackner, ,reflects on the recruitment process:“When our team developed a strategy to bring Andrew and his family here, we knew we had to think beyond the job itself. We wanted to showcase everything Buffalo offers — from the medical school and cultural opportunities to affordability, family-friendly amenities, and a vibrant Jewish community. The Federation was an invaluable partner in the process and ultimately in welcoming the Rogers-Ben Ezra family with open arms.”
Andrew’s path has taken him across the country — from LA to Boston, Columbus, Houston, back to LA for Neta’s work, and most recently, Seattle. For Neta, Buffalo stands out: “Buffalo feels like the promised land,” she jokes. “The energy here, the people, the community — it’s been perfect for our growing family.”
“The biggest factor in our move was family,” Andrew adds. “We wanted a place where our careers could flourish, but more importantly, where we could truly be part of a strong Jewish community. That’s exactly what we’ve found here.”
A music video director, Neta continues her creative work from Buffalo. Her impressive portfolio can be explored at www.netabenezra.com.
In previous cities, building community took time. “In Seattle, it took a while to find our people,” they reflect. “But in Buffalo, we felt the warmth immediately — especially at Temple Beth Tzedek (TBT).” “We knew we wanted to join a synagogue,” Andrew says, “but we didn’t expect to feel so connected so quickly. After our first Tot Shabbat at TBT, we were hooked.”
“What’s amazed me most,” Neta adds, “is how many young families are involved — and how it’s growing. It feels like something really special is happening right before our eyes.”
Zahava Fried, TBT’s Cantorial Intern, agrees: “Andrew and Neta are natural Buffalonians — truly kind, warm, creative, and downright hysterical. They’ve become a beloved part of our TBT family and Jewish Buffalo, as if they’ve always been here.”
The family is also active at the JCC, where their daughter Ariya is thriving in the Early Childhood program. “She loves it so much she doesn’t want to come home,” Andrew laughs. “And we love that she sees familiar faces from synagogue — it creates a strong sense of continuity and belonging.”
Even the recent April snow hasn’t dampened their enthusiasm. “We love it here,” Neta says with a smile. “And I’m finally going to buy a snow blower,” Andrew adds with a laugh.
With their paddleboards and kayaks from Seattle in tow, the family is eager to explore Buffalo’s great outdoors this summer. “We’ve lived in big, glamorous cities,” Neta says, “but this stage of life is about our family. And Buffalo feels like exactly where we’re meant to be.”
