We are pleased to introduce this year’s Student to Student (STS) leaders. Founded 30 years ago by the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis, Buffalo has been a part of the STS network for the past 8 years.  

STS sends Jewish high school students into Buffalo area schools where most teens otherwise have little contact with the Jewish community. By hearing from their Jewish peers and asking them questions about their Jewish identity and practice, students unfamiliar with Judaism can learn firsthand about Judaism which can help dispel stereotypes and breakdown prejudice. This years’ students include Zelda Abramovich, Senior at Williamsville North, Talula Enis, Junior at Williamsville East, Ozzy Enis, Senior at Williamsville East, Gabriel Epstein, Sophomore at The Park School,  Noah Garson, Junior at Clarence High School, Tamar Langberg, Sophomore at Clarence High School,  Jarah Lazarus-Klein, Junior at Amherst High School, Sarah Lewis, Junior at Amherst High School, Kate Rosen, Senior at Amherst High School, and Lila Yonaty, Senor at Williamsville East.  

At a recent training attended by several of these students, many of them shared their perspective on why they chose to participate in STS. Noah said he hopes “to make a difference and spread awareness in the community about what Judaism is and its diversity.”  Zelda noted: “If you can change the opinion of one person, I think that matters in the long run.”  Jarah said: “I like that the program helps spread awareness. It makes me feel good-it is a mitzvah.”  “I want to normalize what it means to be Jewish, that we are not that different,” shared Tamar, with Sara adding “It’s important to educate students about Judaism, especially in a community where it is not that common.”