Volume IX | January 2020
CONNECTIONS
Linking you to the work of creating a more civil and caring community in WNY
Powered by the Buffalo Jewish Federation
Co-Chairs: Deborah Goldman & Nina Lukin | Director: Mara Koven-Gelman
Buffalo JCRC's work falls into three broad areas: Social Justice, Combatting Hate and Discrimination, and Building Relationships with Ethnic, Faith, and Cultural Communities.
THANK YOU TED

We give many thanks to Dr. Ted Steinberg for his leadership as one of the first of two co-chairs of the revitalized Buffalo Jewish Community Relations Council.

Please read his beautiful piece HERE .
EDUCATE

THE 2020 PRIORITY PLANS FROM PPG

It is 2020 and time to learn more about Partnership for Public Good's 10 democratically-chosen issues to advance civic initiatives in the Buffalo Niagara region. Come hear the PPG Plank Agenda Event on Thursday, January 16 at 9:30 AM. Click HERE to read the plans and location details.

INTERFAITH LEARNING WITH RABBI MOSHE SILBERSCHEIN

Learn about the Parables of Jesus from a Classic Rabbinic Literature point of view during three February sessions. The series will also attempt to understand how Jesus' parables were perceived by his many listeners when he first taught them. More info can be found HERE .
ADVOCATE
NEW YORK STATE VOTING LAWS

16 and 17 year olds in New York State can now pre-register to vote. The easiest way to pre-register is when applying for a driving permit at the DMV. Read more HERE .
ANOTHER VOICE:
AMID RISE OF ANTISEMITISM, FRIENDS STAND WITH US

Buffalo JCRC Director, Mara Koven-Gelman, was published in the Buffalo News on January 3, 2020. You can read her inspiring piece HERE .
MOBILIZE - Get Involved
SUPPORT THE SECURE JEWISH BUFFALO FUND

 The rise of recent antisemitic acts demonstrates the imperative for our JCRC work of building relationships. It also means we need to protect our synagogues and organizations. Many people from diverse communities are members and users of Jewish institutions. We need to protect everyone who walks in our doors.

Help us make 2020 a safer year for everyone. Please DONATE TODAY .
CENSUS 2020: BORROW A BANNER FOR YOUR EVENT

 Now you can obtain a 6 foot, free standing, self-contained 2020 Census Banner for your program. Click HERE to choose a banner and submit a request form. There is also an option to download and create your own banner.
NATIONAL NEWS
I HATE TALKING ABOUT ANTISEMITISM

By Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman

"When we focus on the hate, it can become the defining element of Jewish life, when that should be living lives of moral and spiritual greatness."

Read the full article, published in The Times of Israel on January 1, 2020 HERE .

UNPACKING EXECUTIVE ORDER ON REGARDING ANTISEMITISM

Here is a thorough explanation am implication from all angles of last month's executive order from our friends at the JCRC in Cincinnati.

Read it HERE .
#JewishANDProud Day

Buffalo actively participated in the world #JewishANDProud Day yesterday, January 6. It was organized by the American Jewish Committee amid rising antisemitism in the United States and abroad. This was a time to stop, reflect and not be defined by hatred. We are always better together.

Check out some national pictures on the AJC Facebook page HERE .

Here are two pictures of Buffalonians supporting #JewishANDProud Day:
BUFFALO JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jody Biehl
Hadar Borden
Ann Marie Carosella
Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein
Phyllis Steinberg
Dr. Theodore Steinberg