People

The Buffalo region has been home to a wide range of individuals associated with local Jewish communities and Jewish networks from the 1820s through to the contemporary period as immigrants, citizens, residents and locals.

Institutions

Buffalo Jews have a rich history of forming both formal and informal institutions for religious, educational, political and social needs. From synagogues to organizations, and from coordinating agencies to groups and clubs, Jewish Buffalonians have seen a changing range of institutions supported by group endeavors and community philanthropy.

Neighborhoods

In living memory, the East Side and North Buffalo stand out as physically connected and interwoven religious and commercial centers of Jewish living. In contrast to these specific areas are the mini hubs identified with Jewish living and connected to a more dispersed idea of neighborhood. Separately, suburbia with its significant geographic spread, has redefined how a series of Jewish spaces come together with a mix of hubs, focal points and networks.

Themes

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Exhibitions

Special exhibitions, through a focus on particular individuals and subjects, delves into the personal stories that have animated Jewish lives. Each digital exploration reflects on the interplay between place, identities and changing times and the way in which American, Jewish and Buffalo historical experiences are deeply interwoven.

Resources

Materials that document Jewish Buffalo in all its diversity are found in books, articles, archives and museums, many of which are available locally or online. This section highlights some of these sources and will be updated regularly.

Photograph of the Ohel

Photograph of the Ohel created by Izon Productions-Don Dannecker, 2013. The image is reproduced with permission of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies.

People A-Z  /  Rabbi Joseph Rabinowitz

Rabbi Eliyahu Yosef Rabinowitz, Linzer Rebbe from Buffalo

1856–1910

Overview

Pine Ridge is the site of an ohel (tomb) for Rabbi Joseph Rabinowitz (b. ca 1856; d. Buffalo, November 14, 1910).  Due to the proximity of the Ohel in relation to the Ahavas Sholem cemetery, Rabbi Rabinowitz has often been associated with Ahavas Sholem in articles about the Ohel. The Ohel, however, resides in its own distinct space at the entrance way into B’nai Israel. This cemetery has the gravestones of individuals from a range of congregations and landsmannschaftn. According to a snippet from the American Hebrew and Jewish Messenger, Rabbi Rabinowitz is listed as associated with the congregation, “Brith Sholom, Anshe, Russia.”  Rabbi Joseph Rabinowitz was from Sokolivka (Justingrad/Yustingrav), now in modern day Ukraine, once part of the Russian Empire. When he emigrated to the America, he first settled in New York City, but in 1908 made Buffalo his home. Scroll down for a quote that captures the reaction to his death, and more links to Sokolivka.

Articles

“Rabbi Joseph Rabinowitz, of the congregation Brith Sholom, Anshe, Russia, died last year at the age of fifty-four years. His death has caused a great deal of grief in the orthodox community, for the deceased rabbi was beloved by a large circle of friends, and was noted for his piety, his modesty, and his exceptional learning. He was officially connected with B’rith Sholem congregation, but was also greatly interested in the general religious and educational welfare of the Jews of his section. Although only a few years in Buffalo, he at once made his influence felt in many directions.

Rabbi Rabinowitz was born in Justingrad, province of Kiev in 1856. His father was a famous rabbi. He came to Buffalo in 1908 and at once became popular and beloved by all the Jews in the city. He passed away Monday evening November 14, at his home, number 67 Walnut Street.”

“Rabbi Joseph Rabinowitz Dead,” The American Hebrew and Jewish Messenger, Buffalo Section, November, 1911, clipping.

The Ohel of Rabbi Joseph Rabinowitz

Photograph of the Ohel

Photograph of the Ohel created by Izon Productions-Don Dannecker, 2013. The image is reproduced with permission of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies.

Photograph of the Ohel

Discover More

  • For more about Justingrad/Sokolivka, the birth place of Rabbi Rabinowitz, click on this link.
  • For specific family names associated with Justingrad/Sokolivka

  • Necrology, Announcement for Joseph Rabinowitz, rabbi, Buffalo, N. Y., (b. ca 1856; d. Buffalo, Nov 14, 1910, aged 54), American Jewish Year Book, 13 (1911- 1912):136.

  • Jacob Rader Marcus, editor Judith M. Daniels, associate editor, The Concise Dictionary of American Jewish Biography, Carlson Publications, 1994, p.502.

  • Ferne E. Mittleman, Hyman Shuman, and Chaika Aliotz. Shuman, The Shuman Story: The Life and times of Peretz Shuman and Chaika Aliotz Shuman. Amherst, NY: Welcome Magazine, 2000.

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We are seeking any photographs, documents or other materials relating to Rabbi Joseph Rabinowitz for digitization. If you have materials you’d like to make available for this purpose, please contact us.

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