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.

Cantor Samuel Arluck and Son

Cantor Samuel Arluck (holding siddur), and son Hyman Arluck (smallest boy, later known as Harold Arlen), c.1912. Collection of Hubert J. Rubenstein, 1853-2006. Courtesy of the University Archives, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. Cantor Samuel Arluck is holding the siddur book in the center of this image. His son, Hyman Arluck, is the smallest boy in the front row, c.1912. The Pine Street Shul also known as B’rith Sholem, was originally founded in 1865, and located first on Main Street and then on Elm Street. It reincorporated in 1882 at Pine Street.

Cantor Samuel Arluck (holding siddur), and son Hyman Arluck (smallest boy, later known as Harold Arlen), c.1910. Photographer unknown, Ms96, Hugh Rubenstein Collection, University Archives, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York.

Brith Sholem Photographs, Harold Arlen Exhibit Musical Influences photos