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.

Gallery

Congregation Beth Abraham

Congregation Beth Abraham, Exterior of Building in 2017, created by Izon Productions-Don Dannecker, 2017. The image is reproduced with permission of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies.

Congregation Beth Abraham

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Congregation Brith Israel

Brith Israel in Oscar Israelowitz, ed. Synagogues of the United States: A Photographic and Architectural Survey, Israelowitz Publishing, NY, 1992, p. 69. Reproduced with the permission of the editor.

Congregation Brith Israel

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Congregation Havurah

Congregation Havurah affiliated membership document, UAHC, September 21, 1972, Courtesy of Congregation Havurah.

Congregation Havurah

Synagogues  /  Congregation HavurahCongregation Havurah was founded in 1972 as a lay-led fellowship allied with Reform Judaism. It is located in Williamsville, NY, and has a high holiday annual retreat in Chautauqua, NY.OverviewIn 1972, a new style of congregation...

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Congregation Ohel Jacob

Ohel Jacob created by Izon Productions-Don Dannecker, 2017. The image is reproduced with permission of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies.

Congregation Ohel Jacob

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Congregation Shir Shalom

Former Temple Beth Am sanctuary and synagogue complex, with new Congregation Shir Shalom lettering, photograph created by Izon Productions-Don Dannecker, 2013. Courtesy of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies.

Congregation Shir Shalom

Synagogues  /  Congregation Shir ShalomIn 2012, Temple Sinai and Temple Beth Am merged to form Congregation Shir Shalom, the world’s first jointly constituted Reconstructionist-Reform congregation. The new congregation selected the synagogue and school complex of...

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Humboldt Orthodox Shul

Former Humboldt Orthodox, entrance, created by Izon Productions-Don Dannecker, 2017. The image is reproduced with permission of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies.

Humboldt Orthodox Shul

Synagogues  /  Humboldt Orthodox ShulThe Humboldt Orthodox Shul formed in 1940 and was also known as the Glenwood Avenue Shul. Located in the Humboldt area of Buffalo, it was led by Rabbi Gedaliah Kaprow for much of its history.OverviewHumboldt Orthodox Center was...

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Saranac Shul

Star of David Entranceway into Saranac Shul, created by Izon Productions-Don Dannecker, 2017. The image is reproduced with permission of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies.

Saranac Shul

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Temple Beth Am

First home of the Suburban Synagogue (Beth Am) at the Amherst Community Church,1955. Courtesy of Congregation Shir Shalom.

Temple Beth Am

Synagogues  /  Temple Beth AmFounded in Amherst, NY during the mid-1950s as the “Suburban Congregation,” Temple Beth Am built its home in Williamsville, NY in 1959. In 2012 it merged with Temple Sinai to form Congregation Shir Shalom. OverviewTemple Beth Am,...

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