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_1920s_Courtesy_of_Sam_A_Arlen_SA_Music_LLC

Cantor Samuel Arluck, 1920s. Courtesy of Sam A. Arlen, SA Music LLC.

Harold Arlen Exhibition  /  Musical Influences

Both Celia and Samuel Arluck lived within Orthodox Judaism and infused their family home with these traditions. As Cantor of the Clinton Street synagogue (Beth Jacob), Samuel also had a Jewish communal role.

It was his voice that led the prayers in the synagogue at daily and shabbat services. When not working in the synagogue, Samuel sang first tenor in the Buffalo Operatic Company. Some of their performances were broadcast on WEBR. On the familyVictrola, Hyman heard the voice of Cantor Yossele Rosenblatt, Enrico Caruso, and John McCormack. Much later, Hyman would recall this mix of different styles of musical heritages alongside his own father’s interpretations of music. In his estimation, Samuel Arluck was the “greatest theme and variations man I’ve ever known.”

After serving at Beth Jacob, Cantor Arluck accepted a short-term position at Temple Beth El, located on Elm Street, and then began service at the Pine Street Shul, also known as B’rith Sholem. At the age of seven, Hyman overcame his shyness to join his father, singing in the Pine Street Shul choir.

In a new home at 65 Pratt Street, the Arluck’s rented one level of their duplex to Anderson and Minnie Arthur, and their children often played together. In this way, African-American hymnal music became a part of Hyman’s growing musical references. Hyman took piano lessons with Carrie Faller, his next-door neighbor, whose family hailed from Germany and Ireland. When Hyman turned 11 years of age, Arnold Cornelissen, a composer, and conductor, became Hyman’s piano instructor.

The East Side was filled with different ethnic musical traditions and amateur and professional players performed in the concert halls, bars, clubs and theaters. Sacred and secular music proved central to Hyman’s childhood experience through friends, neighbors and teachers. It was through them, radio, vinyl records, the clubs and other venues on the East Side that Hyman discovered new styles of music. Ragtime, Blues and Jazz became the music that he wove into his musical performances and his compositions.

Gallery

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 and Son