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.

6-1-4-Arlen-Exhibition-Venues-JCC-Getzville-Photograph-by-Katie-Wzontek-June-2022

Harold Arlen Exhibition / Book the Exhibit

“An East Side Story: Harold Arlen’s Buffalo Roots” Traveling Exhibition

Request Form

Overview

Harold Arlen (1905-1986) was born in Buffalo, New York and composed some of the most memorable songs of the twentieth century including the Oscar winning song, “Over the Rainbow” for the movie, The Wizard of Oz. It was Arlen’s background as a vocalist, a performer, and an arranger that infused his music with a deeply individual and intimate sound. His performance-centered style drew on his Jewish roots and the music around him in Buffalo. An East Side Story: Harold Arlen’s Buffalo Roots, explores his early life on the East Side and its legacies that continue to resonate in our time. 

This exhibition draws on materials from the private collections of Sam A. Arlen and several Buffalo families with organizational and institutional materials from within Yale University, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, the Buffalo History Museum, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the University Archives, University at Buffalo, NY. 

EXHIBITION INFORMATION

Extent:

Eight pull up panels, each in its own base unit, pole and carrying case.

Dimensions:

86”H x 36”W

Materials:

Vinyl Panels. Aluminum Poles, Aluminum base.

Weight:

12 lbs. for each vinyl panel unit

Installation:

Local installation can be arranged directly through the Jewish Buffalo History Center.

Exhibition Costs

The loan of the exhibition is free within Greater Buffalo. Shipping and insurance fees are applicable for exhibition hosts outside of Greater Buffalo and are calculated at cost to the requesting organization site.

JBHC Request an Exhibit Form

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Gallery

Special Thanks

Sam A. Arlen, Lauren Becker, Alan and Ellen Bernstein, Richard Boursy, Jeff Clark, Colin Davidson, Hope Dunbar, Thembi Duncan, Walter Frisch, Rob Goldberg, Mark Goldman, Judi Mohn Griggs, Albert Haim, Greg Hennessey, Rhonda Hoffman, Jessica Hollister, Oscar Israelowitz, Carla Jablonski, Jill Komm, Nicole Kondziela, Steven Kosanovich, Noah Kotzin, Chuck LaChiusa, Greg Meadows, Jane Meditz, William Offhaus, Jennifer Patrick, George Scott, Kim Stacy, Matthew Steinberg, Lynne Steinhart, Lorne Steinhart, Cynthia Van Ness, Melissa Wertheimer, Jessica Wittman

Research and Text | Chana Revell Kotzin, PHD
Graphic Design | Telesco Creative Group