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.

Saranac Synagogue, Star of David Entranceway

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.

Synagogues  /  Anshe Zedek

Anshe Zedek was originally founded as Ohev Zedek in 1925, otherwise known as the Hungarian Synagogue. Following a name change to Anshe Zedek, the congregation purchased 85 Saranac Avenue in 1931. In 1952 the shul changed its name to Congregation Ner Israel, and later merged with Temple Beth David.

Overview

Anshe Zedek was originally founded as Ohev Zedek (Lovers of Righteousness) in 1925, by Hungarian born Jews. The congregation met at 141 Crestwood Avenue which also housed the school they founded, and run by Hyman Weinstein. During the 1930s the school had 150 pupils attending its Sunday School and 80 students in its Hebrew School. In its new form of Anshe Zedek (People/ Men of Righteousness) it purchased 85 Saranac Avenue in 1931. This building was originally constructed as a Methodist Church in 1919, but was a Masonic Temple by 1930. Since 1931 it has functioned as a synagogue, Hebrew School and Talmudic Academy at various points of its history, sometimes simultaneously. It is currently the congregational home of the Saranac Shul also known as Congregation Achei Tmimim.​

Rabbi Chaim Davidovich, Anshe Zedek’s long time religious leader, arrived in Buffalo in 1927 from Hungary. He assumed the leadership of the synagogue in 1930, leading it until 1945, when he relocated with his family to Denver, Colorado for health reasons. During his time in Buffalo, Rabbi Davidovich also served as a Jewish chaplain at Attica State Prison, and as a chaplain at local hospitals. He was an active member of the orthodox Rabbinical Council during the 1930s. He and his wife Rose moved to Israel in 1968. Rabbi Davidovich was succeeded by Rabbi Chaim Weinstein who changed the name of the Congregation name to Ner Israel.

Locations

Saranc Shul Website

Saranc Shul History

Articles

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We are seeking internal and external photographs, documents, film, mementos and written recollections relating to Anshe Zedek and its community for digitization. If you have materials you’d like to make available for this purpose, please contact us. 

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