We Like to Kvell
Our members are making a difference across Western New York and beyond. Here’s some of the good news we’re proud to share.
Latest · Community Service Award
Mark Kneitinger
Mark was honored, along with twenty-one other recipients, with the Network of Religious Communities’ Religious/Community Service Award. He was nominated by Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein for his active participation in CSS programs, his service on the NRC Board of Directors, and his warm, can-do spirit that transforms everyone he meets.
More to Kvell About
In the News
Josh Sloan & Jessica Cunningham
Talking with Buffalo Spree about Sloan’s Antiques, their third-generation family store.
Read the article →In the News
Rabbi Alex in the Times of Israel
Rabbi Alex’s column on Israeli Jewish-Arab inspiration for Buffalo.
Read the column →Award
Jo Freudenheim
Recipient of the American Society of Preventive Oncology’s Distinguished Achievement Award.
Read more at UB Now →
Award
Rachel Di Domizio
Named this year’s University at Buffalo Didaskalos Award recipient. Nominated by Hillel of Buffalo for her leadership of the Freedom to Assemble Support Team, Rachel upholds high moral and spiritual standards in her work as UB’s Associate Director of Community and Civic Engagement. The award, established by the Campus Ministry Association in 1981, honors those who make a lasting impact at UB.
Award · NRC 41st Annual Appreciation Dinner
Joe & Janeen Morris and Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein
Joe and Janeen were honored on the nomination of Congregation Shir Shalom, and Rabbi Alex on the nomination of the Buffalo Jewish Federation, among 39 people recognized for their devotion to their own communities and to Western New York.
Read more about the honorees
Joe Morris, a retired engineer, has spearheaded the environmental justice committee. He writes a monthly column in the synagogue newsletter, has organized several large Earth Day celebrations, and regularly lectures on the effects of climate change.
Janeen Morris, a retired librarian, is a frequent attendee at services and a participant in the weekly Talmud class. She is inquisitive, enthusiastic and generous to all things community.
Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein is more than a rabbi: he is a champion for justice, a voice of compassion, and a bridge between communities. Though long a guiding force within NRC, this was his first Appreciation Dinner honor, recognition long overdue for a tireless advocate, leader and unifier.
Mazel Tov
David & Diane Safir
Their son Jonathan, Director of Basketball Strategy and Analytics for the Florida Gators, celebrated his team’s SEC Tournament Championship!
Cover Story
Rabbi Alex & Family
Featured on the cover of Buffalo Healthy Living magazine.
See the issue →In the News
Sylvia Gold
Still a social worker, profiled in UB School of Social Work’s Mosaics magazine.
Read the profile →Honor
Craig Small
Honored by the Erie County Deputy County Executive for his lifesaving efforts at a concert.
See the post →New Role
Zack Steinberg
Hillel Director of Engagement.
Honor
Alexa Zappia
Inducted into the Williamsville South Wall of Fame.
In the News
Liz Mariani
‘Sopranos’ actor Michael Imperioli visits Liz’s Buffalo State poetry class.
Read the story →