Klezmer Shabbaton & Concert
We had a full house of Klezmer fun and energy at TvO! Following an afternoon lecture and music session on Yiddish music and culture, the Strauss/Warschauer Duo and Pete Rushefsky and friends kept over 50 congregants and friends of TvO hopping. Deborah Strauss is an internationally acclaimed klezmer violinist who has been performing, recording, and teaching worldwide for more than 30 years. She is one-half of the Strauss/ Warschauer Duo with her husband, Cantor Jeff Warschauer, a long-time member of the Klezmer Conservatory Band. Pete Rushefsky is a leading performer, composer and researcher of the Jewish tsimbl (cimbalom or hammered dulcimer), lso part of the Klezmer Conservatory Band. Thanks to Martha Armstrong and to Rima Grunes for organizing the klezmer workshop and concert! [April 2026]
Community members and guests alike celebrated Passover at our community seder. Over 60 people engaged in the breaking of matzah, the telling of the Maggid and, of course, the sharing of a meal. Thanks to Michael and Noa for leading the Seder, to Peter & Anne for organizing, to Eric for so much help, and to all who brought food, seder plates, set up, served food, cleaned up, and participated! [April 2026]
Over 30 members and guests gathered for a fun-filled “No Kings Purim” celebration at TvO, with live music provided by “Lavine and the Flying Machine” featuring Jennie Lavine! [March 2026]
In February 2026, over twenty intrepid TvO congregants trekked out in the cold and wind (with over 20 on Zoom) to hear about Jewish journeys and talk about Jewish Identity. Thank you to panelists Lauren, Miranda, Lara, Faith and Michael for open, warm and heartfelt stories filled with humor and love, and to Jeff for facilitating.
In March 2026, Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein of Congregation Shir Shalom in Buffalo spoke about the dual affiliation (Reform and Reconstructionist) of that synagogue. Watch the recording of that program HERE.
Dedicated folks came from far and wide seeking community light on a dark and somewhat stormy night for our Hanukkah celebration. Thanks to Michael Margolin for leading us, to Dr. Lauren Monroe for a lively discussion on “What’s the Story with Hanukkah?” and to everyone who shared the light of their hanukkiah! [December 2025]
Over 120 congregants and community members came out to see a discussion with author Peter Beinhart, led by Judy Saul. Beinart’s fourth book, Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning, was the topic of a book discussion at TvO. As one participant wrote “A wonderful presentation by a brilliant, thoughtful and empathetic scholar. Thank you to all who made it possible and kudos to Judy Saul for her ability to move the discussion along with a wise and clear distillation of the many questions she must have received.” [November 2025] WATCH the recording HERE
A Conversation with Atalya Ben-Abba (September 15, 2025) WATCH HERE |
Thanks to Michael Margolin for helping to bring Leah Shoshana to our congregation for a night of magical music! Her songs filled our hearts with compassion, humor and spirit, resonating so well with our community. And thanks to Marne for adding her beautiful voice. [October 2025]
Thanks to everyone who contributed to our wonderful Rosh Hashanah services. Special appreciation to whoever kept the rain away! Over 30 people enjoyed our after-service picnic and Tashlich ceremony, led by Jeff B., Lauren K and Marne O. [September 2025]
Jewish Learning Experience (JLE) is off to a great start for the 25/26 year! we have a total of 35 students including 9 new students from 6 new families. We welcome back seven B’Mitzvah alumni who are with us this year as madrichol (teaching assistants). [September 2025]
Thanks to all who came to the TvO’s annual Shabbat in the Park. We shared food, song and good conversation on a beautiful summer evening at Stewart Park [August 2025]
About 20 families gathered at Stewart Park to enjoy an evening of games, songs and dinner for a summer family picnic. It was a great way for parents and children to get a sense of Tikkun v’Or community! [June 2025]
Thanks to everyone who helped make our Listen to Your Mother FUNdraiser a huge success. Over 80 people attended and we heard many funny, inspirational and poignant stories. Thanks to those who attended and to those who supported our silent auction, so we were able to help support Open Doors English!! [May 2025]
