Your Portal to Jewish Activities in Central New York

This talk explores the history of Jewish life in Auburn and Cayuga County, tracing the story of Congregation B’nai Israel from its beginnings in the late 19th century to its closure in 2013. Drawing on archival research, personal narratives, and community records, This conversation will highlight the contributions of Jewish residents to Auburn’s civic, cultural, and economic life, including key figures such as George Michaels, a former member of New York State Assembly, and Maurice Schwartz, a former mayor of Auburn. We’ll also examine the challenges faced by small Jewish communities in upstate New York, the role of interfaith collaboration, and how B’nai Israel’s legacy continues through charitable initiatives, Holocaust remembrance efforts, and local historical preservation. This presentation invites reflection on the broader story of small-town Jewish life in America and the enduring impact of communities that may no longer exist physically but remain vital parts of our shared history. Austin Reid is a writer and historian whose work focuses on documenting hidden Jewish histories and legacies, with a particular interest in small-town Jewish communities in the United States and beyond. His research has been featured in The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Post-Standard, and he has presented […]

People are living longer and longer, which means more people are or will be in the place of taking care of a parent, spouse or other relative as they age. While caring for a loved one is often fulfilling, it can also be an overwhelming task that puts strain on the caretakers and creates a maze of family dynamics as everyone’s roles shift. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Recognizing the ups and downs of caregiving, the JCC has put together a 5-week lecture series in which you will learn about resources you and your givee may be eligible for, how to handle the hard moments and the ways to find fulfillment in this role. Whether you have just begun your caregiving journey or are years in, you are invited to join us to the below presentations. Each presentation will be followed by an audience Q&A as well as time for attendees to ask one-on-one questions to the speakers and mingle with each other. Visit jccsyr.org/cp to see the full list of topics and speakers.

Join Next Gen CNY for a night of trivia at PressRoom Pub! Bring yourself, a friend or a colleague!