Chabad History in Buffalo spans over 130 years, beginning with the founding of Anshe Lubavitz in 1880s and continuing through today’s Chabad Center for Jewish Life under Rabbi Mendy and Chaya Mushka Labkowski. Throughout its history, Chabad-Lubavitch has been a cornerstone of Jewish education, youth programs, and community outreach, ensuring that Jewish life in Buffalo thrives while remaining rooted in tradition.
Anshe Lubavitz: The Beginnings of Chabad History in Buffalo
Founded in the 1880s and incorporated in 1890, Anshe Lubavitz marked the first organized Chabad-Lubavitch presence in Buffalo, NY. As a Chasidic synagogue, it embodied the ideals of spiritual devotion, strong community bonds, and dedication to Torah and Chasidic teachings, laying the foundation for Chabad’s continued impact in Western New York.
1943: Building Jewish Education in Buffalo
In 1943, Rabbi Yehuda Tzvi (Hershel) Fogelman was sent to Buffalo by the Rebbe to establish Jewish education in Buffalo. He founded the Achei Tmimim school, which grew rapidly, serving 200 students within two years. Rabbi Fogelman emphasized Torah learning and community engagement, visiting families door-to-door and supporting their spiritual and educational needs. His work established the framework for Chabad’s enduring presence in the city.
1946: Continuing Education and Community Leadership
In 1946, Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid and Devorah Groner was sent to Buffalo by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Chabad Rebbe, to continue strengthening Jewish education and community programs. Under their leadership, the school and community activities provided structured Torah learning for children and adults, revitalizing Hasidic life in Buffalo. Rabbi Groner also established a mikvah on Kenmore Avenue and mentored future Jewish leaders, laying the groundwork for sustained Chabad growth in Western New York.
1971: The Modern Chabad on Campus
Rabbi Nosson Gurary and his wife Miriam established the Chabad House of Buffalo in 1971, one of the first campus-style Chabad centers in the United States. Initially located at 3292 Main Street, it later moved near the University at Buffalo campus. The Chabad House focused on outreach to university students, offering Torah classes, Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, and personal spiritual guidance. It became a welcoming home for students and young adults exploring Judaism.
During this era, a broader Chabad community in Buffalo emerged. The Bais HaKnesset HaGadol–Lubavitch (Chabad Knesset Center) at 500 Starin Avenue became a hub for daily minyanim, holiday services, and gatherings for local Chabad families.
1995: Expanding Community-Focused Chabad in Buffalo
In 1995, Rabbi Laizer and Chani Labkovski moved to Buffalo to expand Chabad’s presence beyond the university campus. They founded the city’s first community-focused Chabad House, offering adult Jewish education through JLI courses, youth programs like CTeen, holiday celebrations, a welcoming synagogue, and a daycare center serving families year-round.
The Labkovskis also launched Buffalo’s first Hebrew School, providing engaging, values-based Jewish education for children from all backgrounds. Recognizing broader community needs, they established Kosher Meals on Wheels, delivering kosher meals and companionship to seniors and homebound individuals. Through these initiatives, Chabad in Buffalo grew into a vibrant, inclusive Jewish community rooted in Torah, chesed, and the Rebbe’s vision.
2021: The Chabad Center for Jewish Life under Rabbi Mendy & Chaya Mushka Labkowski
The Chabad Center for Jewish Life of Buffalo was established in 2021, co-directed by Rabbi Mendy and Chaya Mushka Labkowski, representing the next stage in Chabad’s 130-year legacy in Western New York.
The Center serves as a hub for Jewish engagement, education, and outreach, reaching individuals and families across Elmwood Village, Bryant, Allentown, Downtown, and North Buffalo. Rabbi Mendy Labkowski also founded Chabad Young Professionals (CYP) of Buffalo, a community for Jewish adults in their 20s and 30s to connect, learn, and engage with Jewish life.
Guided by the Rebbe’s vision of Ahavat Yisrael — unconditional love for every Jew — the Center offers Torah study, Shabbat and holiday experiences, youth programs, community service, and spiritual guidance, while also supporting material and emotional needs. Through these initiatives, Chabad-Lubavitch in Buffalo honors its rich past while embracing the opportunities of the 21st century, ensuring its light continues to illuminate Buffalo for generations to come.
Chabad FAQ
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What is Chabad Buffalo?
Chabad-Lubavitch in Buffalo is a center for Jewish outreach, education, and community programs. It has been serving the Buffalo area for over 130 years, providing Torah classes, youth programs, holiday celebrations, and spiritual guidance under the leadership of Rabbi Mendy and Chaya Mushka Labkowski.
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Where is the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Buffalo located?
The Chabad Center for Jewish Life is located in Elmwood Village, Buffalo, NY. It serves individuals and families across Elmwood Village, Bryant, Allentown, Downtown, and North Buffalo, offering a range of Jewish programs and community services.
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What programs does Chabad Buffalo offer for teens?
Chabad Buffalo runs CTeen, a youth program for Jewish teens, as well as Hebrew school classes. These programs focus on Torah education, leadership development, and creating a welcoming environment for Jewish teens to engage with their heritage.
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Does Chabad Buffalo offer adult education?
Yes, the Center offers adult Jewish education, including JLI courses, Torah study sessions, and classes on Jewish holidays and traditions. These programs are open to all adults looking to deepen their knowledge and connection to Judaism.
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Does Chabad Buffalo provide community services?
Yes, Chabad Buffalo is committed to outreach and community support. This includes Kosher Meals on Wheels, holiday programs, family services, and spiritual guidance to meet the needs of individuals and families in the Buffalo Jewish community.
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What is the history of Chabad in Buffalo?
Chabad has been active in Buffalo for over 130 years. It began with Anshe Lubavitz in 1880, continued through campus-era programs led by Rabbi Nosson and Miriam Gurary, community expansion by Rabbi Laizer and Chani Labkowski, and today thrives at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life under Rabbi Mendy and Chaya Mushka Labkowski. The organization has consistently focused on Jewish education, community, and outreach throughout its history.