Have you gotten your Passport yet? Does it have stamps from your previous destinations imprinted on it? Well….. I am actually referring to your CSS “Jews of All Hues” passport! We have “visited” Morocco and Mexico thus far, enjoying engaging speakers, music and OMG, the delicious international gourmet foods we have tasted so far by Bloom and Rose Caterers, all within the comfort of the CSS sanctuary and social hall! On January 5th, we will “visit” Ukraine. Can’t wait!

Yes, you can still acquire a “Jews of All Hues” passport and we can still grandfather you in for your sticker or stamp from our previous destinations;) Once you receive a CSS passport, or if you have one already, don’t forget to bring it to all of our future “Jews of All Hues” Shabbat services. They all fall on the first Friday of each month - through June 2024. I can’t speak to the food selections/preparations or to the gist of our speakers’ presentations, however, I can speak to the music!

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that Ivan and Gregory Docenko will be on hand January 5th to take us on our journey to Ukraine, past and present. They are from Ukraine, very active in the Buffalo Ukrainian community, Buffalo’s Musicians’ community and great enthusiasts of Yiddish/Klezmer music. Friends, you have no idea how blessed we are to have these two superlative talents coming to CSS.

Here is a selection that is not specifically Ukrainian, however, it shows a sample of their synergy in all their brotherly glory.  If you’re out of time and thirsting for some fancy footwork, cruise to the 1:13 mark of the video.

I thank each and every one of you for supporting all of our creative programs here at CSS. Your participation and support helps to make these amazing programs a reality! This series, created by our Adult Education Committee, is made possible by a grant from our congregants, Michael and Joanne Berger.

B'shalom,

Cantor Arlene Frank