Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation

04/16/2026

Listen to this fantastic interview of Dr. William Gingold, the heart of Musical Magic Live: A Medley of Music from Around the World. You can hear about Dr. Gingolds work sharing his families story of survival during the Holocaust, and about the event this Sunday! You can find more information and tickets at www.cujf.org/musicalmagiclive
Thank you to Mark Burns and Primelife Times for their support and outreach of this event!

04/14/2026

We are grateful to our incredibly generous sponsors of Holocaust and tolerance education through Musical Magic Live! In a world where division can feel like the "new normal," education is the most powerful tool we have to build bridges. This fund isn't about just teaching history; it's about teaching empathy, critical thinking, and the courage to stand up against hate. Together, we’re building a brighter, more inclusive future.

💎Diamond Sponsors💎 Christian Friends of the Holocaust Education Center.
💛Gold Sponsors💛The Libman Company, The Meisinger Family, Robert Shapiro, Illinois Cancercare P.C., and the C-U Elks Lodge.
🤍 Silver Sponsors 🤍 Darrold A Kennedy and Kosher Everyday.

Thank you to our sponsors for ensuring that the lessons of history pave the way for a more compassionate future.

With just 5 days until the main event, make sure to reserve your spot at www.cujf.org/musicalmagiclive !

Musical Magic Live: A Medley of Music from Around the World is an unforgettable fundraising event that will transport you through the captivating sounds of Jewish music, performed by several extraordinary musicians: Afro D & Global Soundwaves, Cameron Cornell, Mariachi Libertad, Papashoy Klezmer Tri...

04/07/2026

In just two weeks, the stage at the Elks Lodge will transform into the Second Annual Musical Magic Live! This isn't just a concert; it’s an immersive journey that weaves together the world’s most powerful melodies with the stories of human resilience that shaped our history.

Join us for an unforgettable fundraising event that will transport you with captivating music performed by several extraordinary musicians: Afro D & Global Soundwaves, Cameron Cornell, Mariachi Libertad, Papashoy Klezmer Trio, and Tamra Gingold with the Urbana High School Chamber Orchestra.

Beyond the music, attendees will experience "The Righteous Among the Nations," a traveling exhibit from Yad Vashem that honors non-Jewish individuals who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.

Your ticket does more than secure a seat—it builds a future. 100% of ticket sales and donations go directly to the Lilly and David Gingold Holocaust and Tolerance Education Outreach Fund. Join us to ensure the lessons of history reach students across Central Illinois, fostering a world of empathy and understanding.

You can find tickets and more info at www.cujf.org/musicalmagiclive

03/13/2026

Following the attack yesterday on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, MI, the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation reaffirms its dedication to the security of our Jewish community. Attacks like this show the escalation of violent antisemitism, and we remain vigilant to ensure that all members of our community feel safe and welcome at Jewish centers and events.
We are sharing a statement from the Jewish Federations of North America regarding the attack below.

02/28/2026

Jewish Federations of North America pray for the success of the joint United States and Israeli actions in Iran and the safety of the brave fighters of the United States Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces carrying them out. We are closely monitoring events on the ground and communicating with our colleagues and partners in Israel.

Jewish Federations of North America President and CEO Eric D. Fingerhut said:
"All security protocols in North America should be fully observed. May this moment bring a renewed understanding of our shared responsibility for the future of the Jewish people and the free world."

https://www.jewishfederations.org/blog/all/statement-on-joint-us-israeli-actions-in-iran-512179

01/28/2026

Dear Friends,

We write with deep sadness about the unrest and loss of life that has occurred in the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. We are sharing with you the statement from the Minneapolis Jewish Federation. We think that the words of those who are most directly affected by these events and who are ultimately responsible for the well-being of their communities are the most powerful testament to what is on the hearts and minds of those who live there. We thank the Federation leaders for their critical work and devotion to our mission of serving the Jewish community in times of strength and times of challenge.

As Jewish organizations and synagogues in Minnesota, we are deeply concerned by the current volatile situation throughout the Twin Cities and Minnesota. Our community members and staff live and work in every corner of society. There are too many stories of lives upended by what the government itself refers to as the ICE surge:

• There are members of the Jewish community who are immigrants themselves, have family members who are immigrants, or could be reasonably perceived to be immigrants. Many of these people are scared to leave their homes out of fear of being arrested and deported.
• Jewish seniors are not having their basic needs met because their caregivers are too afraid to come to work.
• Those providing food or making care visits are worried that their efforts will lead ICE toward the people they are trying to help.

Rooted in our Jewish values, we affirm our commitment to supporting and protecting all those who are desperate to feel safe in the state we love. Additionally, we affirm our commitment to the rule of law, the lawful implementation of statutes, and the thousands of law enforcement officers charged with keeping us safe, whose efforts we deeply appreciate.

There are many ways to give your time, resources, and voice to support those in need and protect our democracy. On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we urge you to find a way to contribute at this difficult time. And if you or someone you love is struggling or scared, please reach out to us so we can support you and your family at this time.

Adath Jeshurun Congregation
Bet Shalom Congregation
Beth El Synagogue
Beth Jacob Congregation
Darchei Noam
Jewish Community Action
JCRC of Minnesota and the Dakotas
JFCS of Minnesota
Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest
Minneapolis Jewish Federation
Minnesota Cantors Association
Minnesota Hillel
Minnesota JCC
Minnesota Rabbinical Association
Mount Zion Temple
NCJW Minnesota
Sharei Chesed Congregation
Shir Tikvah Synagogue
Sholom Community Alliance
St. Paul Jewish Federation
Smith Jewish Academy
TC Jewfolk
Temple Israel
Temple of Aaron
Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community

01/26/2026

For the first time in 12 years, there are no Israeli hostages being held in Gaza.

Today, the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation and Jewish Federations of North America send our love and deepest condolences to the family of Police St. Sgt. Ran Gvili — one of the first taken hostage by Hamas on October 7th, 843 days ago, and the last to be recovered. He died protecting his country and saving lives. His willingness to fight for his community and sacrifice on behalf of the Jewish people are the very definition of heroism.

Jewish Federations also express profound gratitude to the IDF and to all those who persevered in bringing home each of the 251 hostages, as well as to the leadership in both Israel and the United States who were involved in these efforts. Because of their work, there are no longer any Israeli hostages being held in Gaza for the first time since 2014.

The return of Ran Gvili closes one of the most painful chapters in Jewish history in our lifetime — even as we continue to mourn, remember, and honor all those who were lost.

01/07/2026

From January 11th - 29th, 2026 at the EIU Booth Library, the CUJF Holocaust Education Center will be hosting a traveling Holocaust exhibit, the Auschwitz Experience in the Art of Prisoners.

The exhibit, created by the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland, features artwork by 12 Holocaust survivors who documented their experiences in the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, the largest German Concentration and extermination camp during WWII. Visitors will be able to see these profound pieces of art, which include 60 paintings and drawings displayed thematically on 24-panels.

This exhibit is an excellent way to engage your students outside of the classroom! During the exhibits stay, our educators are available for guided class tours, class-tailored extra credit projects, or to train students to help serve as volunteer docents.

For more info and to schedule class tours or to volunteer as a docent, visit www.cujf.org/hec-exhibits or email [email protected]

01/06/2026

Are you the parent or teacher of a creative child in 5th-12th grade? Are you an educator who teaches about the Holocaust? You and your student/child could each win $100!

The CUJF Holocaust Education Center is holding the Through Their Eyes: Holocaust Arts and Writing Contest for the third year in a row - this time with an exciting update: Best in Show winners in each of the 5 categories will be awarded $100 along with their sponsoring teacher or guardian!

The five categories featured in the contest include poetry, prose, art, film, and music. This is a unique opportunity for students in public, private, and home schools to submit original, creative pieces about Holocaust survivors, victims, resisters, rescuers, and liberators.

The HEC is holding an informational webinar on Monday, January 26th at 7pm CST to help teachers, parents, and students prepare for the contest.
Click this link to register: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/N64VNaJ3SHWb9UGKjR2uUg

This contest is a wonderful way to encourage children to delve into Holocaust Education and make the Illinois state-mandated topic become more meaningful through personal creative expression. Contest entries are due on March 16th, 2026!

For more information, contest rubrics, and to submit an entry, visit www.cujf.org/hec/tte. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 217-367-9872.

10/28/2025

This past week, the international traveling Holocaust exhibit Courage to Remember has welcomed over 400 individuals to view the thought provoking panels or participate in one of the many events taking place throughout the exhibits' stay at Marketplace Shopping Center

The exhibit is also getting local media attention - click the links to check out features from WCIA and the Daily Illini!
WCIA 3 News: https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-county/this-is-like-a-museum-that-came-to-you-holocaust-exhibit-debuts-in-champaign/
Daily Illini: https://dailyillini.com/news-stories/champaign-urbana/2025/10/24/holocaust-exhibit-champaign/

If you have not had a chance to stop by the exhibit, you can find it inside the mall near the center court. Click the button below for more information about the exhibit and upcoming events - musicians from Papashoy Klezmer Band will be playing TONIGHT!

For more information about the exhibit, visit www.cujf.org/ctr