Events

Violins of Hope gives voice to Holocaust-era instruments whose music once sustained lives under unimaginable oppression, now restored to bear witness through sound and story. This legacy resonates deeply with African American traditions that have long used music to survive, remember, and assert humanity in the face of injustice. Though these histories are distinct, they are bound by a shared understanding of music as testimony—truth carried when words are not enough. At Walker West, this gathering calls our community to listen, reflect, and honor music’s power to preserve dignity across generations. Special Guests: Avshi Weinstein, Violins of Hope Co-Founder Ernest Bisong, Artistic Director – Walker West COST: FREE No registration required.

Adult Bingo at the J! Join us for an afternoon of prizes and fun. Everyone is welcome to attend. We hope to see you there! Pay in person via check or credit card. Questions? Contact Irit at iritv@minnesotajcc.org.

On November 17, 1983, Elie Wiesel began his Westminster Town Hall Forum speech “Why Hate?” on memory and the Holocaust by saying, “The best thing one can do at noon on a Thursday is to tell stories.” Now, more than 42 years later, we gather anew to consider the power of stories and the role of music and memory by welcoming Violins of Hope, presented by the Minnesota JCC. Violins of Hope is a powerful collection of over 70 restored string instruments played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust. These extraordinary violins will be featured in May – June 2026 in local performances, exhibitions, and educational programs that honor the memory of the Holocaust and carry a message of hope, resilience, resistance, and unity. Our Forum will feature some of these instruments and will weave together their stories with music played on them, as we consider the role of story and storytelling in defending human rights and human dignity. With Special Guests: Rabbi Marcia A. Zimmerman of Temple Israel, Avshi Weinstein of Violins of Hope, and Rev. Dr. Jessica Patchett of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Doors: 11 AM Music: 11:30 AM Forum: 12 PM A free public reception will immediately follow the program. COST: FREE No registration required.

Celebrate Yom Yerushalayim with a special Shabbat service featuring instruments from the internationally acclaimed Violins of Hope collection — 70 restored string instruments played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust. This moving evening weaves together prayer, music, and memory, honoring those who came before us while affirming our enduring connection to Jerusalem and the Jewish people. Free and open to the community; donations gratefully accepted. FREE (donations accepted)

This powerful program features violins once played by Holocaust survivors, each instrument carrying a story of resilience, loss and hope. Through music inspired by Jewish traditions, the concert honors memory while lifting the spirit. The program includes stirring string solos and a performance of Shostakovich’s Quartet, featuring SPCO’s principal string players. It’s a deeply moving experience that brings together beauty, reverence, and the enduring fortitude of human expression — an unforgettable tribute to the past and a celebration of strength. The instruments of Violins of Hope will be on display for the program. COST: $16 – $70

This powerful program features violins once played by Holocaust survivors, each instrument carrying a story of resilience, loss and hope. Through music inspired by Jewish traditions, the concert honors memory while lifting the spirit. The program includes stirring string solos and a performance of Shostakovich’s Quartet, featuring SPCO’s principal string players. It’s a deeply moving experience that brings together beauty, reverence, and the enduring fortitude of human expression — an unforgettable tribute to the past and a celebration of strength. The instruments of Violins of Hope will be on display for the program. COST: $16 – $70