The estimated 200,000 Jewish people living in Ukraine have been affected profoundly by the political and economic instability that has wracked the country.
Thousands are trapped in conflict zones in the east. Thousands more have fled the fighting.
You can help by donating to Jewish Federations of North America. JFNA has established a donation mailbox for contributions to help the Jewish people in the Ukraine.
The donations will be used for:
- Securing the local community and its institutions
- Maintaining critical welfare services
- Assisting internally displaced people in multiple locations
- Launching an emergency hotline
- Securing temporary housing for people in transit
- Purchasing satellite phones to maintain communications across the region
- Securing five Jewish schools and training staff to manage crisis needs
Thank you for supporting the Jews of the Ukraine!
News, Events, & Announcements
Meet the New CUJF Executive Director — Ma'ayan Weinberg
Q&A with the new CUJF executive director. Spend an evening with Ma'ayan learning about her background, growing up in the CU Jewish community, and vision for the future of CUJF. Bring your questions and share your hopes for how we will grow and evolve as a community.
CUJF 2022 Silver Seal
Israeli Dancing
Join us for some fun Israeli dancing on June 26, 7:30-9:00 pm at Sinai's outdoor patio. Everyone is welcome! No experience necessary. RSVP to help us plan.
Cemetery Presevation Workshop
Sinai Temple Cemetery Committee is sponsoring a hands-on workshop at the Jewish Sections at Mt. Hope Cemetery on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The half day workshop will take place from 9:00 am to noon and will include monument restoration, safe cleaning practices, and repairing and resetting grave markers.
The workshop will be led by Mr. John Heider, an experienced educator who regularly teaches and leads workshops on cemetery restoration. There is a limit of 12 participants, and while there is no fee for the workshop, a $25 donation to the Sinai Temple – Cemetery Obliged Fund is suggested to help cover expenses.
See the workshop description here.
For information and registration please get in touch with Cemetery Committee chair Alice Berkson at berksonalice@gmail.com or Committee member Rob Silverman at robsilverman9@gmail.com.
Through Their Eyes: A Student Exhibit on the Holocaust
Establishment of the Central Illinois Jewish Communities Archives/Mervis Archives at The University of Illinois
Do you know a Jewish child in Champaign-Urbana that would love to get Jewish-themed storybooks? Tell their family about CUJF’s PJ Library program!
Interview with CUJF Executive Director Linda Bauer
Jewish Life and Learning
CUJF engages our dynamic and diverse community with educational resources and community events to appeal to different interests, backgrounds, and ages throughout the life span.
Support for Our Most Vulnerable
As Jews, we have a responsibility to care for the needy in our community, as well as to support our members during their most vulnerable times. CUJF is there with information, referrals, and financial assistance when needed.
Community Giving
Together, we are stronger. CUJF serves as a central mechanism for raising and allocating funds to local organizations as well as supporting Jewish organizations and initiatives in Israel and throughout the world.
COVID-19: Let Us Know How We Can Help
In these difficult times, CUJF continues to fulfill its mission to Aid, Educate and Celebrate our Jewish culture and community. CUJF's Human Services function is more important than ever. We have been making calls to our seniors and volunteers are picking up grocery orders for those who are unable to go out. If you or someone you know could use a friendly phone call or a delivery of needed items, please email us at cujf@cujf.org or call our office at (217) 367-9872 and leave a message. We are checking email and voicemail regularly.
We've reached out to the kids in our community with an online PJ Library storytime in conjunction with Sinai Temple. CUJF plans to offer more virtual programs, plus continue to provide information about resources from the other Jewish organizations in our community. We are also raising funds in order to assist members of our Jewish Community who may be affected by work closures, unexpected medical bills, and other emergencies. You can support these efforts! Click on “Donate” at the top of the page and type "virus" in the “Earmarks” section.
Together, we'll do a world of good!
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Get news of interest and information about events and resources throughout the CU Jewish community!
CUJF Publication Deadline
The deadline for CUJF’s weekly email blast is Wednesdays at 3:00 pm for publication on Fridays at noon. Tell us about your services, your events, and your good news!
