From September 10-13, 2017, the Iowa Jewish Historical Society had the distinct honor of presenting a series of programs featuring Celina Karp Biniaz, one of the last survivors from Schindler’s List—and the only one to graduate from an Iowa high school and college. Celina captivated students and the general public alike with her story of surviving the Holocaust and her message of hope and forgiveness. Hear Celina’s presentations.
Events and Programs
As part of our mission, the Iowa Jewish Historical Society (IJHS) builds community understanding of Jewish history and culture through educational programming. Check back often to find upcoming events and programs for children, school groups and adults!
“With the museum staff’s help, our students were comfortable in asking questions and finding an empathy they might not have had before going to the museum. We are grateful for the generous welcome to the Iowa Jewish Historical Society each year and for having the opportunity to visit!”
— Colleen Tendall, Van Meter High School
There are no events currently scheduled. Check back soon to join us for a future program.
From April 3-6, 2017, the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines hosted three Israeli educators who shared their personal stories and innovative approaches to education with educators and general audiences at a luncheon sponsored by the Iowa Jewish Historical Society.
With the publication of our cookbook in 2015, Beyond Matzo Balls: Celebrating 100 Years of Jewish Cooking, we launched the Food in Jewish Life exhibit and held a sold-out event, A Taste of Jewish Cooking. The evening featured recipes from the book and preceded a Windsor Heights “Music in the Park” concert by the Java Jews playing Klezmer music.
On April 1, 2009, the “Memories and Melodies of Auschwitz” event at Tifereth Israel Synagogue featured Celina Karp Biniaz, one of the last living survivors from Schindler’s List, and Alex Biniaz-Harris and Ambrose Soehn, pianists and composers of Melodies of Auschwitz.
On September 15 and 16, 2019, the IJHS hosted public events with Michael Bornstein and his daughter Debbie Bornstein Holinstat, authors of the New York Times bestseller Survivors Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz. Michael Bornstein is one of the youngest survivors of the Auschwitz death camp, having been hidden for seven months before being carried out in his grandmother’s arms. In sharing Michael’s story, the presentations connected Iowans to local, national, and international events that still shape our future and help ensure that the personal stories of the Holocaust continue to be heard.
Become an Event Sponsor
The Iowa Jewish Historical Society is deeply grateful to our sponsors who make our events possible, often at no cost to the public or local schools. Explore our sponsorship categories and contact Sandi at 515-987-0899 ext. 216 if you’d like to support our programming.
A $5,000 Platinum sponsorship includes:
- Special recognition in all donor recognition materials—programs, signs, IJHS webpage, etc.—as a Platinum Sponsor, including in The Jewish Press and the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines’ annual report.
- Special recognition at the sponsored event
- Group tickets to the sponsored event
A $2,500 Gold sponsorship includes:
- Special recognition in all donor recognition materials—programs, signs, IJHS webpage, etc.—as a Gold Sponsor, including in The Jewish Press and the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines’ annual report.
- Special recognition at the sponsored event
- Group tickets to the sponsored event
A $1,000 Silver sponsorship includes:
- Special recognition in all donor recognition materials—programs, signs, IJHS webpage, etc.—as a Silver Sponsor, including in The Jewish Press and the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines’ annual report.
- Special recognition at the sponsored event
- Group tickets to the sponsored event
With a $250 commitment, Benefactors receive:
- Reserved seating at the sponsored event
- Recognition as a donor
With a $100 contribution, Patrons receive:
- Reserved seating at the sponsored event
- Recognition as a donor