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Home / Projects / Arts Judaica is the only Chicago theater promoting Jewish history, culture and the arts

Arts Judaica is the only Chicago theater promoting Jewish history, culture and the arts

$100   raised
GOAL: $10,000

42 days to go

4

 Donors

Join our community of supporters and we can make a difference

GIVE NOW

The campaign organizer receives the funds directly. Please check campaign description or contact campaign organizer to learn if your donation is tax deductible.

Help Arts Judaica Keep Jewish Stories Alive on Stage

Arts Judaica is proud to be Chicago’s only live theater company solely dedicated to Jewish history, culture, and arts. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we use the transformative power of performance to preserve our past, reflect on the present, and build a more just and compassionate future.

At a time when antisemitism is on the rise and historical memory is fading, your support matters more than ever.

✡️ Who We Are

Arts Judaica is a vibrant cultural voice presenting original plays, adaptations, and musical performances rooted in Jewish identity. Through community engagement and education, we foster a deeper understanding of Jewish heritage and the universal values of resilience, remembrance, and resistance.

Our 2025 Season Features Two Urgent and Impactful Productions

SURVIVORS by Wendy Kout

This acclaimed play is based on the true stories of Holocaust survivors who were teens during the war. It is performed by a youth cast, designed to reach young audiences with emotional honesty and historical accuracy.
Thousands across North America have already experienced its transformative impact—help us bring it to Chicago schools, synagogues, and civic institutions.

“Teach the Holocaust. Never forget. Stand up to hatred.”

FEMALE, ASHKENAZI WITH A SEWING MACHINE by Jamie Greenblatt (photo below)

 

This powerful new play, premiering August 7–23, 2025 in Chicago, follows a young woman’s discovery that her ovarian cancer is linked to a BRCA gene mutation common in Ashkenazi Jews.
As she uncovers her identity, heritage, and strength, the play raises urgent awareness around Jewish genetic testing, health, and the ties that connect us.

“A story about identity, survival, and stitching together the pieces of the past.”

💙 Why We Need You

Your contribution directly supports:

Performance costs and venue rentals
Actor and artist stipends
School and community outreach
Educational materials and talkbacks
Jewish heritage programming year-round
Together, we can share stories that must be told—and must be heard.

Be Part of This Cultural Mission

Your donation—whether $18, $180, or more—helps ensure that Jewish voices continue to echo on stage, educating and inspiring future generations.

Every gift brings us closer to a stronger, prouder, more united Jewish cultural future.

Donate today. Preserve the past. Empower the future.

Grow with us.  Help us grow.

Join our community of supporters and we can make a difference

GIVE NOW

The campaign organizer receives the funds directly. Please check campaign description or contact campaign organizer to learn if your donation is tax deductible.

More Ways to Learn About this Cause

No new updates
2025-07-04
Anonymous donor
$18
2025-07-02
Avi Hoffman
$18
"We must support our ‘heymish’ local organizations."
2025-07-02
Wendy Kout
$54
"Please consider a donation to bring Jewish theater to Chicago."
2025-07-02
Anonymous donor
$10

This campaign deals with:

Arts, Books & Culture | Fight Anti-Semitism & BDS | Jewish Communities

Arts Judaica is the only Chicago theater promoting Jewish history, culture and the arts

$100   raised
GOAL: $10,000

42 days to go

4

 Donors

Campaign organizer profile img
Campaign by
Elayne LeTraunik - Artistic Director
IL, USA
CONTACT ORGANIZER

Meet Our Founder: Elayne LeTraunik Founder & Artistic Director, Arts Judaica Elayne LeTraunik is a Chicago-born theater artist, producer, and writer with a lifelong commitment to the performing arts and Jewish culture. With a degree in History and Theatre from the University of Illinois at Chicago and professional training from the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Elayne has spent decades shaping Chicago’s cultural landscape. Elayne has starred in acclaimed Chicago premieres including Nuts and Extremities, and performed in Beyond Therapy alongside Skipp Sudduth and Carmen Roman. She has also worked extensively in film and commercial productions and is proudly represented by Big Mouth Talent. Behind the scenes, Elayne is a dynamic producer and arts leader. Her credits include the Chicago premiere of A Dybbuk and a revival of Class Enemy, both earning praise for their bold storytelling and artistic vision. She founded and served as Artistic Director of both Red Hen Productions and the Chicago Jewish Theatre—groundbreaking platforms for Jewish-themed work. A skilled communicator and arts advocate, Elayne was a longtime columnist for Performink and the Chicago Sun-Times, as well as a contributor to Plays and Players Magazine in London. Her deep knowledge of Jewish identity, storytelling, and performance forms the foundation of her latest endeavor: Arts Judaica. As the Founder and Artistic Director of Arts Judaica, Elayne leads the only Chicago-based performance organization dedicated exclusively to Jewish history, arts, and culture. She also supports other small arts organizations as a grant writer, script reader, and consultant—bringing decades of experience and passion to every project she touches. Elayne is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and is represented exclusively by big Mouth Talent. Learn more at elayneletraunik.weebly.com

  • Ner Tamid (Eternal Light) Supporter
    2 claimed

    Symbolizes the eternal flame of Jewish culture and memory. Helps us print scripts, flyers, and educational materials. ✅ A thank-you email and social media shout-out.

  • Chai Times Three
    1 claimed

    Covers the cost for one student to attend a performance and post-show discussion. ✅ Previous perks + your name listed in our digital program.

  • Cultural Guardian
    0 claimed

    Supports a professional artist’s stipend or musical direction for one performance. ✅ All above + signed poster from one of our cast members.

  • Story Keeper
    0 claimed

    Funds classroom materials or a guest educator for a school outreach session. ✅ All above + recognition on our website and printed program.

  • Voice of Heritage Sponsor
    0 claimed

    Partly supports a community performance or public dialogue event. ✅ All above + invitation to a private cast meet-and-greet (virtual or in person).

  • Spotlight Patron
    0 claimed

    Partly covers critical production needs like costumes, set design, or venue rental. ✅ All above + 2 VIP tickets to a 2025 performance.

  • House Full of Light
    0 claimed

    Partly sponsors an entire school group’s access to one of our shows. ✅ All above + name/logo featured on our website for the season.

  • Legacy Circle Benefactor
    0 claimed

    Join our highest circle of supporters who make transformative impact possible. ✅ All above + personal recognition at a performance, special Legacy Circle gift, and lifetime acknowledgment in our programs.

  • Don't see the amount you want to donate? Every contribution helps!

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