Presented by the Minnesota JCCViolins of Hope

Israeli violinmakers, Amnon (z”l) and Avshalom Weinstein, have spent the last 20 years collecting and repairing 70 Holocaust-era violins and other stringed instruments from around the world, some with the Star of David on the back and others with names and dates inscribed within the instrument. Together, they have lovingly located and restored the violins to reclaim their lost heritage, give voice to the victims, and reinforce essential messages of hope, harmony, and humanity.

Violins of Hope has been featured in books, print, film, and television. They have been used in lectures and educational programs worldwide, exhibited in museums, and triumphantly played in concert halls around the globe. Through performances, exhibitions, and educational series, the instruments have impacted and inspired hundreds of thousands of people of all ages.

Violins of Hope has traveled across the globe and has been featured in Rome, Tel Aviv, London, Washington D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and many other cities.

Explore the stories behind the 70 Holocaust-era violins and other stringed instruments that are part of the Violins of Hope exhibit. 

Coming Soon.

• Sunday, May 3 – Opening Reception hosted by RBC Wealth Management, Gallery Opening and JCC Symphony Performance at Minnesota JCC Sabes Center
• May 3 – June 30 – Exhibitions at the Minnesota JCC Capp and Sabes Centers
• Tuesday, May 5 – Temple Israel VOICES Concert Fundraiser with Itzhak Perlman, violin and Avshalom Weinstein
• May 8 – 31 – Exhibitions at Orchestra Hall
• Saturday, May 9 – B’nai Israel Synagogue, Rochester, Minnesota
• Saturday, May 9 – June 28 – Exhibition at the Museum of Russian Art
• Sunday, May 10 – Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies Philharmonic led by Mark Russell Smith
• Wednesday, May 13 – Walker West Music Academy Event at Walker West
• Thursday, May 14 – MPR’s Westminster Town Hall Forum
• Friday, May 15 – Sunday, May 17 – Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra at the Ordway Theater
• Friday, May 15 – Adath Jeshurun Congregation Yom Yerushalayim and Shabbat service
• Sunday, May 17 – Violins of Hope: Movement, Memory, and Music
• Wednesday, May 20 – JCC Symphony Concert with soloist Marc Levine, violin at Minnesota JCC Capp Center
• Thursday, May 21 – Film, Reception, and Artist Talk/Book Signing by Daniel Levin at Minnesota JCC Sabes Center
• Sunday, May 31 – Music and Memory: A Violins of Hope Family Experience
• Sunday, May 31 – Chamber music concert at Sundin Hall, Hamline University
• Sunday, June 7 – Chamber Music concert at The Museum of Russian Art
• Sunday, June 7 – Sunday, June 14 – Concert, Talks, and Exhibition at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral
• Thursday, June 11 – Mount Zion Temple
• Friday, June 12 – Bet Shalom Congregation
• Sunday, June 14 – Film screening at Minnesota JCC Capp Center
• Saturday, June 20 – Recital at Shir Tikvah
• Sunday, June 21 – Plymouth Congregational Church
• Monday, June 22 – Minnesota Sinfonia at Sholom Home West (Open Rehearsal) – Limited Space
• Monday, June 22 – Minnesota Sinfonia String Quartet at Bethel University
• Tuesday, June 23 – Wayzata Community Church
• Tuesday, June 23 – Panel and Talks at Augsburg University
• Tuesday, June 23 – Minnesota Sinfonia at Augsburg University
• Wednesday, June 24 – Minnesota Sinfonia at Plymouth Congregational Church
• Thursday, June 25 – Minnesota Sinfonia at Wayzata Community Church
• Friday, June 26 – Minnesota JCC Shabbat Lunch
• Friday, June 26 – Minnesota Sinfonia at First Covenant Church
• Sunday, June 28 – Minnesota Sinfonia at Bethel University
• Sunday, June 28 – Closing Reflections at Minnesota JCC
• Monday, June 29 – Minnesota Sinfonia at Sholom Home East – Limited Space
• Current as of 2/10/26 — Events still being confirmed; please check back for updates.