Exciting News: JArts is joining The Vilna!
We’re thrilled to announce that on February 1, 2025, The Vilna Shul, Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture (The Vilna), and the Jewish Arts Collaborative (JArts™) officially joined together to elevate and expand access to Jewish culture and community across Greater Boston.
The Vilna and JArts have long been collaborators, curating cultural events and art installations that highlight the diversity of the Jewish experience. In these socially and politically fraught times, this work is more necessary than ever. JArts will now be integrated into The Vilna, establishing the central hub for Jewish culture, learning, and connection through our diverse and complementary offerings.
As the only remaining immigrant-era synagogue building in the City of Boston, The Vilna is both a historic landmark and an urban cultural center—an inspiring setting for concerts, film screenings, theater performances, culinary events, art shows, historic tours and more. JArts has built a reputation for bringing Jewish culture into the public arena, curating dynamic arts-based programs in parks, government buildings, museums, public schools, and Jewish institutions throughout Greater Boston and beyond.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for The Vilna to expand its reach and deepen its impact by thinking in bigger and bolder ways about how we inspire, engage and educate people of all backgrounds about Jewish culture,” said Dalit Horn, Executive Director of The Vilna.
As part of this exciting transition, Laura Mandel, formerly the Executive Director of JArts, has stepped into the role of Managing Director of Program Strategy and Impact at The Vilna.
“Jewish cultural institutions are essential outlets for translating Jewish tradition, history and heritage in ways that are relevant, compelling, and meaningful for today,” said Laura Mandel, who is a nationally recognized leader in the Jewish arts and culture space and serves as Board Chair for the Council of American Jewish Museums.
The broader Boston Jewish community has expressed enthusiasm for this integration. Rabbi Marc Baker, President and CEO of Combined Jewish Philanthropies, said, “The Vilna and JArts are vibrant treasures of our community, and their coming together marks an exciting step forward in nurturing Jewish culture holistically. This partnership strengthens our community and serves as a beacon of light and creativity.”
In the months ahead, we will share more updates and opportunities arising from this exciting collaboration.
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About The Vilna Shul & JArts
The Vilna Shul, Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture
Housed in a historic immigrant-era synagogue, The Vilna was transformed into a cultural center in 1995. Our mission is to spark excitement and curiosity about Jewish arts and culture and the American immigrant experience through vibrant, meaningful programs. The Vilna envisions a place where arts, culture, tradition, and ideas inspire personal connections, community engagement, and a more inclusive society. Originally founded in 1888 by Jewish immigrants from Vilnius, Lithuania, The Vilna Shul served as a congregation until 1985. Today, we welcome thousands of visitors annually for historic tours, arts and entertainment programs, and educational experiences.
The Jewish Arts Collaborative
Founded in 2014, JArts celebrates the richness of Jewish culture through innovative public programming in collaboration with civic and religious organizations. As a cornerstone of Boston’s cultural landscape, JArts reaches thousands of people each year through public art exhibits, holiday celebrations, and events at renowned secular cultural institutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are The Vilna and JArts joining forces?
This is an opportunity to think holistically about how we engage people of all backgrounds in Jewish cultural experiences both inside and outside of The Vilna’s historic synagogue building. By combining these approaches, we intend to elevate our programs, expand our reach and deepen our impact.
How does this affect future programs at The Vilna and JArts?
The core programs of both organizations will continue. Moving forward, JArts’ three signature events: Hanukkah at the MFA, the Be The Change Tzedakah inspired public art project and the Community Creative Fellowship powered by CJP will fold into The Vilna’s programming. Over time, we plan to strengthen existing programs and develop new opportunities.
How will the staff team change?
Dalit Ballen Horn will remain the Executive Director at The Vilna Shul and Laura Mandel, formerly the Executive Director at JArts, will become the Managing Director, Program Strategy and Impact at The Vilna Shul.
What is the new brand?
The current Vilna and JArts programming will continue, as will our websites and social media presence. Together we will develop the brand, and look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months.
For media inquiries, please contact us at info@vilnashul.org
