“Pulling It All Together”: Jewish Community Advocacy, Activism, & Fellowship in Central Illinois, 1959-1984

In the mid to late 1900s, many of central Illinois’s Jewish residents relied on the structure of identity-based organizations to participate in local, national, and international politics.

With the support of local B’nai B’rith lodges, Hadassah chapters, community chests, and federations, Jewish Illinoisans became advocates and activists for their ethnic and religious identities. Organizations like these helped their small-town members identify and support areas of humanitarian need, combat local and global antisemitism, and educate the non-Jewish world about Judaism and Zionism.

In addition to promoting political involvement, these organizations worked to cultivate a sense of community among their members. Jewish advocates and activists gathered in synagogues, temples, homes, and community centers across central Illinois for expressions of fellowship.

Two exhibit cases containing items on display in "Pulling It All Together." — “Pulling It All Together” exhibit cases in the Illinois History and Lincoln Collections reading room.

Advocacy & Activism

Starting in the mid-1800s, Jewish communities worked to establish organizations that supported their evolving ethnic and religious identities in the United States.

Most prominent among these were the International Order of B’nai B’rith and Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, which produced chapters at regional and local levels across the country. In central Illinois, community members also formed regional organizations, like the Central Illinois Council of B’nai B’rith and the Central Illinois Jewish Federation. Partnerships with other Jewish—and sometimes non-Jewish—organizations often played an essential role in the success of many of these small-town groups.

By the mid-1900s, these identity-based organizations had cemented themselves as trustworthy allies in the political and social lives of central Illinois’s Jewish community members.

Central Illinois Council Fall Meeting broadside (Galesburg), 1959

From MS 1109: Sybil Mervis Collection on Central Illinois Jewish Communities, Box 2

The Central Illinois Council of B’nai B’rith was founded circa 1950 to “help plan, coordinate, and correlate the programs of the lodges where such help is needed.”

B’nai B’rith (established 1843) had organized eleven fraternal lodges in central Illinois by that time, bringing together the Jewish communities of Champaign, Bloomington, Decatur, Peoria, and Galesburg, among others. This 1959 broadside advertises a fall Council meeting hosted by Galesburg’s Hart E. Bondi Lodge (established 1939).

B’nai B’rith donation letter (Danville), 1969

From MS 1112: Danville Jewish Community Chest Records, Box 2

B’nai B’rith was one of many Jewish organizations supported by the Danville Jewish Community Chest. A donation to B’nai B’rith supported the organization’s international work in human rights, disaster relief, and public policy, and demonstrated advocacy for the state of Israel. In 1913, B’nai B’rith established the Anti-Defamation League “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” With comments on social and political conditions in the United States and Middle East, this letter from the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith commends the Chest for its donation of $1000.

Danville Jewish Community Chest seal embosser and corporate seal, undated

From MS 1112: Danville Jewish Community Chest Records, Box 3

The Danville Jewish Community Chest was founded by Robert Platzer, Max Sperling, Jerry Fiman, Sol A. Fink, and Michael P. Brainin in 1969. This not-for-profit organization worked to raise funds for Jewish persons in need and provide local libraries and schools with educational materials on Jewish history and culture.

This corporate seal would have been used to mark official documents for the organization.

Hadassah pins, undated

From MS 1111: Danville Chapter of Hadassah Records, Box 7

Enamel rainbow pin colored in shades of blue, featuring the words "Bridge to the Future Hadassah." — Hadassah enamel pin, undated. MS 1111, Box 7, Mixed Materials, Box of Hadassah pins.

Hadassah brass pin necklace, undated. MS 1111, Box 7, Mixed Materials, Box of Hadassah pins.

These two Hadassah pins advertised the organization’s mission and created a sense of belonging among active members. The enamel pin, reading “Hadassah Bridge to the Future,” indicates Hadassah’s community building aspirations. The brass pin, shaped like Yad Ha’Chamesh (the hand of five) or a Hamsa, highlights the organization’s connection to Judaism through the symbol’s association with spiritual protection.

Illinois-Indiana Region of Hadassah newsletter, 1981

From, MS 1111: Danville Chapter of Hadassah Records, Box 6

The Illinois-Indiana Region of Hadassah was established circa 1952 to connect the members of community-based chapters across the two states. Inter-chapter meetings allowed Hadassah members across central Illinois to consult one another about their communities, discuss their values and accomplishments, and determine areas of action. This newsletter from September 1982 announces the agenda for a Board Meeting held in Merrillville, Indiana.

Central Illinois Jewish Federation “Fact Sheet” (Peoria), 1977

From MS 1109: Sybil Mervis Collection on Central Illinois Jewish Communities, Box 4

Much like the Central Illinois Council, the Central Illinois Jewish Federation (CIJF) worked to organize the activism and advocacy of federations in Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, Danville, Decatur, Galesburg, Peoria, and Springfield. Headquartered in Peoria, membership in the CIJF (established 1967) was open to all Jewish families in central Illinois regardless of community affiliation or financial obligation. This “fact sheet” includes information on the organization’s founding, objectives, and administration.

“CIJF/ADL Conference Meets in Springfield” newspaper article, 1981

From MS 1148: Central Illinois Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Journal, Box 1

Folded newspaper with text and black-and-white pictures. — “CIJFADL Conference Meets in Springfield” newspaper article, *Jewish Community Journal*, vol. 13 no. 4, June 1981. MS 1148, Box 1.

Through the publication of Jewish Community Journal (1968-1991), the Central Illinois Jewish Federation could provide the region with perspectives on local, national, and international events, political organizations and social issues, and Jewish identity. This issue from June 1981 reports on a conference concerning “Illinois and the Middle East,” sponsored by the CIJF and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of B’nai B’rith.

Fellowship: A Look at Danville

Jewish immigrants began arriving in Danville in the mid-1800s. By the post-WWII era, Danville’s Jewish community had grown to around ninety families, who supported the welfare of its temple, synagogue, and political organizations in the late 1900s. Events like banquets, dances, and outings helped strengthen communal bonds across denominations, both politically and socially.

Like many communities in central Illinois, Danville saw the considerable decline of its Jewish population by the early 2000s, Many, especially in the younger generations, moved to larger towns and cities for greater social and economic opportunities, while many in the older generations who remained in Danville have since passed away.

The materials on display here preserve the memory of the Jewish advocates and activists whose investment in their ethnic and religious identities promotes lasting fellowship among the small-town Jewish communities of central Illinois.

B’nai B’rith Night at the Races brochure, 1973

From MS 1109: Sybil Mervis Collection on Central Illinois Jewish Communities, Box 2

Entertainment often accompanied official business for Jewish organizations in central Illinois. This brochure presents a Night at the Races to members of the Harry A. Robbins Lodge (established 1904), hosted at Elks Country Club. On this occasion, the installation of officers was sandwiched between cocktails, dinner, and an exciting horse race featuring the Arx Brothers: Zippo, Eddo, Coopo, and Flippo.

B’nai B’rith Annual Dance Party invitation, circa 1960s

From MS 1109: Sybil Mervis Collection on Central Illinois Jewish Communities, Box 2

Held in community centers, dances were popular events for Jewish Illinoisans to organize and attend in the mid-1900s. Danville’s B’nai B’rith Lodge hosted an annual dance party for its members at the community’s American Legion Clubhouse. This “full evening of fun for all” included food, music by the Howard Sherron Orchestra, and a mystery feature attraction.

Central Illinois Jewish Federation luncheon invitation, 1984

From MS 1109: Sybil Mervis Collection on Central Illinois Jewish Communities, Box 4

Social events were also held at a regional scale, as seen in this luncheon invitation from the Central Illinois Jewish Federation to Martin Smith of Danville. Following a general meeting and a meal, CIJF members were invited to enjoy a backstage tour of the Krannert Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a production of Tom Stoppard’s “The Real Inspector Hound.”

Hadassah Taste and Tell Recipe Book, 1960

From MS 1111: Danville Chapter of Hadassah Records, Box 6

Cooking, baking, and sharing recipes are pastimes communities use to convey cultural identity and social belonging. This cookbook, created by the Danville Chapter of Hadassah in 1960, consists of recipes contributed by the chapter’s members. Sections include Appetizers, Meats, [Gelatin] Molds, Vegetables, Salads, Potatoes/Kugels, Breads, and Cakes/Pastry.

**Recipe for Noodle Kugel, a sweet casserole, by Rose Mekel (Mrs. Muni Mekel) in Hadassah Taste and Tell Recipe Book.**

From MS 1111: Danville Chapter of Hadassah Records, Box 6

Potatoes-kugels recipes by Mrs. (Rose) Muni Mekel, Mrs. Arlan Michaelson, and Mrs. Saul Smith in *Hadassah Taste and Tell Recipe Book*, 1960. MS 1111, Box 6, Mixed Materials.

Boil water, add salt, add 1 lb[.] thin noodles. Drain and blanche [sic] with cold water. Add 3 beaten eggs, medium can crushed pineapple, and 2 tbls. Crisco—mix well. Add salt, and 4 large apples ground. Preheat 9 x 12 greased pan. Pour in mixture. Bake 1/2 hour at 400°, 10-15 min. at 300°.

“Israel: Ethnic Fashion Show” invitation, 1982

From MS 1111: Danville Chapter of Hadassah Records, Box 6

The Danville Chapter of Hadassah demonstrated their advocacy for the state of Israel through events that highlighted connections between Jewish and Israeli heritage. This invitation advertises an “Ethnic Fashion Show,” which featured a collection of ceremonial costumes created by design students at Seligsberg-Brandeis High School in Jerusalem.

“Ethnic Fashion Show” photos, 1982

From MS 1111: Danville Chapter of Hadassah Records, Box 5

A woman wearing a elaborately patterned, colorful dress poses for a picture. Two woman wearing dresses stand behind her. — “Ethnic Fashion Show” photos, 1982. MS 1111, Box 5, Scrapbooks.

Six woman wearing dresses pose for a picture. — “Ethnic Fashion Show” photos, 1982. MS 1111, Box 5, Scrapbooks.

Israeli clothing modeled by members of the Danville Chapter of Hadassah. Pictured are Ann Yudin, Lorna Graff, Kathy Taisch, Elayne Smith, Lynn Wolgamot, and Marti Fogel.

Learn More

The items in this exhibit are part of the Central Illinois Jewish Communities Archives (CIJCA), a collecting initiative of the Illinois History and Lincoln Collections that preserves the contributions of once-thriving small Jewish communities across the center of Illinois. Currently available collections are listed in the Central Illinois Jewish Communities Archives in our Manuscript Collection Database.

Exhibit items come from the following CIJCA collections:

About this Exhibit

This exhibit, originally on display in the Illinois History and Lincoln Collections reading room from January to September 2023, was curated by Graduate Assistant Dana Miller. This digital exhibit was created by Graduate Assistant Lauren Reed in October 2023.