The Butterfly Project

May 2024

As a means of bettering our greater Charlotte Jewish community, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte allocates donation funds to local Jewish organizations who embody Jewish values and overall better our community. In recognition of their work, we at Federation wish to bring attention to these organizations and the good that they do.

In our greater Charlotte Jewish community, there exists a profound commitment to Jewish values through education and Jewish identity. The Butterfly Project, born out of the need to educate and commemorate the Holocaust, embodies these values through their innovative and sensitive approach to teaching one of the darkest moments in Jewish history. Participants are given a ceramic butterfly to paint, each one representing a child who passed away during the Holocaust. The vivid colors and patterns that adorn the butterfly represent the enduring spirit of each victim and the resilience of the Jewish people as a whole. Founded in 2006 at the San Diego Jewish Academy, this initiative is not just about painting ceramic butterflies; it’s a transformative journey that fosters empathy and understanding among participants of all ages. Today, The Butterfly Project’s impact extends far beyond its origins, inspiring communities like ours to take part in their mission, engage in meaningful dialogue, and act against injustice. The greater Charlotte Jewish community committed to joining The Butterfly Project in 2008, having since created well over 50,000 painted ceramic butterflies in community workshops, several of which adorn the beautiful memorial sculpture in the Butterfly Gar den outside the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library.

The Butterfly Project has be come a cornerstone of our com munity’s Holocaust education efforts, providing a tangible and deeply meaningful way to connect with an important piece of our history. As participants come together to paint these delicate symbols, they not only honor the memory of the victims but also reaffirm our collective commitment to combating hatred and bigotry in all its forms. Through the act of creating these butterflies, we strengthen the bonds of empathy and understanding that unite us as a community, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to resonate with future generations.