Spertus Institute

08/31/2026

https://mailchi.mp/spertus/stackaugust31

Spertus Institute's latest news and upcoming opportunities to learn with us!

08/31/2026

Sign up through Thursday! https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/41dRzOwuTCmqu9sJT4u5KA

Level Up Your Leadership! Join the Spertus Virtual Open House.

Spertus Institute offers two part-time, hybrid MA tracks with curriculum designed to be immediately applicable for Jewish communal professionals: the Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies (EMAJPS) for director-level professionals and the MA in Jewish Professional Studies (MAJPS) for earlier-to-mid-career professionals. Generous scholarships are offered for every student!

Learn more about each program and how you can join the next cohort at our Fall Virtual Open House!

Thursday, September 3, 2026
12:30pm – 1:30pm CDT
Via Zoom
Register Now: https://www.spertus.edu/2026-fall-open-house/

08/28/2026

We are so proud of our wonderful colleague Sarah Balis, making an impact in her new Chicago Jewish community (and at Spertus!) already. Partnering with an awesome Spertus alum, Lauren Silverman, Senior City Director, Chicago, of Repair the World to do this type of service work, makes this story even sweeter! Read more here: https://werepair.org/stories/building-bridges-over-sandwiches-sarahs-first-interfaith-service-night-in-chicago/

08/26/2026

We are excited to share more exciting Spertus news with the appointment of our new Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Stephen Wolff! Read all about Stephen: spertus.edu/steve-wolff-named-chairman! We are grateful to Stephen for his ongoing dedication to Spertus, and thrilled for this next chapter of partnership, vision, and leadership. Mazel Tov!

Spertus News: spertus.edu/news

08/20/2026

Learn more about the MA and Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies! Register now: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/41dRzOwuTCmqu9sJT4u5KA

Level Up Your Leadership! Join the Spertus Virtual Open House.

Spertus Institute offers two part-time, hybrid MA tracks with curriculum designed to be immediately applicable for Jewish communal professionals: the Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies (EMAJPS) for director-level professionals and the MA in Jewish Professional Studies (MAJPS) for earlier-to-mid-career professionals. Generous scholarships are offered for every student!

Learn more about each program and how you can join the next cohort at our Fall Virtual Open House!

Thursday, September 3, 2026
12:30pm – 1:30pm CDT
Via Zoom
Register Now: https://www.spertus.edu/2026-fall-open-house/

08/17/2026

We are delighted to share exciting news!
Spertus Institute Names Rabbi Dr. Tali Zelkowicz as Inaugural Dean of Jewish Leadership!

This is an important new role at the Institution and will guide the expansion of our leadership and professional studies programs and its reach across the Jewish communal landscape.

Visit https://www.spertus.edu/welcome-tali-zelkowicz/ to learn more about Rabbi Dr. Tali Zelkowicz and her impressive bio https://www.spertus.edu/dr-rabbi-tali-zelkowicz/

Please join us in giving a warm Spertus welcome to Rabbi Dr. Tali Zelkowicz! Mazel Tov!

08/14/2026

Fall 2026 cohort of the Certificate in Jewish Leadership is open for applications through September 15th.

Are you a Jewish communal professional or lay leader ready to lead with purpose, clarity, and real impact?

Join the next online CJL Cohort from Spertus Institute and Northwestern University School of Professional Studies

⁠⁠What you will gain: ⁠
• Strategies to lead through change ⁠
• Tools for communication and conflict resolution ⁠
• Frameworks for smarter, mission-driven decision-making
• Skills to lead with influence ⁠
• A strong network of like-minded leaders.

⁠⁠This is more than a credential, it is a transformative leadership journey.
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Don't miss out. Apply today and strengthen the future of Jewish communal life. Learn more and apply now: https://www.spertus.edu/certificate-in-jewish-leadership

08/13/2026

Learn more about the Conflicts of Interest program: https://www.spertus.edu/conflicts-of-interest/

Apply now to meet the moment! Join Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership’s inaugural Conflicts of Interest cohort, designed to empower Jewish educators and leaders to engage more effectively with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in their classrooms and communities.

Application deadline: September 25.
Apply now: https://spertus.populiweb.com/router/admissions/onlineapplications/index?application_form=77

08/12/2026

Spertus Institute is thrilled to welcome the incoming talented professionals of Cohort North America 8 ( NA 8 ) to our acclaimed MA in Jewish Professional Studies (MAJPS) program!
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These exceptional leaders from across North America are bringing their passion and drive to advance their organizations and strengthen Jewish communal life. ⁠ ⁠
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Through an innovative curriculum that integrates professional skills with applied Jewish studies, they’re set to make a meaningful impact. https://www.spertus.edu/welcome-majps-na8/

Meet MAJPS Cohort NA 8:⁠
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Noah Berger, Marketing Associate, Bender JCC of Greater Washington, Bender JCC of Greater Washington, Bethesda, MD

Ellie Cohen, Young Adult Community Connector, Shalom Austin, Austin, TX

Jordana Hoffman, Director of Programming and Membership Engagement, Oak Park Temple, Oak Park, IL

Polly Lehman, Director of Jewish Student Life, Minnesota Hillel, St Louis Park, MN

Alycia Mitchell, Sr. Internal Consultant, DWS Group, Chicago, IL

Ari Mungin, Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School Administrative Coordinator, Jacksonville Jewish Center, Jacksonville, FL

Zack Sapinsley, Physical Therapist, Evolution Physical Therapy, Denver, CO

Valerie Sar-Shalom, ECP Family Relations and Admissions Manager, Shalom Austin, Austin, TX

Brooke Singer, Community Engagement Associate, Hillel at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Mosh*t Snir, Social Worker & Chaplaincy Program Manager, JFS of Greater Kansas City (Jewish Family Services), Overland Park, KS

Welcome to the Spertus learning community! We can’t wait to see how your studies will advance your work and communities.

08/11/2026

Join our next Connect & Learn led by Spertus mentor and coach Becky Altman. This interactive session focuses on taking ownership of your career growth, regardless of title. Say goodbye to those awkward, annual development conversations that can lead to feelings of frustration, ambiguity and stagnation. Participants will learn how to build effective individual development plans, and receive a take-home planning tool that both employees and managers can use to spark meaningful career conversations, set actionable goals, and drive targeted growth.

Career by Design: Practical Strategies for Intentional Career Growth
📅 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
🕛 12:30-1:30 p.m. CT
💻 Via Zoom
Register Now:
https://www.spertus.edu/connect-learn-career-by-design

This free, online Connect & Learn session includes break-out time to connect, learn, and meet new colleagues. Reservations are required. Sign up today!

Presented by Spertus Institute and JPro Chicago, Connect & Learn is an online, community-building, professional development series.