Spertus Institute

We are delighted to share this thoughtful Op-Ed in EJewish Philanthropy, titled: CAJE and Spertus Institute’s Certificate in Israel Leadership offers blueprint for other Jewish communities, written by Audrey Maman Bensoussan, Director, Day School Programs and Services, CAJE-Miami: The Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education & Spertus Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies Alumni! Audrey reflects on experiences in the field that led her to partner with Spertus Institute to create this impactful initiative in the Miami community. Mazel Tov, Audrey! Read all about it here: https://www.spertus.edu/cil-blueprint-article/

We’re excited to welcome Kaylie Adelman to the Spertus team this summer as the Jewish United Fund of Chicago - JUF LSIP intern for marketing and communications. This summer, she’ll be supporting our academic team’s marketing initiatives.

Kaylie is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying business and digital media analytics. She’s excited to bring her creativity and organization to the team.

Join us in wishing Kaylie a warm Spertus welcome to our team!

Join the next cohort beginning in Fall 2026 of the Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies – An 18-month accelerated degree for senior Jewish communal professionals, combining Jewish thought, strategic leadership, executive skills, and individualized coaching.

Apply now for the Executive MAJPS Cohort 10.
spertus.edu/executive

Cohort begins in late fall 2026 with reading and coursework. The first in-person seminar at Spertus is January 10-14, 2027.

Application Dates:

>>Apply by July 13, 2026 – Preferred Admissions Deadline ($50 application fee waived)

>>Apply by October 5, 2026 – Final Application Deadline

We are delighted to welcome our newest cohort of the Certificate in Jewish Leadership (CJL 20), in partnership with Northwestern University! These Jewish communal professionals and lay leaders from across North America kicked off their program last night online and soon they will come to Chicago to keep the learning going in person! Join us in wishing them Mazel Tov on their Jewish leadership learning journey!

https://mailchi.mp/spertus/stackmay2026

Spertus Institute's Monthly Roundup Spertus Institute's latest achievements and upcoming opportunities to learn with us!

Spertus is very excited to welcome our new Manager of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Sarah Balis! Join us in wishing Sarah a warm Spertus welcome to Chicago and our team!

It's a triple Mazel Tov Monday celebrating three Spertus alumni on their recent new roles in the Jewish community! Ardyth Sokoler, alumna of the Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism, steps into a new role as Outreach & Partnerships Manager, Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region. Certificate in Jewish Leadership alumna Lori Rubin starts a new position as Executive Director of Golden Slipper Club & Charities, and MA in Jewish Professional Studies alumna Julia Cottrell starts an exciting new role as Assistant Director, Northeastern University Hillel. We look forward to following your leadership journeys in your communities and organizations!

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your leadership and join this growing network of dedicated Jewish communal professionals and lay leaders.

Professionals and Lay Leaders will study in parallel tracks, with opportunities for shared learning. The LCCA program will deepen both cohorts’ understanding of antisemitism and prepare them to address this moment with greater clarity and confidence in their respective roles. The program is hybrid, with online sessions and an in-person seminar at Spertus’ award-winning facility.

Senior professionals and lay leaders from the same organization are encouraged to apply! Additional scholarship funds are available for professionals and lay leaders from the same organization who are both accepted into the fall cohorts.

For Professionals:
https://www.spertus.edu/leadership-certificate-in-combating-antisemitism-for-professionals/

For Lay Leaders:
https://www.spertus.edu/lay-leadership-certificate-in-combating-antisemitism/

Photo: Dr. Keren Fraiman teaching at the 2025 LCCA Seminar.

To finish off a whirlwind week at Spertus, the Certificate in Israel Leadership, comprised of Chicagoland area teams of synagogue professionals and lay leaders, has officially culminated their learning!

These synagogue and temple leaders learned strategies for building a mission-aligned culture around Israel education, developed a deeper understanding of Israel through a multi-narrative lens, and gained skills for navigating difficult conversations and topics.

Mazel Tov to these local leaders:

🔶 Vernon Hills' Congregation Or Shalom-Vernon Hills, including Executive Director Jen Daniels-Lake, Education Vice President Wendy Elman, Senior Rabbi Ari Margolis, and Board Member Bill McNulty

🔶 Highland Park’s North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, including Executive Director Rabbi Ben Azriel, Director of Congregational Learning Ali Drumm, Rabbi Alex Freedman, and Past President & Trustee Steve Abrams

🔶 Northbrook’s Temple Beth-El of Northbrook, including Cantor Stefanie Greene, Senior Rabbi Sidney Helbraun, Executive Director Laurie Orenstein, and Director of Congregational Learning Laura Perpinyal

🔶 Northfield’s Temple Jeremiah, including Executive Director Danny Glassman, Rabbi Rachel Heaps, Cantor Lianna Mendelson, Director of Congregational Learning Matthew Rissien, and Vice President & Lay Leader Jerry Tatar

🔶 Chicago’s Temple Sholom of Chicago, including Executive Director Stacy Charnay, Senior Rabbi Shoshanah Conover, Director of Education Lori Kramer, and Board President Elizabeth Samuels

Learn more about Spertus Institute’s Israel Leadership Initiatives here: https://www.spertus.edu/israel-leadership-initiatives/

On Sunday, Spertus Institute awarded degrees to fifteen extraordinary graduates from our MA in Jewish Professional Studies (MAJPS), MA in Jewish Studies (MAJS), and MS in Jewish Studies (MSJS) programs.

They join thousands of Spertus alumni who advance Jewish organizations and communities around the world with knowledge and skills gained at Spertus.

Mazel Tov to the 2026 graduates!

Learn more about the 2026 graduation ceremony here: https://www.spertus.edu/spertus-institute-2026-graduation/