Programs & Events
At Spertus Institute, we believe that there are many ways to understand and experience Jewish life, religion, traditions, texts, history, and culture. Likewise, there are many ways to learn.
At our core are Degrees & Certificates that provide students the opportunity to connect with Jewish ideas in the service of their personal growth and professional advancement. Along with them, we proudly present programs in an array of formats for participants in Chicago and around the world. These programs are open to all.
Critical Conversations is an annual Spertus Institute program that brings together high-profile experts and practitioners to address the most critical issues of the day. 2026 Critical Conversations asks: Why are conversations about Israel so difficult? What fears and identity questions lie beneath them? How should we teach, learn, and lead around Israel? How can we cultivate resilient Jewish communities capable of engaging across difference without sacrificing integrity, complexity, or connection?
On Demand & Opportunities to Learn More
Find video, audio, and resources relating to past Spertus Institute programs and events.
Tuesday, March 10 – In this session, Dr. Shai Zamir will examine how Converso families negotiated identity, intimacy, and religious practice under surveillance and coercion, while focusing on broader patterns of minority life under pressure.
Tuesday, February 17 – In this Connect & Learn, we’ll discuss trends in giving, messaging alignment for donor families, and new methods to build satisfying and sustainable relationships.
Thursday, January 29 – Learn more about Spertus Institute’s acclaimed part-time MA in Jewish Professional Studies and accelerated Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies and how YOU can join the next cohort at our Winter Virtual Open House!
Tuesday, January 20 – In his new book, “Judaism, History and the Environment: Climate Change and Natural Disasters,” Spertus President & CEO and Professor of Jewish History Dr. Dean Bell explores historical examples of Jewish experiences with and responses to natural disaster. In this Launch & Learn session, Dr. Bell provides a brief overview of his findings and then directs them to uncover new ways to address a broad array of contemporary leadership challenges.
Thursday, December 18 – In this Connect and Learn, we explored basic concepts of data literacy and data neutrality and practice being open to what data can do to enhance our work.
Thursday, November 6 – Spertus faculty member Dr. Daniella Farah leads this session. We will explore the themes of upward mobility, interreligious encounters, and assimilation through the lens of Jewish education in modern Iran.
Tuesday, September 16 – Spertus faculty member Stefan Teodosic leads this session. We will explore the trust equation and see how credibility, reliability, connection and self-orientation can be leveraged to build incredibly strong professional bonds and unlock untapped potential in your work relationships.
Critical Conversations is an annual Spertus Institute program that brings together experts and activists to address the most critical issues of the day. In 2025, our presenters addressed economic vulnerability in the Jewish community.
Featured Past Program Video
In a recent online professional development workshop, Spertus faculty member Mordy Walfish explored the issue of employee engagement.
Artificial Intelligence offers promise and risks. To help us understand the issue, we had a panel of leaders in the field share their expertise.
Featured Past Program Video