Spertus Institute. 100 Years of Jewish learning for a better world
Spertus Institute. 100 Years of Jewish learning for a better world

Jewish Studies Spring 2027 Courses

Spring Online Weekly Courses | Make your selection by January 4, 2027

Learn with colleagues from across North America and beyond!

This Spring, Spertus is pleased to offer three weekly courses taught by members of our acclaimed faculty, fulfilling requirements for each of our Jewish Studies degrees. With fellow students, explore a range of topics, from the classical Jewish sages to the Ten Commandments and even to the very root of the question: “What is Judaism?” 

Registration is now open. If you have questions about registration or would like to book an advising appointment to discuss your choice of courses, contact Scarlett Andes, Senior Manager of Student & Faculty Services, at sandes@spertus.edu.

Preferred registration deadline: December 14
Final registration deadline: January 4

Spring 2027 | Weekly Online Courses | February-April 2027

The Sages: Foundations of Classical Judaism

Taught by Dr. Mika Ahuvia
3 quarter-hour credits
Fulfills MAJS Core (World of the Rabbis) or Elective | DSJS Text or Elective | DHL Text or Elective Core Reading Course

8 Sessions | Meets Wednesdays from 6 PM to 8:30 PM CT via Zoom
February 17, 24 | March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | April 7

This course investigates the origins and foundation of classical Judaism by the Jewish sages (AKA the rabbis). The Judaism that prevails today arose in the context of the Hebrew Bible’s completion, the Romans’ destruction of Jerusalem, and alongside the emergence of Christianity. This course discusses the rise of the rabbinic movement, its stories and laws, and its Greco-Roman as well as Babylonian-Persian context.

The Ten Commandments Throughout the Ages

Taught by Rabbi Dr. Vernon Kurtz
3 quarter-hour credits
Fulfills MAJS 2nd Level Core or Elective | DSJS Text or Elective | DHL Text or Elective Core Reading Course

8 Sessions | Meets Thursdays from 11 AM to 1:30 PM CT via Zoom
Feb. 18, 25 | March 4, 11, 18, 25 | April 1, 8

The Ten Commandments seem to be simple statements of religious and moral behavior. However, their eternal truths form the core of Judeo-Christian values and are the foundational laws for western civilization. In this course we will delve into the important lessons they teach for modern society by examining Biblical, Rabbinic, New Testament and later Christian sources, as well as Medieval and modern Jewish texts. Our study together will allow us to discuss their importance and relevance for today.

What is Judaism?

Taught by Rabbi Dr. Scott Aaron
3 quarter-hour credits
Fulfills MAJS 2nd Level Core or Elective | DSJS Core (What is Judaism?) or Elective | DHL Core (Jewish Thought) or Elective Core Reading Course

8 Sessions | Meets Tuesdays from 12 PM to 2:30 PM CT via Zoom
March 2, 9, 16, 30 | April 6, 13, 20 | May 4

Explore the evolution of Jewish thought in a changing world from Spinoza to the present. In this overview course, we will focus on key thinkers from the 17th – 20th centuries and touch on theological and philosophical developments both in the light of and in opposition to the Enlightenment and the modern world.

Course registration for Spring 2027 is now open.

Course Registration Details

Course registration is for current Spertus Institute Jewish Studies students. Please review course details before completing your registration.

Before registering for courses, students must be admitted to one of Spertus Institute’s Jewish Studies graduate programs — or be accepted as a non-degree student who meets prerequisite requirements and wishes to enroll in courses for credit. If you are interested in applying to become a Spertus Jewish Studies graduate student, please contact admissions at admissions@spertus.edu.

December 14, 2026 — Preferred Registration Deadline
January 4, 2027 — Final Registration Deadline

Register for Spring 2027 Courses

Course Payment

Spertus students must be in good standing to be eligible to register. This means:

  • GPA is 2.7 or above.
  • Financial account does not have an overdue balance.

Students who do not meet the financial criteria will need to pay down their overdue balance prior to registering for courses.

Course Costs

For MA in Jewish Studies (MAJS) Students
$400 per quarter-hour credit ($1200 per 3qh course)

For DS in Jewish Studies (DSJS) and Doctor of Hebrew Letters (DHL) Students
$475 per quarter-hour credit ($1425 per 3qh course)

A non-refundable $25 fee is charged on all course registration forms.

Refund policies vary by course format. Please review the specific policy listed on your course registration form.

Course auditing can be arranged on a select basis with approval from your advisor. Audited course tuition is $350 per 3qh course.

Questions

For questions relating to Jewish Studies courses or registration, including which course to register for next, please contact Scarlett Andes at sandes@spertus.edu.