What does it mean for a Jewish organization to turn 100?
Several times a year, students from across a range of Spertus Institute’s academic programs come together for seminars that are lively, exciting times of creative and intellectual cross-pollination.
One of those seminars took place this January, with students and faculty from across North America joining us at our beautiful home base in Chicago.
Although it was cold outside, the warmth and sense of community in the room was unmistakable. While together, we kicked off Spertus Institute’s centennial with a toast celebrating 100 years of passionate and inspired Jewish learning.
100 Years of Life-Changing Learning
In my remarks, I referenced the Jewish sages who asserted that one forms a habit after 100 times of repetition. Thus, in 100 years, the staff and faculty of Spertus Institute have developed extraordinary expertise in serving students, from casual learners to devoted scholars.
Since 1924, Spertus students have benefited from life-changing educational opportunities that have shaped them as individuals and provided the skills for them to elevate their communities.
100 Years + 1
Our tradition also teaches us that 100 is not enough; 101 is better.
While we pause to celebrate all that we have accomplished, we also recognize that every year ahead will require greater growth, creativity, community-building, wisdom, and resourcefulness. There are new challenges to face and much still to do.
Please join me in toasting the first 100 years and the next 100 that will follow, as we dedicate ourselves to learning that is deeply relevant to the challenges we face today.
Here’s to building a stronger, more compassionate, more vibrant future together!
Dr. Dean P. Bell
President, CEO, and Professor of Jewish History
Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership