Spertus Institute held its Summer 2026 Seminar in June at its beautiful campus in downtown Chicago. Led by distinguished faculty, sixty-six students in the MA and Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies, Certificate in Jewish Leadership in partnership with Northwestern University, and Jewish Studies programs came together to immerse themselves in academic learning and build meaningful community. The seminar welcomed many new and returning students, lifelong friends, and mother-daughter and mother-son learning buddies across programs. Hallways and meals buzzed with new connections and lively conversation!
MA in Jewish Professional Studies
Blending insights into Jewish life, leadership, and nonprofit management, Jewish Professional Studies students applied their learning to real-world challenges in Jewish communal work. Throughout the seminar, students gained a deeper understanding of their leadership strengths while engaging in practical problem-solving and case-based learning.
“Each seminar has given me new insights that I can apply both personally and professionally. I consistently leave feeling like I have learned more about myself. The opportunity to reflect on my strengths and growth areas has helped me become more intentional in my leadership approach.” – Nicki Borovsky, Michigan Region BBYO Chapter Director, MA in Jewish Professional Studies student
Certificate in Jewish Leadership
Throughout the seminar, Certificate in Jewish Leadership students developed core leadership skills, including collaborative practice, communication models, and experiential learning with a new network of peers. Students practiced their leadership skills in real time and tackled timely challenges relevant to their communities.
Jewish Studies
Prior to the seminar, Jewish Studies students selected from a range of courses exploring the Jewish experience across time and place, from the Ancient Near East to the Modern Middle East, and from Maimonides and Spinoza to the mystics of 16th-century Safed. Once together, students engaged thoughtfully and conversation flowed from deep discussion to moments of shared humor. These shared experiences created an academic environment that was both welcoming and intellectually enriching. A highlight for many, students and instructors participated in object encounters, engaging directly with historical items from Spertus’ collections dating from the Bronze Age, the Early Modern period, or the 1920s, bringing course themes to life in tangible ways.
Board Retreat
The Spertus Board of Trustees is comprised of remarkably dedicated, experienced, and talented individuals from many professional areas and geographical locations. They provide strong governance and strategic thinking that help Spertus do its amazing work for today and into the second century!
The Board meets regularly during the year and then gathers for an annual meeting and retreat at the end of the fiscal year. This year, the Board Retreat coincided with the Spertus Summer Seminar. Layering our annual Board Retreat with the seminar allowed for connection and communication across our board and student body. Trustees discussed key aspects of the Strategic Plan, dug into some of the most pressing issues of the day within and beyond the Jewish communities (including polarization, philanthropy, and engagement), and set the strategic priorities, budget, and Board Committee objectives for the coming fiscal year.
Jewish Learning for the Real World
For many students, the in-person seminar is a highlight of their time at Spertus. While the days are long and intensive, students leave feeling energized by the conversations and connections. Each seminar provides the invaluable opportunity to learn alongside professionals from different areas of the Jewish world.
Through meaningful, relevant Jewish education, students grow as leaders and expand their impact in their communities. It’s an experience that inspires continued learning long after the conclusion of the seminar.
“I wanted more of every single one of my classes. Here, I want to be a forever learner. I don’t want to go.” – Robyn Markowitz Lawler, Executive Director of Penn State Hillel, Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies student