Spertus Institute Announces the Culmination of the Inaugural Cohort of the Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism for Lay Leaders.
This program was created as an expansion of Spertus Institute’s Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism, specifically to meet the needs of Jewish communal lay leaders. These individuals play a crucial role in Jewish life—shaping policy, guiding organizational strategy, and serving as the connective tissue between Jewish institutions and the broader community.
By deepening their understanding of antisemitism and equipping themselves with the tools to address it, these leaders ensure that their communities remain strong, informed, and proactive in the face of contemporary challenges.
Meet the Participants
Peter Bensinger, Jr. of Chicago, IL
Board Chair & President, The Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale
Wendy Chiado of Colorado Springs, CO
Member of the Board of Directors, Temple Beit Torah
Hagit Fefferman of Miami, FL
Speaker, Presenter, and Docent, Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach
Robin Friedman of Newton, MA
Board Secretary, TribeTalk
Marla Grossberg of Highland Park, IL
Board President, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El
Daniel Kinel of Rochester, NY
Board Chair & President, Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester
Jody Kipnis of Boston, MA
Board President, Holocaust Legacy Foundation
Don Kleinmuntz of Chicago, IL
Trustee, Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership
Randi Levin of Tucson, AZ
Trustee, Kol Ami Synagogue
Susan Saal of Palo Alto, CA
Member, Board of Directors, JCC Association of North America
Sue Stolov of Washington, DC
Vice President and President Elect, American Jewish Committee (AJC) Regional Chapter
Aviva Sussman of Santa Fe, NM
Education Lead, Jewish Community Relations Coalition of New Mexico
Jude Sydney of Newton, MA
CEO, TribeTalk, Inc.
Carol Wynne of Lutherville-Timonium, MD
Zionism Chair, Hadassah Greater Baltimore
The Work Ahead
As these lay leaders complete the program, they step forward as stronger, more informed advocates, prepared to take on the challenges of rising antisemitism within their communities and beyond. Their commitment to personal growth and their investment in this learning experience demonstrate the vital role of lay leadership in Jewish communal resilience. Their leadership will serve as a model for others, and their partnerships with Jewish professionals will ensure a more unified, prepared, and proactive response to the challenges ahead.
Learn More
Discover how the Certificate in Jewish Leadership program can shape your leadership journey.