New role will guide expansion of the Institute’s leadership and professional studies programs
August 17, 2026 — Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership has named Rabbi Dr. Tali Zelkowicz as its first-ever Dean of Jewish Leadership, a newly created position that will guide the academic direction of the Institute’s growing leadership portfolio and expand its reach across the Jewish communal landscape.
Zelkowicz joins Spertus from The Wexner Foundation, where she has served as Director of Curriculum and Research.
“Few candidates could bring a stronger background of translating scholarship into practice than Tali does,” said Dr. Keren E. Fraiman, Spertus Institute’s Vice President and Chief Academic Officer. “This newly created position reflects the rising demand for rigorous, relevant leadership training for Jewish professionals and lay leaders across all sectors of the Jewish communal landscape, and Spertus’ unique role in providing it.”
Rabbi Dr. Zelkowicz holds rabbinical ordination and a master’s degree in Jewish education from Hebrew Union College (HUC), and earned her doctorate at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development as a Wexner Graduate Fellow.
She spent a decade teaching graduate students in Hebrew Union College’s rabbinical, educational, and non-profit management programs, and served as head of school at the Columbus Jewish Day School before becoming Wexner’s inaugural Director of Curriculum and Research in 2019.
“As an educator, researcher, and rabbi, I’ve always been drawn to institutions willing to take on the many different challenges facing Jewish life with creativity, joy, and collaboration. Spertus does all three so well, and that’s part of what drew me to this role,” Zelkowicz said. “I can’t wait to apply my commitment to Jewish leadership and education in this next chapter, starting by listening closely to the team and community I’m now so lucky to join.”
As Dean, Zelkowicz will guide the academic direction of Spertus’ leadership programs while representing the Institute through scholarship, thought leadership, public and community engagement, and convening across difference. Her portfolio includes oversight of the Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies and each of the Institute’s leadership certificate programs, along with new initiatives, partnerships, and ideas to carry the work forward.