Spertus Institute

Fall 2026 cohort of the Certificate in Jewish Leadership is open for applications through September 15th.

Are you a Jewish communal professional or lay leader ready to lead with purpose, clarity, and real impact?

Join the next online CJL Cohort from Spertus Institute and Northwestern University School of Professional Studies

⁠⁠What you will gain: ⁠
• Strategies to lead through change ⁠
• Tools for communication and conflict resolution ⁠
• Frameworks for smarter, mission-driven decision-making
• Skills to lead with influence ⁠
• A strong network of like-minded leaders.

⁠⁠This is more than a credential, it is a transformative leadership journey.
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Don't miss out. Apply today and strengthen the future of Jewish communal life. Learn more and apply now: https://www.spertus.edu/certificate-in-jewish-leadership

Learn more about the Conflicts of Interest program: https://www.spertus.edu/conflicts-of-interest/

Apply now to meet the moment! Join Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership’s inaugural Conflicts of Interest cohort, designed to empower Jewish educators and leaders to engage more effectively with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in their classrooms and communities.

Application deadline: September 25.
Apply now: https://spertus.populiweb.com/router/admissions/onlineapplications/index?application_form=77

Spertus Institute is thrilled to welcome the incoming talented professionals of Cohort North America 8 ( NA 8 ) to our acclaimed MA in Jewish Professional Studies (MAJPS) program!
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These exceptional leaders from across North America are bringing their passion and drive to advance their organizations and strengthen Jewish communal life. ⁠ ⁠
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Through an innovative curriculum that integrates professional skills with applied Jewish studies, they’re set to make a meaningful impact. https://www.spertus.edu/welcome-majps-na8/

Meet MAJPS Cohort NA 8:⁠
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Noah Berger, Marketing Associate, Bender JCC of Greater Washington, Bender JCC of Greater Washington, Bethesda, MD

Ellie Cohen, Young Adult Community Connector, Shalom Austin, Austin, TX

Jordana Hoffman, Director of Programming and Membership Engagement, Oak Park Temple, Oak Park, IL

Polly Lehman, Director of Jewish Student Life, Minnesota Hillel, St Louis Park, MN

Alycia Mitchell, Sr. Internal Consultant, DWS Group, Chicago, IL

Ari Mungin, Bernard and Alice Selevan Religious School Administrative Coordinator, Jacksonville Jewish Center, Jacksonville, FL

Zack Sapinsley, Physical Therapist, Evolution Physical Therapy, Denver, CO

Valerie Sar-Shalom, ECP Family Relations and Admissions Manager, Shalom Austin, Austin, TX

Brooke Singer, Community Engagement Associate, Hillel at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Mosh*t Snir, Social Worker & Chaplaincy Program Manager, JFS of Greater Kansas City (Jewish Family Services), Overland Park, KS

Welcome to the Spertus learning community! We can’t wait to see how your studies will advance your work and communities.

Join our next Connect & Learn led by Spertus mentor and coach Becky Altman. This interactive session focuses on taking ownership of your career growth, regardless of title. Say goodbye to those awkward, annual development conversations that can lead to feelings of frustration, ambiguity and stagnation. Participants will learn how to build effective individual development plans, and receive a take-home planning tool that both employees and managers can use to spark meaningful career conversations, set actionable goals, and drive targeted growth.

Career by Design: Practical Strategies for Intentional Career Growth
📅 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
🕛 12:30-1:30 p.m. CT
💻 Via Zoom
Register Now:
https://www.spertus.edu/connect-learn-career-by-design

This free, online Connect & Learn session includes break-out time to connect, learn, and meet new colleagues. Reservations are required. Sign up today!

Presented by Spertus Institute and JPro Chicago, Connect & Learn is an online, community-building, professional development series.

Level Up Your Leadership! Join the Spertus Virtual Open House.

Spertus Institute offers two part-time, hybrid MA tracks with curriculum designed to be immediately applicable for Jewish communal professionals: the Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies (EMAJPS) for director-level professionals and the MA in Jewish Professional Studies (MAJPS) for earlier-to-mid-career professionals. Generous scholarships are offered for every student!

Learn more about each program and how you can join the next cohort at our Fall Virtual Open House!

Thursday, September 3, 2026
12:30pm – 1:30pm CDT
Via Zoom
Register Now: https://www.spertus.edu/2026-fall-open-house/

Spertus Spotlight - EMAJPS⁠

https://www.spertus.edu/executive-ma-in-jewish-professional-studies/

Don't miss the opportunity to join the Fall 2026 cohort of the Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism — bringing these important skills back to your community. Applications August 3rd! https://www.spertus.edu/leadership-certificate-in-combating-antisemitism-for-professionals/

Last call to apply! Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your leadership and join this growing network of dedicated Jewish communal professionals and lay leaders. Apply by August 3rd for the Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism (LCCA) Fall Cohorts!

For Professionals: https://www.spertus.edu/leadership-certificate-in-combating-antisemitism-for-professionals/
and
For Lay Leaders: https://www.spertus.edu/lay-leadership-certificate-in-combating-antisemitism/

Professionals and Lay Leaders will study in parallel tracks, with opportunities for shared learning. The LCCA program will deepen both cohorts’ understanding of antisemitism and prepare them to address this moment with greater clarity and confidence in their respective roles. The program is hybrid, with online sessions and an in-person seminar at Spertus’ award-winning facility. ��⁠
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Scholarships available for Professional/Board Member pairs! Senior professionals and lay leaders from the same organization are encouraged to apply! Scholarship funds available for professionals and lay leaders from the same organization who are both accepted into the fall cohorts.⁠
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Monthly Roundup — Spertus Institute's latest news and upcoming opportunities to learn with us!

Spertus Institute's Monthly Roundup Spertus Institute's latest news and upcoming opportunities to learn with us!

Last call to apply! Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your leadership and join this growing network of dedicated Jewish communal professionals and lay leaders. Apply by August 3rd for the Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism (LCCA) Fall Cohorts!

For Professionals: https://www.spertus.edu/leadership-certificate-in-combating-antisemitism-for-professionals/
and
For Lay Leaders: https://www.spertus.edu/lay-leadership-certificate-in-combating-antisemitism/

Professionals and Lay Leaders will study in parallel tracks, with opportunities for shared learning. The LCCA program will deepen both cohorts’ understanding of antisemitism and prepare them to address this moment with greater clarity and confidence in their respective roles. The program is hybrid, with online sessions and an in-person seminar at Spertus’ award-winning facility. ��⁠
⁠
Scholarships available for Professional/Board Member pairs! Senior professionals and lay leaders from the same organization are encouraged to apply! Scholarship funds available for professionals and lay leaders from the same organization who are both accepted into the fall cohorts.⁠
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