Chicago builds network of professional growth for the staff and volunteers of Jewish organizations

No small part of the credit is due to the skill, dedication, creativity, and tenacity of those who work for the organizations-of every type and stripe-that serve our community. Therefore, it is to our collective benefit to invest in resources for Jewish communal professionals-the superstars who lead, staff, and support our schools, social service agencies, synagogues, community centers, and cultural organizations.

This year, Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, JUF, and JPro Chicago (our local professional organization) have combined forces to offer a slate of programs that will bring communal professionals together for specialized training geared to the unique challenges facing Jewish organizations today.

Launching in October, Connect & Learn is a community-building, professional development series presented by Spertus and JPro Chicago.

“Spertus Institute’s signature high-impact Jewish learning is more important now than ever before,” said Dr. Dean P. Bell, Spertus President and CEO. “We are thrilled to be able to share our educational expertise with colleagues across Chicago, as we work together to strengthen and enrich our community.”

In six live, online, interactive sessions, participants will build skills they can apply immediately, and at the same time become part of a lively network of learners and community leaders.

The sessions will be taught by scholars and practitioners from Spertus Institute’s faculty, who will lead deep dives into topics ranging from Jewish wisdom to nonprofit management skills.

“Investing in professional education is essential in today’s environment of rapid change,” said Lonnie Nasatir, JUF President. “We are fortunate to have Spertus Institute as a community resource, ready to partner with JPro Chicago to serve the educational needs of our local agency professionals with agility and skill.”

Connect & Learn launches Tuesday, Oct. 12. The topic for the inaugural session is Strategic Visioning, taught by Spertus faculty member Stefan Teodosic, founder of Maverick Soul Consulting, co-founder of the Association of Independent Jewish Camps, and a member of JUF’s Jewish Education Committee.

Find further information about Connect & Learn in the sidebar and at spertus.edu. Also find information about Fundraisers Forum (for fundraisers serving Jewish organizations) and the Educational Leadership Network (for senior-level Jewish Educators).

Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.

Connect & Learn
All sessions are online, 12:30-1:30 p.m. CST
$8 per participant per session.

Strategic Visioning with Stefan Teodosic
Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Shema Yisrael as a Guide for Professional Excellence with Dr. Jane Shapiro
Thursday, December 16, 2021

Lessons in Mentoring and Coaching with Dr. Hal M. Lewis
Thursday, January 20, 2022

Critical Questions, Mapping Meaning with Dr. Keren E. Fraiman
Thursday, February 17, 2022

The Constant Pivot, Practicing Leadership Agility with Alyssa Dickman
Thursday, March 31, 2022

Being Conscious, Being Jewish with Dr. David N. Gottlieb
Thursday, May 19, 2022

Fundraisers Forum
Two online sessions 12:30-1:30 p.m. CST
$8-$18 per participant per session.
Facilitated by veteran fundraiser Amy Eisenstein

Four Steps to Major Gifts
Thursday, October 14

Measuring Fundraising Results
Thursday, October 28, 2021

Educational Leadership Network

Cultivating Imaginative Leadership with Dr. Gillian Judson
Online Monday, December 6, 2021 from 12 to 1:30 pm CT
$8-$18 per participant.

Advance registration required for all programs. Register online at spertus.edu.