Members of the community were recently treated to a taste of innovative work by young Jewish leaders.

At a reception hosted by Spertus President Dr. Hal M. Lewis, students of Spertus Institute’s Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies (MAJPS) program presented groundbreaking projects. Through Spertus Institute’s Center for Jewish Leadership, this program teaches students to address 21st-century Jewish needs. Interested Chicagoans can apply in one of two tracks, one for Jewish organizational professionals, the other an accelerated program for executives.

Four students presented projects in a lightning-fast format called “Pecha Kucha,” which started in Japan and is now used worldwide. The presenters were Scott Frankel of Chicago’s iCenter; Yulie Kromchenco of Israeli’s Institute for Democratic Education; Nadav Savaia of the Union of Reform Judaism; and Elana Kahn of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.

Frankel presented the Jewish Moments Project , an initiative which evolved from his Spertus thesis into a project in developing with the iCenter. When complete, users will be able to share Jewish stories of personal importance to a multimedia platform, creating an interactive path for families to grasp the role of Judaism in their own lives and the lives of others. Kromchenco shared how her team is composing ways for Israeli educators to use music to connect students to diverse Jewish traditions, broadening their perspectives of Jewish history.

Savaia and Kahn presented projects that build bridges between North American and Israeli Jews. Savaia illustrated, with examples from his own experience, how shlichim (emissaries) from Israel placed within American communities create lasting bonds. Kahn shared how her Spertus education has helped her implement ways for Jews in Milwaukee to grow their understanding of Israel-to reveal areas where authentic, personal connections can be made.

“These projects illustrate why we at Spertus are so committed to the training and development of first-rate Jewish leaders,” Lewis said. “Jews today live in complex times. By fostering careers and growth for those who serve our communities, we build more responsive organizations, and enhance the quality-and in fact the very future-of Jewish life.”

For more information, visit www.spertus.edu/center .

The Center for Jewish Leadership is supported by generous grants from the Crown Family. Spertus Institute is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.

Betsy Gomberg is Spertus Institute’s Director of Marketing and Communications.