Judaism teaches that learning is powerful. It grounds us in our history and equips us to face contemporary challenges. In easy times and hard times, it provides a platform from which we can build and strengthen our communities. 

 

Chicago-based Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership recently awarded master’s degrees to eighteen graduates who embody this vital Jewish tradition. They are all committed community leaders who reach thousands of people in the work they do every day. At a time when many Jewish institutions face unprecedented challenges, these skilled graduates join thousands of other Spertus alumni who advance Jewish organizations and communities around the world.

 

Austin resident Lisa Apfelberg is among this year’s graduates. Apfelberg is Executive Director of Jewish Veg and the Jewish Initiative for Animals, two related organizations that seek to align food choices with Jewish values.

 

Apfelberg received a Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies, completing Spertus Institute’s creative leadership-building program as part of an accelerated cohort specifically for Jewish communal executives. This program is designed to advance graduates’ careers and strengthen the organizations they serve. In Apfelberg’s case, this is already true. She was recently promoted to Executive Director while still a student in a special Spertus cohort for executives. She now joins thousands of Spertus alumni who advance Jewish organizations and communities around the world with Spertus-acquired knowledge and skills.

 

About her Spertus experience, Apfelberg said: “To choose to go back to school as an adult is a gift you give yourself. I learned so much that I was able to apply immediately to my life and my work.”

 

That work includes Jewish Veg’s mission, encouraging plant-based lifestyles with education and resources including a searchable database of vegan recipes, complete with recipes for Jewish holidays, that can be found on its website, jewishveg.org The Jewish Initiative for Animals provides expert consultation to Jewish institutions to assist them in reducing meat consumption and replacing factory-farmed animal products with more sustainable alternatives.

 

Those interested in becoming a future Spertus Institute graduate should visit spertus.edu for program and application information or contact Assistant Director of Recruitment Amie Barrish at abarrish@spertus.edu.

 

 

Spertus Institute is an institution of higher Jewish learning dedicated to real-world action. At its core are degree and certificate programs in which students engage with Jewish ideas in the service of personal growth, community leadership, and professional advancement. These offerings, which merge theory and practice, educate Jewish professionals, community leaders, and those who seek quality, reflection-driven scholarship.

 

Spertus Institute is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.