Spertus Institute Logo
Spertus Institute Logo

Austinite Lisa Apfelberg receives MA in Jewish Professional Studies from prestigious Spertus Institute program

The Jewish Outlook

May 14, 2024

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 [email protected].
ABOUT SPERTUS INSTITUTE 
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.  

Latest Posts

SXSW 2026: Nir Eyal Presents Latest Book at SXSW

SXSW 2026: Nir Eyal Presents Latest Book at SXSW

Jun 25, 2026

Author Nir Eyal on stage at SXSW in Austin, Texas in March 2026. Credit: Allison Teegardin By Allison Teegardin  On March 13, author Nir Eyal presented his latest book co-authored with Julie Li, “Beyond Belief: How to Break Limits and Unlock Potential,” to a packed...

Jewish Talent Shines at SXSW 2026

Jewish Talent Shines at SXSW 2026

Jun 25, 2026

Jamie Lee Curtis on stage with H. Alan Scott at SXSW 2026. Credit: Wendy Goodman This year at SXSW, The Jewish Outlook editorial team attended various sessions featuring Jewish professionals and creators. Together with some Shalom Austin staff, they “unofficially”...

Austin Jewish Academy Welcomes New Head of School 

Austin Jewish Academy Welcomes New Head of School 

Jun 25, 2026

Dr. Karyn Rayburn speaks to parents and teachers at AJA about "Joyful Rigor." Courtesy: Austin Jewish Academy By Natalie McKee Austin Jewish Academy is pleased to welcome Dr. Karyn Hopper Rayburn as incoming Head of School, beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year....

7300 HART LANE
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731
(512) 735-8000

Follow Us:

WAYS TO GIVE

Annual Campaign
Generations Campaign
Jewish Foundation
Tribute Gifts
Corporate Partnerships
Other Options

GET CONNECTED

Subscribe
New to Austin
Volunteer
Community Resources
Israel and Overseas
Travel with Us
Seek Help
Manage Accounts

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Fitness
Swimming
Tennis & Pickleball
Sports

EDUCATION

Jewish Culture & Education
Early Childhood Program Preschool
After School & Childcare
Camps

ARTS & CULTURE

Literary Arts
Visual Arts
Theatre & Film
Dance

COUNSELING & SUPPORT

Jewish Family Service
Counseling & Groups
Case Management
References & Resources
Disability & Inclusion

CHILDREN & TEENS

Early Childhood Program Preschool
Camps
After School & Childcare
Teen Programs
Sports
Family Engagement

Report a Security Incident

ADULTS

Women's Philanthropy
Young Adults
Inspired Aging (60+)
Affinity Groups

CALENDAR

Community Events

HOURS

ABOUT

Shalom Austin
Leadership
Amenities
Our Impact
The Jewish Outlook
Blog
Podcast
 Jobs
Facility Rentals
Contact Us

JOIN THE JCC

DONATE

Copyright Shalom Austin 2025. Privacy Policy.