Spertus Institute Spring 2016 News & Events

Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership | spertus.edu 

March – August 2016 

News & Events 

Meet a new 

generation of 

Jewish leaders 

P4 

2-for-1 coupon 

for select programs 

P3 

Expressions 

of Jewish 

Culture 

Spertus brings 

three renowned Jewish 

art experts to Evanston 

P15 

Brundibar 

Revisited 

Chicago film premiere 

of a story that 

must be told 

P19

A partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community. 

Spertus Institute offers dynamic learning opportunities, rooted in Jewish 

wisdom and culture and open to all. Graduate programs and workshops 

train future leaders and engage individuals in exploration of Jewish life. 

Public programs include films, speakers, seminars, and concerts—at the 

Institute’s Michigan Avenue facility, in the Chicago suburbs, and online. 

Program Scholarships 

Thanks to the foresight and philanthropy of many individuals over many 

years, scholarships are available for people who want to participate 

in select Spertus public programs. Call 312.322.1743 for details. 

If you are interested in providing scholarship support, we welcome your 

generosity. Please contact our Development Office at 312.322.1758. 

We Love to Hear From You 

To reach Spertus, visit spertus.edu, email us at info@spertus.edu, 

or call our general line at 312.322.1700. Our box office line is 

open Sunday–Thursday, 10 am-4 pm at 312.322.1773. 

Follow Spertus on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest 

to get exclusive updates, invites, and discounts. 

Discount Parking 

A selection of discount parking options are available. 

For details, check the Spertus website at spertus.edu/visit 

Accessibility 

Spertus welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its facilities 

and programs accessible to people with special needs. Elevator 

access is available to all areas of the building. Please let the box office know 

of any special needs or requests when you purchase program tickets. 

Printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper. 

Cover image: 

Film still from 

Brudibar Revisited. 

See page 19.

Contents 

News 

Launching a New Generation of Jewish Leaders P5 

One Book | One Community Thank You P7 

Interview with Artist Dimitri Pavlotsky P23 

Asher Library Resources P26 

Trustee Profile: Bruce Hecktman P29 

Professional Development from 

the Center for Jewish Leadership 

Community Mentoring P9 

Jewish Community Networking Night P9 

Certificate in Jewish Leadership P10 

Master Classes and Workshops P11 

Degree Programs 

Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies P10 

Masters and Doctoral Programs in Jewish Studies P13 

Programs and Events 

Cultivating Sacred Moments | Vital Resources for Clergy and Chaplains P6 

Spertus in the Suburbs | Expressions of Jewish Culture P15 

Spring Concert | Sephardic Journey P17 

Film Premiere | Brundibar Revisited P19 

Film, Television, and the American Jewish Story P21 

Collection Highlights P25 

Greater Chicago Jewish Festival P31 

Sponsorship, Support, and Membership P28 

Calendar P30 

Spertus Institute Spring/Summer 2016 

Two-for-One Program Coupon 

A number of programs in this publication are marked with this 

2-for-1 icon. When you register online for these programs you will 

be able to bring a friend or colleague for free, as our gift to you. 

3 

Learning 

Leadership Arts & Culture Resources 

News Events 

Support Spertus

Meet a New Generation 

Supported by a generous grant from the Crown Family. 

Pictured above, back row, left to right: 

Dr. Barry Chazan, Founding MAJPS Director, Spertus Institute 

Dr. Dean P. Bell, Provost and Vice President, Spertus Institute 

Matthew David Rissien, Director of Youth Activities, Congregation Beth Shalom 

Rachel Roth, Chief Operating Officer, American Conference of Cantors 

Daniel Cohen, JD Candidate, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law 

Scott Frankel, Producer, Video & Communications, The iCenter 

Deborah Lust Zaluda, US Director, Puzzle Israel 

Sarah Elizabeth Cort, Summer Camps Director, YMCA Camp Echo 

Jim Rosenberg, Chief of Staff, JUF/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago 

Front row, left to right: 

Dr. Hal M. Lewis, President and CEO, Spertus Institute 

Deborah L. Shub, Assistant Director, Leadership Development, JUF/Jewish Federation 

Tara Lynn Seymour, Marketing and Communications Manager, Rochelle Zell Jewish High School 

Brittany Abramowicz, Community Educator, Chicago Teen Engagement Initiative, JUF/Jewish Federation 

Alison Terkel, Goldman Bridge Fellow, ACCESS, AJC Chicago 

Melissa Green Walny, Director of Operations & Development Manager, UChicago Hillel 

Tal Rosen, Director of the Center for Jewish Leadership, Spertus Institute

of Jewish Leaders 

Learning 

Graduates of the Master of Arts 

in Jewish Professional Studies Program 

On December 13, Spertus proudly awarded graduate degrees to a cohort of new 

leaders. These graduates do impressive work at organizations reflecting the 

depth and diversity of our community. The graduation address was delivered 

by Jim Rosenberg, Chief of Staff at the JUF/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan 

Chicago. He shared practices that have helped him approach his work in 

the Jewish community and do his part to make the world a better place. 

Jim Rosenberg’s Three Lessons on Leadership 

Habits matter, even if no one notices. 

Principles and values form the bedrock of good decisions. 

How you treat others—and how they feel—is more 

important than anything else. 



5 


In the 

Community 

For Clergy & Chaplains 

Cultivating Sacred Moments 

Wednesday, May 4 at 5:30 pm 

Spertus Institute is pleased to offer a special presentation by 

Dr. Kenneth Pargament, Recipient of the 2015 Distinguished 

Service Award from the Association of Professional Chaplains. 

Dr. Pargament will explore how moments of sacred connection 

can be cultivated for the good of congregations and communities. 

This program is for clergy and chaplains of all religious denominations. 

Interested members of the general public are also welcome. 

$10 | $8 for students | $8 for Spertus members and alumni 

Call 312.322.1773 or buy tickets online at spertus.edu/tickets 

Greater Chicago Jewish Festival 

Sunday, June 5 from 11 am to 6 pm 

This year, Spertus Institute is proudly sponsoring the Festival’s Organization Fair. 

We’ll provide a platform of support for community organizations at the Festival, 

just as we provide a platform of education, resources, and professional 

development for those who work with local Jewish organizations. Working 

the Festival? Stop by our hospitality tent for refreshments. We look forward 

to seeing you there! For more about this year’s Festival, see page 31. 

6

On the 7th floor of 

Spertus institute, see a 

series of works by eccentric 

Austrian artist and architect 

Friedensreich Hundertwasser. 

This piece (detail) is titled 

Slow Train Under the Sun. 

Learning 

One Book | One Community 2015 

A Backpack, A Bear, and 

Insights About Refugees 

A warm shout out to everyone 

who joined us and to all who 

read, recommended, and 

discussed this year’s book! 

Missed the talk? 

Download the audio 

at spertus.edu/LevAudio 

Capping 2015’s One Book | One Community, 

author Lev Golinkin spoke in Highland 

Park and at Spertus, sharing his family’s 

experiences as refugees from the Soviet Union. His heartfelt talk 

touched the audience as he reminded us to not let history repeat itself. 

Thank you for helping spread the word 

Media Sponsor | JUF News 

Synagogue Sponsor | North Suburban Synagogue Beth El 

The Russian Division of the Jewish United Fund 

of Metropolitan Chicago 

7 




Sponsored by: 

John & Joan Gilchrist 

Executive Directors-Investments 

Supported by a generous 

grant from the Crown Family.

Community Mentoring 

A mentor is the best antianxiety 

treatment on earth. 

—Forbes 

Jewish Community 

Networking Night 

Thursday, April 14 at 5:30 pm 

Once a year, Spertus Institute hosts a 

gathering for the professionals and 

volunteers who serve Jewish Chicago. 

This special evening provides 

an opportunity to network with 

colleagues from other organizations, 

celebrate successes, and learn 

new ways to advance careers in 

the Jewish communal world. 

This year, enjoy an opportunity 

to hear from Caren Yanis, 

President, Crown Family 

Philanthropies, who will be joined 

by Gali Cooks Executive Director of Leading Edge, an alliance focused 

on building excellence in Jewish leadership. They will build a case for 

why every Jewish organization should be a great place to work. They 

will share real-world steps that came be taken in organizations of all 

shapes and sizes, by staff members anywhere on the org chart. 

Innovation and Collaboration Awards will be announced for 

projects with creative concepts that reach across institutions 

to serve the greater Chicago Jewish community. 

Advance reservations required by April 11. 

Register online at spertus.edu/Community 

The Community Mentoring Project 

connects current and future Jewish 

organizational leaders, fostering 

professional growth and sharing 

knowledge and expertise. 

Be paired with a seasoned professional from outside your 

organization for one-on-one mentoring sessions. Participation is 

free. Space is limited. Available to those in paid positions with 

Chicago-area institutions that serve the Jewish community. 

Application deadline is March 18, 2016. 

Apply online at spertus.edu/CommunityMentoring 

Do you work in, for, or with 

a Jewish organization? 

This event is for you! 

This event is part of the Great Jewish Places to Work initiative. 

These free offerings are possible by a generous grant to the Center for Jewish 

Leadership from the Crown Family. We are grateful for their support. 

9 

Learning 




Supported by a generous 

grant from the Crown Family. 

Helped me reach a personal understanding 

of what it means to lead Jewishly. 

— Joshua Donner, Executive Director, Shapira Foundation 

Leadership Opportunities 

for Those Working for 

and with Jewish Organizations 

Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies (MAJPS) 

Designed to advance the professional skills and Jewish knowledge of 

those working for (or seeking to work for) the Jewish community. Offers 

courses in classical and contemporary Jewish knowledge combined with 

essential professional training and a program-long mentorship. Can be 

completed in two years and three months. Fellowships for those beginning 

the program with June seminar. More at spertus.edu/MAJPS 

Executive Masters in Jewish Professional Studies (Executive MAJPS) 

New program launched for those in senior positions at Jewish organizations. 

Seminars, classes, and executive coaching are tailored to the needs of 

those with 12+ years experience working in the Jewish community. Can 

be completed in one year. For a limited time, fellowships reduce program 

costs by 70%. Begins in June. More at spertus.edu/executive 

Certificate in Jewish Leadership 

Presented through a Northwestern University/Spertus Institute partnership, this 

four-module-long program is for professionals and lay leaders working for and 

with Jewish organizations. Through lectures and group work led by Northwestern 

and Spertus faculty, participants learn to manage change and cultivate their 

own leadership styles. Begins in November. More at spertus.edu/certificate 

Rather talk? 

Contact Director of Enrollment Stacey Flint, who will meet you to discuss your 

goals and share how Spertus leadership programs can accelerate your career 

or empower your staff. Reach her at sflint@spertus.edu or 312.322.1707. 

10 

Spertus Institute is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission 

of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Four-Session Master Class 

Call 312.322.1773 or register online at spertus.edu/tickets 

$199 | $169 for Spertus members, students, and alumni 

Personal 

Branding 

Wednesdays at 6 pm 

March 16–April 13 

(No class March 23 in 

observance of Purim) 

You’ve invested a lot of time in 

your career and organization. 

How are you presenting yourself 

and your company? During this 

master class with Susan Caplan, 

you will learn to tell your story, 

polish your professional brand, 

and discover resources to help you 

meet your professional goals. 

Susan Caplan is a skilled marketing strategist and adjunct instructor 

at Columbia College School of Business and Entrepreneurship. 

She works with schools, businesses, and organizations to 

help them gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. 

Single-Day Workshops 

Open to all. $149 | $129 for Spertus members, students, 

and alumni. Call 312.322.1773 or register online 

at spertus.edu/tickets 

Grantwriting 

Wednesday, April 13 from 9 am to 4 pm 

This workshop is for beginning and aspiring grant writers. Taught 

by Noah Temaner Jenkins, who has helped nonprofits raise more 

than $10 million, it will cover the basics of writing grant proposals— 

from conducting research to submission of your proposal. 

Fundraising for Nonprofit 

Organizations 

Thursday, May 12 from 9 am to 4 pm 

In this introductory workshop, taught by Certified Fundraising Executive 

Dr. Laura Mannion, participants will gain the knowledge and skills 

necessary to develop and implement an organizational fundraising plan. 

11 

Learning 




You’re invited to explore 

our graduate programs in 

Jewish 

Studies 

Both the administration and professors show 

true interest in me as a student. I hope to 

continue to a Doctorate in Jewish Studies. 

— Master’s Student Sean Emslie 

The Prophet Isaiah by Raphael, 1512

Degree Offerings 

Master of Arts 

in Jewish Studies 

Doctor of Science 

in Jewish Studies 

Doctor of Jewish Studies 

Designed for students who seek to explore the breadth of the 

Jewish experience through advanced scholarship. 

Courses are offered at our Chicago campus at twice-yearly seminars, 

as well as through several types of distance learning formats. 

Distinguished faculty 

Outstanding curricula and resources 

Opportunities to pursue individual interests 

Nondenominational environment open to all 

Flexible start dates 

At Spertus, we embrace the idea that the wisdom of Jewish thought and 

the richness of Jewish history inspire Jewish society and Judaism today. 

Our programs encourage intellectual and spiritual reflection in the service 

of students’ personal, professional, and communal advancement. 

WebConferencing Course for New Students 

Introduction to Jewish Studies 

Begins Wednesday, April 6 

Taught by Rabbi Dr. Peter Knobel, Senior Rabbi of Beth Emet 

The Free Synagogue in Evanston, Illinois, and immediate past 

president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. 

Onsite Seminars 

Spring | Sunday–Thursday, March 6–10 

Summer | Sunday–Thursday, July 10–14 

Seminars offer an exciting range of courses that meet requirements 

in each of the masters and doctoral programs. 

Learning 



Find out more at spertus.edu/JewishStudies 

Or contact Stacey Flint, Director of Enrollment Management, at sflint@spertus.edu. 

Spertus Institute is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission 

of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. 

13 


Expressions 0f 

Jewish Culture 

Evanston Art Center 

At their new location 

1717 Central Street, Evanston 

Spertus Institute brings three renowned Jewish art 

experts to Evanston to share how Judaism and Jewish 

culture have been expressed through the arts. 

Take all three sessions for $75 | $60 for Spertus members 

$40 for students and Spertus alumni 

Single sessions are $30 | $25 for Spertus members 

$18 for students and Spertus alumni 


Jewish Manuscript 

Illumination 

Thursday, March 17 at 6:30 pm 

Dr. Marc Michael Epstein, Director of Jewish Studies at 

Vassar College and former Director of the Hebrew Books 

and Manuscripts Division of Sotheby’s, leads a journey 

through the luxurious world of handcrafted Jewish books. 

American Synagogues 

and Jewish Identity 

Tuesday, March 22 at 6:30 pm 

Dr. Samuel Gruber, a renowned art historian and 

architecture preservationist who teaches in the Jewish 

Studies Program at Syracuse University, explores the 

evolving form and meaning of the American synagogue. 

The Case of the 

Missing Kiddush Cup 

Thursday, March 31 at 6:30 pm 

Dr. Jenna Weissman Joselit, who directs two pioneering 

graduate programs in Jewish culture and the arts at 

George Washington University, investigates why a 

Kiddush cup, a seder plate, or a souvenir from Israel 

mattered years ago and continue to matter today. 

15 

Learning 




Sephardic Journey 

Sunday, April 17 at 2 pm 

Husband and wife musicians Eugenia Moliner, 

flute, and Denis Azabagic, guitar, are dedicated 

soloists and chamber musicians. As the 

internationally acclaimed Cavatina Duo, they have 

performed in major venues around the world— 

from the Ravinia Festival here at home to the 

National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing. 

For their new Cedille Records CD, they 

commissioned new compositions inspired 

by Sephardic music from the Jews of Spain. 

For this Spring Spertus Concert, they 

will perform these works joined by 

special guests Desirée Ruhstrat and 

David Cunliffe of the Lincoln Trio. 

The musicians will be signing CDs 

following the performance. 

Reserved seating. 

$18 | $10 for Spertus members | $8 for students and Spertus alumni 


The musical program will include new pieces based on traditional 

Sephardic melodies as well as a work based on The Tumblers, 

a short story by award-winning writer Nathan Englander. 

This project was born of profound personal discovery for Eugenia Moliner 

(who is from Spain) and Denis Azabagic (from Bosnia), when both found 

out as adults that their families descended from Spanish Jews. 

Brookdale Lake Shore Drive Senior Living Solutions 

is the Silver Performance Sponsor of this event.

Critical Acclaim for Cavatina Duo 

This “flute-and-guitar duo… is generally 

considered to be the best of them” 

— New York Magazine 

Learning 

They worked a kind of magic 

with their instruments… the 

collaborative powers of this 

couple are extraordinary 

— Chicago Sun-Times News 



Guest Performers Desirée Ruhstrat, violin, and David Cunliffe, 

cello, have performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, 

and in Europe, Asia, and South America. 

17 


Nominated for 

the Prix Europa 

Chicago Premiere 

BRUNDIBAR 

Revisited 

Directed by Douglas Wolfsperger. 

90 minutes. German with English subtitles. 

This program is made possible with support 

from the Bernard and Rochelle Zell Center for 

Holocaust Studies at Spertus Institute.

Brundibar Revisited 

Thursday, May 5 at 7 pm 

In observance of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) 

An important and 

exceptional documentary 

Berliner Ratschlag 

Für Demokratie 

This story has to be heard 

Anne Frank Center, Berlin 

A film that goes 

straight to the soul 

Schwabische Zeitung 

The children’s opera Brundibar was 

performed more than 50 times in 

1943 and 1944 by Jewish children 

imprisoned at Theresienstadt. These 

performances were abused by the 

Nazis as propaganda, yet for those in 

the camp, Brundibar’s simple story 

came to symbolize hope for the victory 

of good over evil. 

In this deeply moving new film, 

Brundibar is selected for a Berlin-based 

theater group of young people who 

live on the fringes of society. Members 

travel to Theresienstadt to learn about 

the extreme conditions under which the 

opera debuted, accompanied by Greta 

Klingsberg, one of the few survivors of 

the original cast. She takes the young actors on a journey back in time, forcing 

them to rethink their attitudes about German history and about themselves. 

Stay for a post-show discussion with Dr. Kenneth Pargament, a leading figure 

on the study of religion and resilience. In his research, writing, and clinical 

practice, he focuses on the ways trauma impacts people psychologically, 

socially, and physically—and on the ways spirituality can help. 

Members of the youth theater company at Schaubühne Berlin 

preparing for their performance of Brundibar. 

Greta Klingsberg (far left) was deported to Theresienstadt at age 

thirteen. Suddenly all alone, music helped her to momentarily escape 

the terrible reality of the camp. About performing in Brundibar, she said, 

“I was always afraid of the unknown, but when standing on stage, I 

could enter a totally different world.” After liberation, Greta immigrated 

to Jerusalem and studied voice at the Jerusalem Conservatoire. She is 

responsible for the translation of the Brundibar libretto into Hebrew. 

Learning 





19 


This is the Spertus Institute 2016 

Alex and Klara Tulsky Presentation on the Jewish Future. 

Images, clockwise from top: Knocked Up, This Is Where I Leave You, 

Homeland, and You Don’t Mess with the Zohan.

Film, Television, 

and the American 

Jewish Story 

Sunday, May 22 at 2 pm 

As American Jewish writers, directors, and producers have become 

increasingly comfortable with their heritage, an unprecedented 

number of television shows and movies spotlight Jewish 

protagonists, experiences, and challenges. Join Dr. Eric Goldman 

for an exploration of the evolving social, political, and cultural 

situation of American Jews, seen through the lens of film and TV. 

Dr. Goldman will be discussing 

the films and shows pictured 

here—and many more. 

Dr. Eric Goldman is Adjunct 

Professor of Cinema at Yeshiva 

University, founder of Ergo 

Media, and author, most 

recently, of American Jewish Story 

through the Cinema. In 2014, he 

joined Robert Osborne on the 

Turner Classic Movies television 

network to co-host the monthlong 

series, The Projected Image: 

The Jewish Experience on Film. 



21 

Learning 




Midwest 

Jewish 

Artists Lab 

The Midwest Jewish Artists Lab 

is supported by a grant from 

the Covenant Foundation. 

An interview with 

artist Dimitri Pavlotsky 

This past summer, Spertus Institute 

announced the Chicago launch of the 

Midwest Jewish Artists Lab. Spertus 

believes arts and culture are critical 

components of a vibrant Jewish 

community. The Lab addresses the 

need to broaden the impact of the arts 

in Jewish life, helping foster community 

and inspire new work. 

Assistant Editor Joanna Rothenberg 

interviewed participating artist Dimitri 

Pavlotsky, who originally hails from 

Moscow and now lives in Logan Square.

Applications are now being accepted for the second Chicago 

cohort of the Midwest Artists Lab. Information at spertus.edu/lab 

Learning 

JR: How did you hear about the 

Midwest Artists Lab and what are you 

finding useful about the program? 

DP: I heard about it through 

Facebook. My friend saw it and 

correctly thought it was right up my 

alley. I have this need to be a part of 

a “tribe”—whether that be a tribe of 

artists, immigrants, or Jews. The Lab 

is exactly the niche I was looking for. 

JR: Speaking of immigrants, we’ve 

focused our public programing 

over the last few months on the 

experience of Soviet Jews, and 

found for many that their Soviet 

background continued to inform their 

identity. Has that been true for you? 

DP: Being Soviet is my character. 

I immigrated to the United States 

in 1989 when I was 26 years old. 

My interest in my background 

subsided after the Cold War, but 

through my work with the Artists 

Lab it has perked back up. 

Soviets are wary of any establishment 

that claims to want to help 

shape our ideology. On the other 

hand, this institution [Spertus] 

wants to help. In Moscow, we didn’t 

practice anything—especially 

Judaism. I remember coming home 

from school once and saw a box of 

matzo on the table. In retrospect, 

I realize it was probably Passover 

but back then I had no idea. 

By the time I arrived here, I was 

already shaped by the Soviets. My 

education there was great [Dimitri 

studied at the Moscow School of 

Architecture] but I didn’t realize 

how deprived I was as a child by not 

practicing Judaism. Here it’s quite 

a different atmosphere. I decide; 

not some system already in place. 

JR: Where have you exhibited? 

DP: My first large show was at the 

Chabad in Bucktown. I have also 

exhibited with the Chicago Artists 

Coalition and at Studio Oh! 

JR: Tell me about your work, 

Young Gardener (shown left). 

DP: It’s a painting based off a work 

from the 19th century by Orest 

Kiprensky. In the original painting, 

the man was drawn with smooth skin 

and looked quite relaxed…I thought 

the earlier work didn’t properly 

represent current life. Life is filled 

with anguish so I went with jerky 

moves and compulsive strokes. 

JR: Recently you added a 

performance element to your 

work, filming yourself as you 

paint. Where did this come from? 

DP: I discovered it by accident. I’ve 

always felt I’ve had more energy than 

the average person and I wanted 

to share it. At first I was hesitatant 

to film myself, worrying it would be 

inhibiting, but instead it was the 

opposite—I became more disciplined 

because every move was captured. 

The energy doesn’t just come from 

my hands but from my entire body. 

New work by Dimitri Pavlotsky 

and the other artists participating 

in the Chicago cohort of the 

Midwest Artists Lab will go on 

display at Spertus this fall. 

To learn more about the project, read 

the full version of this interview, 

and see a video of Dimitri at 

work, visit spertus.edu/lab 

23 




Spice Containers (Besamim) from 

the Spertus Institute Collection. 

Learn about them online. 

Yiddish typewriter used by Chicago 

journalist Morris Indritz, Corona 

Typewriter Company, ca. 1920, 

Spertus Institute Collection. 

Learn about it online. 

In the vestibule, see this major 

work by Irving Petlin, who was 

raised in Wicker Park and now, 

still painting in his ninth decade, 

lives and works in Paris.

Learning 

Collection Highlights 

Online 

Highlights from Spertus Institute’s collection can now be 

viewed online—allowing you to explore treasures of Jewish 

art and material culture. Browse objects by themes, view 

them by category, or search by keyword. Take a closer look 

with high-resolution photography and multimedia clips. 

This project is funded by a grant from the Spitz Foundation. 

Visit collection.spertus.edu 

On Display 

While we prepare for the Midwest Jewish Artists Lab show 

coming this fall (see pages 22 and 23), a selection of art from 

the Spertus collection is on display in locations throughout our 

building. When you visit for programs, classes, or research, pick 

up a free self-guided tour to learn about the unique architecture 

of the Spertus building and about the artwork on view. 

Exhibits at Spertus Institute are supported in part 

by the Harry and Sadie Lasky Foundation. 

25 




Asher Library 

Resources 

Hours 

Sunday 12–4 pm 

Monday–Thursday 4–6:30 pm 

Closed Fridays, Saturdays, and 

Jewish and secular holidays. 

Check spertus.edu for 

new hours starting in July. 

As a Spertus student or member, you can: 

Select books, DVDs, and CDs from 

the Asher Library’s online catalog 

and have them ready for pick-up at 

the Spertus front desk any time the 

building is open—no parking necessary! 

We’ll also be happy to send them to 

you by mail (shipping fee required). 

Have online access to vast 

digital libraries of classic Jewish 

texts: Bible, Talmud, Midrash, 

commentaries, ethics, and mysticism, 

many in English translation. 

Access the full text of articles in over 

8,700 journals covering liberal arts and 

sciences, education, and business, 

including many of the most important 

scholarly and popular publications on 

Jewish thought, history, and culture. 

Request that a journal article or book 

chapter from the Library’s collection 

be scanned and sent to you. 

Request an interlibrary loan for a 

book or article we don’t have. 

Email resources@spertus.edu or call 312.322.1712 to avail yourself of these 

services, for help in navigating the online resources, or just to ask a question. 

To become a Spertus member, vist donate.spertus.edu/membership 

Is there a book or film we are missing, or a service you would like to see? 

Please tell us about it. We’d love to hear from you. 

26

Our year-end sale was so successful 

that it’s on again through Passover! 

Spertus 

Shop 

Learning 

Chicago’s go-to place 

for all things Jewish 

Mary Jureck Seder Plate, 

on sale for $187 

Your purchases support Spertus 

programs, helping foster Jewish culture 

and education. The Spertus Shop is 

endowed by George and Mae Bariff. 

Planning 

a Party? 

Visit VenueSIX10.com 

or call 312.322.1725 

Order online at 

shop.spertus.edu 

or call toll-free 

888.322.1740 

Free ground shipping 

on orders over $100. 

Hours 

Thursday 10 am – 6 pm 

Friday 10 am – 3 pm 

Sunday 10 am – 5 pm 

Passover 2016 

begins at sundown 

on April 22 and runs 

through April 30. 

Events at Spertus 

Institute are managed by 

Venue SIX10, selected a 

“Best Event Space 2015” 

by Crain’s Chicago Business. 

Stunning panoramic views. 

400-seat theater, state-of-the-art 

breakout rooms, and expansive 

open-floor-plan event spaces, 

all under one roof. 

Silver LEEDs certified, perfect for 

when you’re keeping it green. 



Choose from a select 

group of Chicago’s finest 

caterers, with both kosher 

and non-kosher options. 

Impeccable service and 

skilled on-site staff. 

27 


When you support 

Spertus Institute, you foster 

vibrant Jewish communities 

and an enduring Jewish future! 

Every Spertus Institute course, program, production, and presentation is 

made possible by charitable donations from individuals like you. 

Memberships and contributions sustain Jewish learning and culture, 

cultivate community leadership, and foster the vitality of Jewish life. 

Join, renew, or donate at donate.spertus.edu 

Members receive program and shop discounts and a 

range of other perks. See list of benefits online. 

Call 312.322.1777 to discuss giving options or join or renew by phone. 

Thank you to our growing list of 

sponsors and business partners. 

You, too, can be on this list. Contact Ellen Hattenbach, Spertus Vice President 

of External Relations, at ehattenbach@spertus.edu to learn how.

Trustee Profile 

Jerry, Ruth, Bruce, and Barbie Hecktman on the Wilkow Family Terrace at Spertus Institute. 

Spertus Institute is very pleased to announce the appointment of Bruce Hecktman 

as Treasurer of the Spertus Board of Trustees. Bruce, who in his day job is President 

of Millbrook Real Estate Company, brings impressive expertise to this important 

volunteer leadership position—particularly in finance and asset management. He 

also continues a proud family tradition for which Spertus is extremely grateful: He 

is a second generation Spertus Trustee, serving alongside his father, Jerry, as one of 

two father-son pairs on the Spertus board. (The other: Philip and Michael Spertus.) 

We took this occasion to question Bruce about life, leadership, and his 

generous work on behalf of Spertus and the Jewish community. 

Spertus: Your parents have long 

been involved with Spertus. Do 

you remember your first contact? 

BH: I was among their guests at 

the opening of the new building in 

2007. I was extremely impressed— 

with the building, of course, but 

even more so with the capability 

and energy of the organization. 

Spertus: What made you 

want to be involved? 

BH: Most importantly the Spertus 

mission, because the work Spertus 

does is an investment in the future 

of the Chicago Jewish community. 

From a personal standpoint, my 

grandfather was a rabbi on the 

southwest side of Chicago from the 

1930s to the 1970s. Knowing what 

he endured—the discrimination and 

antisemitism that he faced—made 

me realize how important it is to give 

back to the Jewish community. 

Spertus: What is the role of a Trustee 

for an organization like Spertus, and 

why is it important for business leaders 

like yourself to share their expertise 

with mission-driven organizations? 

BH: Trustees provide guidance and 

support, both financial and through 

their expertise. Those with business 

experience bring ideas and leadership 

skills from the corporate world and use 

them to ensure that a nonprofit like 

Spertus continuously incorporates best 

practices and strategies that enhance 

the ways it serves the community. 

Spertus: Tell me about your kids 

(because we want to be ready in 

2036 or so when they are ready to 

serve on the Spertus Board). 

BH: My daughter will soon be 

graduating from The Ohio State 

University, and my son is a sophomore 

at Washington University in St.Louis. 

So yes, 2036 seems just about right. 

29 

Learning 

Leadership Arts & Culture News Resources 

Events 


Calendar 

March 2016 

Wednesday, March 16 

6 pm Master Class Begins: 

Personal Branding 

P11 

Thursday, March 17 

6:30 pm Jewish Manuscript 

Illumination 

P15 

Tuesday, March 22 

6:30 pm American Synagogues 

and Jewish Identity 

P15 

Thursday, March 31 

6:30 pm The Case of the Missing 

Kiddush Cup 

P15 

April 2016 

Wednesday, April 13 

9 am Grantwriting Workshop 

P11 

Sunday, April 17 

2 pm Sephardic Journey 

P17 

Friday, April 22 

3 pm Spertus closes 

for Erev Passover 

Sunday, April 24 

Spertus closed 

for Passover 

Thursday, April 28 

3 pm Spertus closes 

for Passover 

Friday, April 29 


for Passover 

May 2016 

Wednesday, May 4 

5:30 pm Cultivating Sacred Moments 

P6 

Thursday, May 5 

Yom Hashoah (Holocaust 

Remembrance Day) 

7 pm Brundibar Revisted 

P19 

Thursday, May 12 

9 am Fundraising for 

Nonprofit Organizations 

P11 

Sunday, May 22 

2 pm Film, Television, and the 

American Jewish Story 

P21 

Sunday, May 29 

Asher Library & Spertus Shop 

closed for the day 

Monday, May 30 


for Memorial Day 

June 2016 

Sunday, June 5 

Greater Chicago 

Jewish Festival 

Sunday, June 12 


for Shavuot 

Monday, June 13 


for Shavuot 

July 2016 

Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4 


for Independence Day

Learning 




Spertus Institute 

brings three renowned 

Jewish art experts 

to Evanston for a series 

on Jewish culture. 

Begins March 17. 

See P15 

Nonprofit Org. 

U.S. Postage 

PAID 

Permit No. 7320 

Chicago, Illinois

Spertus Institute Spring 2016 News & Events

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