spertus institute fall 2015 calendar of events

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News | Courses | Calendar | September – November 2015 | spertus.edu A Backpack, a Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka This year’s One Book | One Community selection, by Lev Golinkin is an “awesome, intercontinental whirlwind, funny and smart” P21 How Great Leaders Create Great Places to Work Join us for a rare Chicago appearance of Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, the lecturer Harvard students lined up to hear P9 Why is Martin Buber important today? A two-day symposium—held in partnership with the University of Chicago—explores the answers P19 Visions of Maxwell Street P27 Check Out Our Fall Schedule of Workshops and Online Courses P13

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Page 1: Spertus Institute Fall 2015 Calendar of Events

News | Courses | Calendar | September – November 2015 | spertus.edu

A Backpack, a Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka This year’s One Book | One Community selection, by Lev Golinkin is an “awesome, intercontinental whirlwind, funny and smart” P21

How Great Leaders Create Great Places to WorkJoin us for a rare Chicago appearance of Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, the lecturer Harvard students lined up to hear P9

Why is Martin Buber important today?A two-day symposium—held in partnership with the University of Chicago—explores the answers P19

Visions of Maxwell Street P27

Check Out Our Fall Schedule of Workshops and Online Courses P13

Page 2: Spertus Institute Fall 2015 Calendar of Events

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, concerts, and exhibits—at the Institute’s Michigan Avenue facility, in the Chicago suburbs, and online.

Discount Parking $11 with Spertus validation at:

at the Essex Inn 8th Street and Michigan (2 blocks south of Spertus). Enter on 8th between Michigan and Wabash.

We love to hear from you. To reach us, visit spertus.edu, email us at [email protected], or call our general line at 312.322.1700 to be directed to the information you need. Our box office line is open Monday–Thursday 9 am–5 pm and Friday 9 am–12 pm at 312.322.1773.

Programs and events take place at Spertus Institute, 610 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, unless otherwise indicated.

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.

Spertus Institute is closed to the public on Saturdays and these upcoming holidays:

To learn about Jewish holidays visit spertus.edu/holidays.

Labor Day Closed September 7.

Rosh Hashanah Open until 3 pm on September 13.

Closed September 14 and 15.

Yom Kippur Open until 1 pm on September 22.

Closed September 23.

Sukkot Open until 3pm on September 27.

Closed September 28 and 29.

Shemini Atzert and Simchat Torah Open until 3 pm on October 4.

Closed October 5 and 6.

Thanksgiving Closed November 26 and 27.

Printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper.

Cover image: Martin Buber from Andy Warhol’s Ten Portraits of Jews of the

Twentieth Century. Print series, Spertus Institute Collection. See page 19.

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

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Letter from Spertus President and CEO Dr. Hal M. Lewis P4

36 under 36 P6

Introducing Ellen Hattenbach, Spertus Vice President for External Relations P7

Mazel Tov to Recipients of Certificates in Adult Jewish Learning and Jewish Arts Education P10

Global Learning P15

In Memorium: Rabbi Dr. Byron L. Sherwin P17

Rosh Hashanah P30

professional development from the center for jewish leadership

How Great Leaders Create Great Places to Work P9

Certificate in Jewish Leadership P11

Community Mentoring P12

Workshops and Online Courses P13

Grantwriting Fundraising A Biblical Approach to Mental Health

degree programs

Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies P15

Graduate Programs in Jewish Studies P16

public programs and events

Martin Buber: Philosopher of Dialogue P19

One Book | One Community 2015 A Backpack, a Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka

Meet Lev Golinkin at Author Events in Highland Park and at Spertus P21

Guardians of Remembrance P23

Birobidzhan: A Forgotten Jewish Homeland in Siberia P24

ongoing

Collection Highlights P26

New Ground Floor Exhibit: From Maxwell Street to Milwaukee Avenue P27

Asher Library P29

Spertus Shop P30

Contents

Follow Spertus on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to get exclusive updates, invites, and discounts.

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letter from the president

100 Blessings

In Judaism, we have a tradition known as meah brahot—100 Blessings. This refers to the practice of reciting 100 benedictions a day, benedictions that express thankfulness for things ranging from the food we eat to our health. Whether one takes this idea literally or metaphorically, there is something powerful about regularly articulating a sense of gratitude for the manifold blessings we have received. The start of a new year offers a particularly poignant opportunity to do just that.

As Spertus President, there are many reasons I am grateful at the start of 5776. Our student enrollments are growing—evidence of interest in Jewish Studies around the globe and a resounding vote of confidence in the caliber of our faculty. With increasing frequency, Jewish organizations across North America are turning to Spertus Institute for help in the training and development of their volunteer and professional leadership. Our partner in community building, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, continues to support our work and recently asked us to assume responsibility for a major community-wide initiative focused on adult Jewish learning. Individual donors and foundations, both locally and nationally, have come to recognize the unprecedented nature of what we do. Their funding allows us to expand our efforts as we seek to transform North American Jewish life by preparing quality leaders to respond to a rapidly changing Jewish world.

I am grateful to work with an esteemed group of professional colleagues, who embody the twin beliefs that a learning Jewish community is a vibrant Jewish community and that great Jewish communities need great Jewish leaders. This past year, Spertus lost a teacher and mentor

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Dr. Hal M. Lewis is President and CEO of Spertus Institute.

Read The Leading Edge, Dr. Hal M. Lewis’ blog about Jewish leadership, at spertus.edu/the-leading-edge.

who illustrated these beliefs, Rabbi Dr. Byron L. Sherwin, who served Spertus for 45 years. (For more about him, see page 17.) His impact on our institution cannot be overstated. May his memory be for a blessing.

In addition to our faculty and staff, Spertus is also blessed with a dedicated Board of Trustees. Their talents and passion for our work know no bounds. They care deeply about our students, visitors, and patrons.

Normally, I would be hesitant to single out any individual from among this devoted group—because all are instrumental to our success. But this year I am pleased to make an exception. At our August 30 commencement ceremony, where students from every one of our Masters and Doctoral degree programs will receive diplomas, Spertus will award a Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, to Marc Wilkow. Marc is a longtime trustee and past Chairman of the Spertus Board. In recent years, he stepped forward to provide unparalleled leadership as we were forced to address complicated financial issues associated with the recession that began shortly after we moved into our new building. With assistance from the Jewish Federation, Marc led a team of Spertus trustees and staff through an extremely challenging period. He did so with humility and grace, impressive energy, and great wisdom, all while running his own business and remaining active in other communal activities. The bestowing of an honorary doctorate is the highest honor an institution of higher learning can give. Marc Wilkow is a one-of-a-kind leader, and we are enormously grateful to count him as a colleague and trustee. On behalf of his many friends and admirers, I thank him for all that he has done in support of Jewish learning and leadership.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who participate in Spertus programming, visit our exhibits and collections, and make Spertus an important part of their journey. May you and those you love be blessed with a year of good health and happiness. You are the reason we do what we do.

L’shana tova tikateivu. Best wishes for a sweet new year.

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Tal RosenScott Frankel Aleeza Lubin

Lia Lehrer Michael Waitz Anna Gorbikoff

Mazel Tov!In July, OyChicago.com selected 36 Jewish professionals under age 36 (double chai) who are paving the way for the future. Congratulations to all selected, with special shout-outs to Tal Rosen, Director of the Center for Jewish Leadership at Spertus Institute, as well as Spertus alumni Lia Lehrer, Aleeza Lubin, and Michael Waitz, and Spertus MAJPS students Scott Frankel and Anna Gorbikoff (all pictured below). Kudos also to Spertus faculty members Jacob Cytryn and David Perkel. Read more at oychicago.com/36under36.

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Spertus Institute Welcomes Professional Strategy Expert and Community Leader Ellen Hattenbach to its Senior TeamHattenbach joins Spertus Institute’s staff as Vice President for External Relations.

She comes to her new position with corporate, association, and consulting expertise

paired with extensive nonprofit board experience. Prior positions include Director of Strategic Marketing for Frost, Ruttenberg & Rothblatt; National Director of Marketing at the American Bar Association; and Strategy Director in the Legal Services Group of Pricewaterhouse Coopers, where she received the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Community Service.

As a fundraiser and community leader, her work has focused on areas important to the Jewish community. She served for 13 years as a Jewish United Fund Trustee, chaired the Jewish United Fund’s Division for Trades, Industries & Professions—as well other important JUF initiatives—and she serves as Vice-Chair for the Jewish Community Relations Council Domestic Affairs Commission. She is a graduate of the Certificate in Jewish Leadership program, which Spertus Institute presents in partnership with Northwestern University, and she recently served on the Spertus Institute Board of Trustees.

Spertus President and CEO Dr. Hal M. Lewis described Hattenbach’s appointment in the context of the Spertus story at this point in time. “After working with our partners at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, our dedicated Board of Trustees, a fabulous team of staff and faculty, and generous donors to whom we are extremely grateful, Spertus Institute has turned an important corner,” he explained.

“In the aftermath of the recession, we faced a precari-ous financial situation, but we sharpened our mission, balanced our budget, and renewed our commitment to building vibrant Jewish communities through Jewish learning and the training of Jewish leaders.”

“As proud as we are of what we achieved,” he con-tinued, “we know that many are still unaware of the

transformative impact of our work. As a former student, Ellen Hattenbach knows this first-hand. She also knows the Jewish community—and possesses the exper-tise to help strengthen our organization and further advance the work we do.”

About her new role, Hattenbach said, “Spertus has had a profound effect on my pro-fessional and spiritual development. I can say with confidence that Spertus Institute is an exceptional organization. I have yet to find another that brings the same passion and skill to the important work of sharing Jewish wisdom and shaping Jewish leaders.”

“She knows the Jewish community—and possesses the expertise to help strengthen our organization and further advance the work we do.”

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The Center for Jewish Leadership is supported by generous grants from the Crown Family and an anonymous foundation.

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special eventSunday, November 1 from 1 to 4 pm

How Great Leaders Create Great Places to WorkJoin us for a rare Chicago appearance of Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, the lecturer Harvard students lined up to hear.

Dr. Ben-Shahar will share groundbreaking research and trailblazing insights on how employers and employees can significantly improve workplace satisfaction and performance. He will highlight best practices from institutions that have successfully helped staff find purpose in their work and have established lasting patterns of personal and organizational growth.

Theory to Practice: Making Your Own Workplace GreatAfter an intermission, Dr. Ben-Shahar will transition from the philosophy of positive workplaces to the real-world steps you can take to make your business, organization, start-up, or agency a great place to work.

Who Should Attend

Tal Ben-Shahar is a teacher, author, organizational psychologist, and entrepreneur. He taught the most popular course at Harvard, Positive Psychology, as well as the

hugely successful The Psychology of Leadership. Today, he consults and lectures around the world on topics including leadership, happiness, education, innovation, ethics, and resilience. His passions are improving lives, workplaces, and communities. His books—The Pursuit of Perfect, Being Happy, Happier, and Choose the Life You Want—have been translated into more than 25 languages

and have appeared on bestseller lists around the world.

Dr. Ben-Shahar has his PhD in Organizational Behavior and BA in Philosophy and Psychology from Harvard University. He lives with his family in Israel.

$18 | $10 for Spertus Members | $8 for students and Spertus alumni Groups of ten or more get the member price, so bring your colleagues, trustees, partners, and employees. Buy tickets online at spertus.edu or call 312.322.1773.

This symposium is the inaugural event in Spertus Institute’s year-long Great Places to Work Initiative.

Nonprofit Executives and Professionals Directors and Department Heads Community Leaders and Trustees Corporate Execs HR Professionals Attorneys

Consultants Clergy Entrepreneurs Emerging Leaders Anyone who cares about

building better workplaces

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Recipients of the Certificate in Jewish Arts EducationSamantha Brick, Chicago Park District and Temple Emanuel Educ

Sara EtsHokin, Solomon Schechter

Laura Frisch, Congregation Solel

Judith Joseph, Congregation Hakafa

Paulette Herbstman, Bayit Afterschool

Elisheva Klein, Keshet

Shalom Klein, Rogers Park Community Development and Jewish B2B Networking

Jaime Lake, Camp Chi

Ruti Modlin, The Art Center–Highland Park (TAC) and CBS Hebrew School

Laura Roth, Bayit Afterschool

Rebecca Rubin, JRC

Susie Wexler, BJBE Early Childhood Center (Chava Center)

Alissa Zuchman, Congregation Sukkat Shalom

Funding in part by a grant from the Charles & M.R. Shapiro Foundation.

Recipients of the Certificate in Adult Jewish LearningAbby Ashkenazi, Jewish Community Center

Kayla Avraham, Davar Skokie

Dr. Dean P. Bell, Spertus Institute

Leann Blue, Congregation Beth Shalom

Rolly Cohen, Board of Jewish Education

Marci Dickman, Beth Emet

Ali Drumm, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El

Vanessa Ehrlich, Lakeside Congregation

Marcie Eskin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El

Stacey Flint, Spertus Instiute

Diane Halivni, Bayit Evanston

Shalom Klein, Rogers Park Community Development and Jewish B2B Networking

Tracey Lipsig Kite, Jewish Child and Family Services

Lori Sagarin, Temple Beth Israel

Eve Samson, Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

Beth Schenker, Spertus Institute

Anita Silvert, Chai Mitzvah Foundation

Paula Spitz, Board of Jewish Education

Merle Tovian, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El

Ilene Uhlmann, Jewish Community Center

Supported in part by a grant from the CFJE in partnership with JUF.

Mazel Tov!We are thrilled to recognize the graduates of the inaugural cohorts of Spertus Institute’s Certificates in Jewish Arts Education and Adult Jewish Learning.

We look forward to the success of these talented participants, whose roles reflect the wide range of programs that support Chicago’s Jewish community.

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Certificate in Jewish Leadership 2015 Recipient Peter Bensinger, Jr. found the program “a tremendously valuable experience.”Peter is a Partner at Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar and Scott LLP and a Trustee at Spertus Institute, Lurie Children’s Research Institute, and Chicago Sinai Congregation. Photo by Dan Rest.

certificate program

Certificate in Jewish LeadershipSponsored by Spertus Institute in partnership with Northwestern University (and jointly taught by faculty from both), this exciting offering serves both professionals and lay leaders who work for and with Jewish organizations.

Through lectures and group work, participants learn to be skillful supervisors, manage change, and cultivate their own personal leadership styles. The program includes mentoring with established Jewish community leaders.

Fall session begins October 11, 2015. Scholarships available. Find out more at spertus.edu/certificate

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Community Mentoring Are you hankering for help developing your skills or in need of a dose of professional inspiration?

The Community Mentoring Project, an initiative from the Center for Jewish Leadership at Spertus Institute, brings together current and future Jewish organizational leaders, fostering professional growth and sharing community knowledge and expertise.

Available to those in paid positions with Chicago-area institutions that serve the Jewish community. Each selected applicant will be paired with a seasoned professional from outside their organization for one-on-one mentoring sessions.

Participation is free. Space is limited. Apply by October 30 at spertus.edu/CommunityMentoring

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Workshops and Online CoursesOpen to all. Register online at spertus.edu or call 312.322.1773.

day-long workshops$149 | $129 for Spertus members, students, and alumni 10% discount when signing up for both workshops. Price includes morning coffee and kosher lunch

Wednesday, October 14 from 9 am to 4 pm Grantwriting

Learn to research funders, frame project goals in relation to grant guidelines, and compete in the funding process. This popular workshop is taught by Dr. Karin Baird, Advisor, Faculty Chair, and Director of the Spertus Master of Science in Nonprofit Management degree program.

Tuesday, November 10 from 9 am to 4 pm Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations

This introduction to the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement an organizational fundraising plan is taught by fundraising expert Dr. Laura Mannion, Director of Development for the Franciscan Alliance Foundation and a member of the Spertus Institute faculty.

Online CourseContinuing Education Credits available.

Begins Wednesday, September 16 Biblical Approach to Mental Health

The secular nature of contemporary psychology has long been at odds with the beliefs of patients who find strength in religious traditions. This online course—offered by University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, in collaboration with Spertus Institute—teaches clinicians, chaplains, counselors, and students how to bridge these differences by using biblical narratives in partnership with traditional clinical approaches. Taught by Dr. Kalman Kaplan and Dr. Paul Cantz.

The Center for Jewish Leadership is supported by generous grants from the Crown Family and an anonymous foundation.

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Wanted Worldwide.

The career-boosting, community-building Jewish education that’s launching a new generation of Jewish leaders.

Do you work for a Jewish organization?

Want to work in the Jewish community?

Have staff members who deserve an opportunity to grow as Jewish professionals?

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Wanted Worldwide.

The career-boosting, community-building Jewish education that’s launching a new generation of Jewish leaders.

The Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies (MAJPS)First piloted in Chicago in 2008, the MAJPS has proved so meaningful for graduates and the organizations they serve that the program is sought after by Jewish communities worldwide. Citywide cohorts are now being offered around the US and national cohorts are underway in Canada and Israel.

Non-traditional programs geared toward busy, working adults Emphasis on application of learning Distinguished faculty Professional mentoring as a component of the program

The next Chicago MAJPS cohort begins in October. Scholarships are available.

Find your application at spertus.edu/majps

Interested in Learning More? Contact Director of Enrollment Stacey Flint, who will meet you to discuss your goals and share how the Spertus MAJPS program can accelerate your career or empower your staff. Reach her at [email protected] or 312.322.1707.

Going Global: Spertus Students from Israel and Canada Join Chicago Peers for a Week of Cross-Cultural LearningEarlier this year, students from Spertus Institute’s first Israeli cohort of the MAJPS program (shown above) joined their peers from Canada and Chicago for a week of learning. They visited local agencies, studied the American Jewish community, and celebrated at a President’s Dinner held by Dr. Hal M. Lewis for students, faculty, and community leaders.

MAJPS Israel: Back row (left to right): Ela Hatzav, Keren Siksik, Yulie Khromchenco, Svetlana Blekher, Rotem Yehoshua, Lana Zilberman Soloway, Founding MAJPS Director Dr. Barry Chazan, Nimrod Ran, Shany Katzev, and Director of Shorashim Michal Tamim. Front row (left to right): Omer Tulchinsky, Lior Chacham, Nadav Savaia, Helutz and Democratic College Director Yotam Tron, and Doron Sherf.

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Jewish StudiesAdvanced Scholarship. Inspiration. Wisdom. Jewish Studies Graduate Programs at Spertus Institute are designed for students who seek to explore the breadth of the Jewish experience through advanced scholarship. Students study important texts and learn to work with rigorous academic methodologies in areas most meaningful to them.

Masters and Doctoral programs offered in Chicago and through Distance Learning.

Advanced exploration into Jewish history and thought Learning for personal meaning and enrichment Onsite and online course offerings Excellent academic advising Development of critical thinking skills to foster a lifetime of learning Acclaimed international faculty

Find out more at spertus.edu/JewishStudies

I am enrolled in Spertus Institute’s MA in Jewish Studies to broaden my knowledge of the vast history of Jewish civilization. I want to set an example for my children and grandchildren: You are never too old to learn.

—JOel K aufmann, ChiC agO, illinOis

Pursuing my MA in Jewish Studies elevates my credentials while I pursue my passion as an official tour guide to religious sites, both Jewish and Christian, in Rome, Vatican City, and throughout Italy.

— Brenda BOhen, rOme , italy

and ChiC agO, illinOis

Spertus Institute’s doctoral program allows me to focus my research on Judaism’s influence on Western civilization. I am especially interested in how religion shapes family life.

— tre van hatCh, faCult y, Brigham

yOung universit y, PrOvO, utah

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Rabbi Dr. Byron L. Sherwin served Spertus Institute for more than four decades, holding the positions of Director of Doctoral Programs, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Distinguished Service Professor. He was a leading scholar across an impressive array of disciplines.

Dr. Sherwin lost his battle with cancer on May 22, 2015.

Over the past weeks and months, we have heard from friends, colleagues, and former students, all with stories about the man whose interests were as wide-ranging as the areas he studied.

He was an internationally renowned theologian who wrote 32 books, translated into languages including Chinese and Czech. He mentored students as far away as South America and Japan. He was quoted by Nobel prize-winning novelist Isaac Bashevis Singer. He enjoyed Downton Abbey and Blue Bloods. He could discuss politics, bioethics, or the Blackhawks’ quest for the Stanley Cup.

Born in the Bronx, he received his Rabbinical Ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America where he was a protégé of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. He also studied at Columbia University, New York University, and the University of Chicago.

He worked on improving relations between Jews and Catholics, forging friendships with Cardinals Francis George and Joseph Bernardin. He received the Officer’s Order of Merit from the Republic of Poland for his work in interfaith relations.

Spertus President and CEO Dr. Hal M. Lewis—a former student of Dr. Sherwin’s—said, “He challenged us to traverse the bridge between theory and practice, demanding that we bring scholarly sensibilities to our work and realpolitik to our scholarship. His impact on the lives and work of his students will be long remembered.”

Gifts to Spertus Institute in Dr. Sherwin’s memory can be made online or by calling 312.322.1779.

Remembering Rabbi Dr. Byron L. Sherwin 1946–2015

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Martin Buber from Andy Warhol’s Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century. Print series, Spertus Institute Collection. ©The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / Courtesy Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, New York.

This conference is the 2015 Norman Asher Memorial Program.

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conference

Sunday, October 18 from 1 to 6 pm at Spertus Institute

Monday, October 19 from 9 am to 6:30 pm at University of Chicago, Swift Hall, 1025 E 58th St, Chicago

Martin BuberPhilosopher of DialogueIn commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Martin Buber’s death, this two-day conference brings together leading scholars from around the country to generate new questions and reflections about matters at the heart of Buber’s thought.

One of the most profound and influential Jewish philosophers of the twentieth century, Martin Buber articulated his concept of “dialogue” most famously in his 1923 book I and Thou. He continued to develop this concept throughout his life in writings on Hasidism and the Hebrew Bible, philosophy, Christianity, and Zionism. This conference will explore various aspects of his dialogical thought.

Dr. Michael Fishbane of the Divinity School, University of Chicago, will present the October 18 keynote address.

For the full schedule, visit spertus.edu/Buber.

$10 | Free for students with ID Free for University of Chicago and Spertus faculty. Register online at spertus.edu or call 312.322.1773.

Sunday, October 18 from 9 am to 5 pm

Spertus is once again pleased to participate in Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House Chicago. Our colleagues from Krueck + Sexton Architects will be here to share drawings and models from our building’s development.

Free. No reservations needed. Visit architecture.org to learn more.

Sponsored with

University of Chicago Center for Jewish Studies, Divinity School, Martin Marty Center for the Advanced Study of Religion, Franke Institute for the Humanities, University of Chicago Center for International Studies, and the History of Judaism Area Club.

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Debut memoir by young Soviet émigré Lev Golinkin chosen as this year’s Jewish Community One Book selectionFor the fifth year in a row, Spertus Institute is proud to spearhead One Book | One Community, in which a single Jewish book is selected as the focal point of discussions and events across the Greater Chicago Jewish community. The One Book initiative kicks off our community’s celebration of Jewish Book Month.

This year’s book is A Backback, a Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka. Author Lev Golinkin was born in Kharkov, Ukraine in 1980, during the twilight of the Soviet Union, a time of virulent antisemitism. When immigration is briefly possible in response to international pressure, the Golinkins risk everthing to make a new life for Lev and his sister. Years later, Lev, now an American citizen just out of college, retraces his family’s long trek. To offer his thanks, he locates the strangers who helped his family and fought for their freedom, and in the process, gains a new future by better understanding his past.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 6.

Author Lev Golinkin will join us for two special appearances, one at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park at 10:30 am and the second, a celebration tied to the start of Hanukkah, at Spertus Institute at 4:30 pm.

Visit spertus.edu/OneBook to sign up for information.

“A perceptive, unflinching, and unexpectedly funny look at a life sculpted by history.”

—ama zOn Best BOOK Of the mOnth

“[A] hilarious and heartbreaking story of a Jewish family’s escape from oppression....whose drama, hope and heartache Mr. Golinkin captures brilliantly.”

—the ne w yOrK t imes

One Book | One Community

In conjunction with this year’s One Book selection, Spertus presents a series of programs about Jewish life in the former Soviet Union.

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film | discussionThursday, October 29 at 6:30 pm At AMC Northbrook Court 1525 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook

Guardians of RemembranceWitness to the Holocaust in Belarus A story 70 years old, just now coming to light. Spertus Institute is proud to be the screening host for this US Premiere!

The Holocaust in the Soviet Union left many mysteries. It was only after the dismantling of the USSR that efforts towards documentation and commemoration of Soviet Holocaust victims became possible. As head of a project at Yad Vashem, the World Center for Holocaust Research, film director Boris Maftsir set out on a journey to restore the memory of a Holocaust that was all but forgotten.

Stay for a talk with special guest Director Boris Maftsir after the film.

Boris Maftsir was born in Riga, Latvia, and emigrated to Israel in 1971. He has made hundreds of documentaries in an impressive and varied career which includes serving as Director General of the Israel Ministry of Immigration and Absorption, Director General of the Jewish

Agency in charge of Belarus and the Baltic States, and head of the Israel Ministry’s Department of Arts and Culture.

Ticket information at israelifilmchi.org

Presented as part of the 10th Anniversary Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema.

This program is made possible with support from the Bernard and Rochelle Zell Center for Holocaust Studies at Spertus Institute.

In conjunction with this year’s One Book selection (see pages 20-21), Spertus presents a series of programs about Jewish life in the former Soviet Union.

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exhibitSeptember 13, 2015 – January 3, 2016 | 7th Floor

A Gift to BirobidzhanChicago Artists In Support of a Jewish Homeland in SiberiaIn 1937, a group of Jewish artists from Chicago created a portfolio of lithographs to support Jewish settlement in Birobidzhan (also spelled Biro-Bidjan), an autonomous Jewish region established in Siberia as part of the Kremlin’s effort to create an alternative Jewish homeland. Among the fourteen participating artists were notable Chicago modernists Todros Geller, Mitchell Siporin, A. Raymond Katz, David Bekker, and Morris Topchevsky. Spertus Institute is fortunate to have a rare, complete copy of the folio in our collection. It will be on display in conjunction with our exploration of Jewish life in the former Soviet Union.

Above: Workers Family by Mitchell Siporin, Published by L.M. Stein, Chicago, 1937, Spertus Institute Collection, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Iker.

In conjunction with this year’s One Book selection (see pages 20–21), Spertus presents a series of programs about Jewish life in the former Soviet Union.

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lectureSunday, November 15 at 2 pm

Building Zion in Stalin’s RussiaJoin Dr. Jeffrey Veidlinger for an exploration of Birobidzhan as well as other potential homelands proposed in the Soviet Union. Find out why Stalin sought to establish a Jewish enclave near the Chinese border. Learn how the project fit into policies toward Soviet Jews and how the establishment of the State of Israel complicated the purported role of Birobidzhan.

Jeffrey Veidlinger is the Joseph Brodsky Collegiate Professor of History and Judaic Studies and Director of the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Michigan. His most recent book is In the Shadow of the Shtetl: Small-Town Jewish Life in Soviet Ukraine.

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

Buy tickets online at spertus.edu or call 312.322.1773.

This is the 2015 Horwitz Family Lecture in Jewish History, generously endowed by the Horwitz Charitable Fund. It is presented with the AJS.

lectureSunday, November 22 at 2 pm

Jewish Artists in Chicago and the Gift to Birobidzhan

Twelve Chicago artists contributed to the portfolio of 14 works created to raise funds and establish a museum for the Jewish settlement in Birobidzhan. The works ranged from stylistic images of shtetl life to stark representations of Depression-era poverty. Join Susan Weininger to explore how these works offer a window into Chicago’s Jewish artistic community and its commitment to political and social issues.

Susan Weininger is Professor Emerita of Art History at Roosevelt University. She has curated exhibits and written extensively on Chicago artists, particularly those working in the first decades of the twentieth century.

$18 | $10 for Spertus members | $8 for students and Spertus alumni Buy tickets online at spertus.edu or call 312.322.1773.

This program is part of the Solomon Goldman Lecture Series, generously endowed by Rose and the late Sidney Shure.

Above: Workers Family by Mitchell Siporin, Published by L.M. Stein, Chicago, 1937, Spertus Institute Collection, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Iker.

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Harry’s Shoes, mixed aqueous paints and collage on canvas

Collection Highlights Now Online!Spertus Institute Collection Highlights can now be viewed online—allowing you to explore treasures of Jewish art and material culture from your computer, tablet, or phone. Browse objects by theme or search by keyword. Take a closer look with stunning high-resolution photography and engaging multimedia clips. Visit collection.spertus.edu.

This project is funded by grants from Luis and Fortuna Spitz and the Charles & M.R. Shapiro Foundation.

Baghdadi Torah Case, unknown artist, Iraq, 1896

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on exhibitAugust 30, 2015 – January 17, 2016 | 1st Floor Vestibule Gallery

From Maxwell Street to Milwaukee AvenuePainted Portraits of a Chicago Family in the Shoe BusinessHoward Schwartz is both an accomplished artist and an avid family historian. He is the last of four generations to work in his family’s shoe business and has preserved countless artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia documenting his family’s story. This story, like that of many Chicago families, begins its American chapter with merchants on Maxwell Street.

As an artist, Schwartz draws upon his extensive family archive to create richly layered portraits of the past, combining photography, paint, and found objects. Spertus Institute is pleased to present a selection of his works, alongside some of the artifacts that inspired them.

Meet the ArtistJoin us for one of two free gallery talks with artist Howard Schwartz. No reservations required.

Tuesday, October 27 at noon Sunday, January 17 at 1 pm

Exhibit Hours Sunday–Wednesday 10 am – 5 pm Thursday 10 am – 6 pm Friday 10 am – 3 pm Closed to the public on Saturdays and Jewish and secular holidays. (See page 2 for fall holiday schedule.)

Admission is free.

Exhibits at Spertus Institute are supported in part by the Harry and Sadie Lasky Foundation.

Presented in conjunction with

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selected a “Best event space 2015” By crain’s chicago Business.

Our events partner, Venue SIX10 at Spertus Institute, is a premier

corporate meeting and event site. Featuring a 10-story faceted

window wall that provides stunning panoramic views of Chicago’s

skyline, Grant Park, and Lake Michigan, Venue SIX10 offers a variety

of event spaces including a 408-seat theater, state-of-the-art

breakout rooms, and expansive event galleries all under one roof.

With numerous design awards, Silver LEEDs certification,

catering provided by a select group of Chicago’s finest

caterers, and impeccable service, Venue SIX10 delivers

an experience second to none.

your event deserves the Best!

Visit VenueSIX10.com or call 312.322.1725.

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collections

Asher LibraryAs 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 interlibrary loan for a book or article we don’t have. (There are a few.)

Email [email protected] 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, see details on page 31.

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.

Asher Library Hours Sunday 12–4 pm Monday–Thursday 4–6:30 pm Closed Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish and secular holidays.

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Your purchases support Spertus programs, helping foster Jewish culture and education.

The Spertus Shop is endowed by George and Mae Bariff.

Free ground shipping on orders over $100. Michigan Avenue curbside pick-up is available for phone orders. Call in an order and we’ll deliver your purchase to your car window so you don’t have to park! Visit our online store at shop.spertus.edu to order anytime or call toll-free 888.322.1740.

The New Year 5776 begins at sundown on September 13.

Rosh Hashanah is the time of new beginnings, a new season, a blank canvas. Let the Spertus Shop help make your holiday special with gourmet honey, handcrafted

honey dishes, cards, calendars, and more.

Shop online at shop.spertus.edu or visit onsite Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Pomegranate bowl by award-winning designer Mary Jurek, perfect to serve up honey for a sweet new year, $88

Spertus Shop Hours

Thursday 10 am – 6 pm Friday 10 am – 3 pm

Sunday 10 am – 5 pm

Spertus Shop Chicago’s go-to place

for all things Jewish.

Savannah Bee Company Small

Batch Honey, $26

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Amazon Smile. You Shop. Amazon Supports Spertus. Spertus Institute is now an AmazonSmile organization. This means you can help us earn donations when you shop at Amazon!

It’s easy. When you visit smile.amazon.com, you’ll be asked to log in to your Amazon account and select a charity. Search for Spertus Institute and select us. The system will then remember your selection, and every eligible future purchase you make will result in a donation.

Thank you! And happy shopping.

Join UsBecome a

Spertus MemberVisit donate.spertus.edu/membership

or Call 312.322.1777

Online access to the Feinberg eCollection

Library borrowing privileges

10% Spertus Shop discount

Discounts on tickets to performances, lectures, author events, and more

Discounts on mini-courses and workshops

Benefits for two people and a second member card

Online Recognition

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Benefits

Your membership fees directly support extraordinary programs, resources, and opportunities that foster a vibrant, dynamic, and enduring Jewish future.

Membership contributions are 100% tax deductible.

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