Spertus College

Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership stands as a distinguished private, not-for-profit graduate institution dedicated to advancing Jewish knowledge and fostering community leaders. With a rich history spanning nearly a century, Spertus provides a unique academic environment for students passionate about deepening their understanding of Jewish culture, history, and contemporary issues. Its intimate setting, serving around 130 students, ensures a personalized and deeply engaging educational journey for aspiring scholars and professionals.

Established in 1924 as Chicago's College of Jewish Studies, the institution has continuously evolved to meet the needs of its community. Its transformation into Spertus College in 1970 honored the philanthropic contributions of brothers Maurice and Herman Spertus, marking a significant milestone in its development. Subsequent name changes to Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies in 1993 and finally to Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in 2013 reflect its expanding mission to cultivate both profound scholarship and practical leadership skills within the Jewish world.

Spertus boasts a remarkable academic legacy, having hosted and nurtured some of the most brilliant minds. During and after World War II, it became a haven for renowned refugee scholars from Nazi-occupied Europe, including figures like Dr. Fritz Bamberger, Simon Rawidowicz, and Nahum N. Glatzer, who significantly shaped the field of Jewish Studies. More recently, the institute has been a platform for influential voices, from Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and author Jonathan Safran Foer to Nobel Laureates Elie Wiesel and Isaac Bashevis Singer, and even statistician Nate Silver. This tradition of intellectual excellence and impactful dialogue ensures that Spertus remains at the forefront of Jewish thought and leadership development.