Combating Antisemitism

Letter from Dr. Dean P. Bell

Recent studies confirm that there has been an appreciable and troubling increase in antisemitism, along with other forms of bias and hatred.

There is violence and vandalism as well as a rise in disturbing antisemitic stereotypes on social media, in entertainment, and in day-to-day life. Some of these contemporary expressions of antisemitism draw from current political, economic, religious, and social conditions, inflamed by increasing polarization. Some are refracted through the prism of long-standing historical accusations of world conspiracies, economic domination, dubious ethics, and dual loyalties. Combating antisemitism requires understanding our current climate in both an historical and contemporary context, right alongside the development of realworld skills. We must engage and support constituents, leverage communications, develop networks of people and resources, build bridges to those with differing views, and actively and intentionally work towards adaptive change. A Talmudic story tells of an incident in which the Elders were asked: “Is study greater or is action greater?” Rabbi Tarfon answered that action is greater. Rabbi Akiva answered that study is greater. Eventually it was determined that study is greater, but not as an independent value. It is greater because it leads to action. (Babylonian Talmud Kiddushin 40b)

Study and action are both required as we address antisemitism. Indeed, one of the foundations of Spertus Institute’s educational philosophy is the importance of engaging both theory and practice. That is precisely what we are doing in our new Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism (page 7), which launches this January with a cohort of 17 executive directors and senior professionals from organizations across North America. A dozen faculty members with both academic and on-the-ground experience will help our students study and take action to redress the challenging rise of antisemitism.

This year we also focus our annual Critical Conversations event (page 9) on the topic of combating antisemitism, giving you a chance to join our students to hear new ideas, learn from experts, and explore what you can do to make a difference.

Spertus Institute launches certificate program to prepare Jewish communal executives to combat rising antisemitism

According to the Pew Research Center, six-in-ten American Jews report having had a personal experience with antisemitism in the previous year, ranging from seeing antisemitic vandalism to experiencing direct harassment. The ADL tabulated 2,717 antisemitic incidents in the US in 2021, representing a 34% increase from 2020. This is the highest number since ADL began tracking in 1979. In September, a study revealed that Jews in Canada are the most targeted of religious minorities in that country for hate crimes. While Jews comprise only 1% of the population in Canada, they were the victims of 14% of reported hate crimes, reflecting a 47% increase between 2020 and 2021. #combatingantisemitism

Jewish leaders need tools and training to respond to antisemitism. Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism will address this need with the expertise it demands.

The executives accepted to this program will gain important knowledge about the historical and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism, combined with critical skills in community engagement, risk assessment, crisis communications, and alliance building. They will become part of a network of institutional leaders who can leverage each other’s talents, resources, relationships, and support.

We are grateful to the local and national foundations who have come together to support this important initiative and to the skilled faculty joining our team. Hear from four of these experts in this year’s Critical Conversation (see page 9).

We are pleased to announce the inaugural cohort of the Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism

Scott Braswell | CEO, Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County

Melissa Chapman | CEO, JCC East Bay, Berkeley

Tamara Donnenfeld | Director of Lifelong Learning, Temple Beth Am, Miami

Lisa Epstein | Director of JCRC, Jewish Federation of San Antonio

Eileen Freed | Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor

Monica Gebell | Director, Community Relations (JCRC), Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester, Inc.

Debra Grant | Associate Vice President, LiveSecure, Jewish Federations of North America

Jared Isaacson | Executive Director, Cleveland Hillel Foundation

Bob Kaplan | Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council of NY

Judith Levey | Executive Director, Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, Chicago Tina Malka | Director of Antisemitism Education and Associate Director, Israel Action Program, Hillel International

Johanna Novis | Director, Community Mobilization to Combat Antisemitism, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Rabbi David Oler | Rabbi, The New Reform Congregation Kadima, Riverwoods, Illinois Gustavo Rymberg | CEO, Hamilton Jewish Federation, Ontario

Briana Schwarz | Executive Director, University of Miami Hillel

Joyce Shevin | Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, Birmingham Jewish Federation

Jon Warech | Executive Director, Hillel at Florida International University

Next cohort will begin Fall 2023. Visit spertus.edu/LCCA for details.

Critical Conversations is generously funded by the late Eric Joss.

This is Spertus Institute’s annual Alex and Klara Tulsky Presentation on the Jewish Future.

#combatingantisemitism

Monday, February 20 7 pm–8:30 pm central

Critical Conversations is an annual Spertus Institute program inspired by Judaism’s embrace of civil discourse. The series brings together high-profile experts and activists to address the most critical issues of the day.

This year our presenters will focus on antisemitism—its current manifestations and what can be done to combat it, both within and beyond Jewish communities.

Join us in person or online. In person tickets—$18 Online tickets free thanks to donors like you. Closed captioning provided for online viewers.

VIP tickets—$180 VIP price includes VIP seating and pre-program dinner with the speakers. Ticket revenue supports Spertus educational initiatives Reservations required for all tickets types. Reserve online at spertus.edu/conversations

Thank you to our sponsors

#combatingantisemitism

2023 Presenters

Dr. Lila Corwin Berman is a professor of history at Temple University, where she directs the Feinstein Center for American Jewish History. She is a co-founder of the Jewish Philanthropy Research Initiative. Her current research examines the history of Jewish citizenship in the United States.

Dr. Miriam F. Elman is Executive Director of the Academic Engagement Network, a DC-based organization that counters antisemitism and antiIsrael activities on college campuses. In 2018, she was named one of “the top 100 people positively influencing Jewish life” by the Algemeiner.

©Kristina Sherk Photography

Dr. Dov Waxman is an internationally recognized expert on contemporary antisemitism and American Jewry’s relationship with Israel. He is a political science professor at UCLA and writes for publications including the Washington Post, Guardian, and Atlantic Monthly.

Nancy K. Kaufman served for many years as CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women and as Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Boston. She is an advisor for SRE Network, a group of 150+ Jewish organizations committed to safety, respect, and equity.

Spertus Institute announces the 2022 graduates of its prestigious Master’s and Doctoral programs

Photos by Maggie Russo. The 2022 Graduation Address was given by Dr. Morton Schapiro, the 16th president of Northwestern University, who was presented an honorary Doctor of Hebrew Letters. Dr. Schapiro is a leading authority on the economics of higher education and a champion of Jewish student life.

Inaugural North American Cohort, MA in Jewish Professional Studies.