A New Look
Every so often, it’s time for a refresh.
As Spertus Institute approaches a landmark birthday (100 in 2024!), we have been taking a good look at the most important ways we meet needs and serve constituents. Last year we rolled out a strategic plan focused on Jewish learning with lasting impact and real-world application, that advances lives, jobs, and communities. At the same time, we have expanded our scope and capacity. Spertus now reaches learners around the world—in addition to those in Chicago, where we remain an important educational anchor. With our sharpened focus and significant geographic growth, it makes sense for our look to get some attention as well. In the months ahead we will be proudly rolling out a brand refresh that honors our past and celebrates our future. A new website will follow. The flame, long an element of the Spertus logo, will now often appear in a circle, centering its power and reflecting our global impact: as the flame lights the world. New fonts provide increased legibility online and on mobile, with cross-platform availability to streamline remote work for our staff. We have also embraced a newer translation of the Hebrew phrase which appears below the flame. Traditionally, this phrase (pronounced Yehi Or) has been translated as “Let There Be Light,” but we find the more active rendering, Be the Light, to be an inspiring snapshot of our impact and the work of those we serve.
We extend thanks to Spertus Senior Designer Tracy Kostenbader for her significant contributions to this project. The refresh incorporates ideas from our recent work with Greater Good Strategies. Our website is being created in partnership with Ignite Digital Strategy Group.
