November 29, 2011

(MONTREAL) On Sunday, December 11, 2011, Chicago’s Spertus Institute, in partnership with the Jewish Federations of Canada — UIA, will proudly award its innovative Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies degree to 15 graduates of the program's first Canadian cohort.

At the ceremony — which will take place at Federation CJA in Montréal (1 Cummings Square) — a Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa will be awarded to philanthropist and Jewish community leader Barbara Bank, who serves as a mentor in the program.

Sarah Atkins, Director of Informal Education for the Bronfman Israel Experience Center, will speak on behalf of her fellow graduates. Spertus President and CEO Dr. Hal M. Lewis, a recognized authority on Jewish leadership, will give the Keynote Address.

Created in 2007, the Spertus Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies (MAJPS) program was conceived to meet the needs of those working in the diverse organizations that serve and inform the Jewish community. Building on Spertus expertise, the two-year-long graduate program provides important grounding in classical and contemporary Jewish knowledge, combined with much-needed professional training based in the best practices of nonprofit management. The program draws students from a broad range of career areas, creating a dynamic environment for professionals to learn from one another. In addition, a rigorous mentoring program affords students the opportunity to discuss significant professional issues and network with acknowledged leaders in their field. The Canadian program is a unique partnership between Spertus and the Jewish Federations of Canada — UIA.

The degree candidates are: Sarah Atkins of the Bronfman Israel Experience Centre and March of the Living, Sabrina Bercovitch of Gen J of Montréal, Shauna Bornstein of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and UJA Community Connect, Jeff Bradshaw of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, Lior Cyngiser of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and Birthright Israel Alumni Community, Mindy Eklove of the Jewish Federations of Canada — UIA, Leesa Fox of the Jewish Federations of Canada — UIA, Hava Goldberg of Hillel Canada, Stuart Guttman of Y Country Camp, Alana Kayfetz of the Jewish Urban Meeting Place (JUMP), Tamar Krauss of Hillel Western University, Michele Pepin of Federation CJA, Orly Shapiro Fayer of Hillel Montréal, Beverley Shimansky of Hillel Montréal, and Shira Webber of Birthright Israel Alumni Community.

Barbara Bank is Co-Chair of Toronto’s United Jewish Appeal 2012 Annual Campaign and Chair of National Initiatives for the Next Generation (NING) for United Israel Appeal of Canada. She is the immediate Past Chair of the Israel and Overseas Committee of the Federation of Greater Toronto and the Vice President of Israel Affairs at United Israel Appeal.

Her involvement in the Jewish community dates back several decades, often involving programs geared toward young people. As Chair of National Initiatives for the Next Generation, Barbara was a driving force behind the conception and implementation of the first Canadian cohort of the MAJPS Program. Her support of the MAJPS students has served as inspiration to the inaugural class and has helped lay the foundation for a second cohort.

ABOUT SPERTUS
Spertus is a center for Jewish learning and culture that invites people of all backgrounds to explore the multifaceted Jewish experience. Spertus offers accredited graduate-level degree programs in areas that are critical to the Jewish and wider communities — Including Jewish studies, leadership training, and nonprofit management. Recognizing that learning is sparked by many points of entry, programming at Spertus also includes cultural and continuing education offerings, such as lectures, seminars, exhibitions, concerts, and films. Spertus is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

ABOUT THE JEWISH FEDERATIONS OF CANADA — UIA
In its capacity as the national system, the Jewish Federations of Canada — UIA works in partnership with Federations to strengthen Jewish life in Canada, Israel, and overseas. UIAFC represents ten Canadian Federations and four regional councils, each of which raises and distributes funds annually for social welfare, social services and educational needs. UIAFC has offices in Toronto and Jerusalem.

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