Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism for Lay Leaders
Antisemitism has reached historic levels in the United States and Canada. As a Jewish community leader, you need to be equipped to respond with strength, skill, and expertise. To be effective, you need training.
The Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism for Lay Leaders is a program built to empower trustees and board members of Jewish organizations.
We are now accepting applications for the second cohort of this groundbreaking program. Lay leaders from across North American Jewish organizations of all types, including social justice, social services, synagogue, advocacy, education, community relations, philanthropy, campus engagement, and interreligious partnerships are eligible to participate.
Program Elements
- Learn in Real Time with a Cohort. Through both online and in person sessions
- Delve into Issues and Strategies. Come together with your cohort for important in-person learning in a three-day seminar at »Ê¹ÚÌåÓý’s Chicago campus.
- Collaborate with Professionals. Throughout the program learn alongside professionals doing this work through the LCCA professionals’ track.
- Develop a Strong Network. Build bonds and share resources with board members and trustees of Jewish organizations across North America.
- Gain a Tool Kit of Practical Skills. Learn theory and practice, with case studies and experiential learning.
You Will Gain
- Broad knowledge of historical and current manifestations of antisemitism
- A network of institutional leaders with whom you can share talents, resources, relationships, and support
- Skills in community engagement, risk assessment, and strategic philanthropy
- Confidence in crisis communications and critical conversations
- Insight into views of antisemitism outside the Jewish community to build interreligious bonds and cross-community alliances
- An overview of the landscape of antisemitism and social media
Spertus specializes in combining a theoretical and historical perspective along with action. We dove into deep discussions of old solutions as well as new strategies that our community needs.
DANIEL GOLDWIN
Chief Public Affairs Officer
Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Chicago
Program Components
- Four online sessions
- Three-day seminar at »Ê¹ÚÌåÓý’s downtown Chicago campus
- Courses combine theory and practice
- Course content includes case studies and experiential learning
- Opportunities to collaborate with participants in the LCCA Professionals track
Program Dates
Online Sessions (Block 1), 6 PM – 8 PM CTÂ
- Monday, September 29, 2025
- Thursday, October 16, 2025
- Thursday, October 23, 2025
- Thursday, October 30, 2025
On-Site In-Person Seminar
- Monday, November 10 through Wednesday, November 12
The in-depth education I received enables me to approach every relationship, outreach, and program with more intentionality and understanding.
JOYCE TENENBAUM SHEVIN
Director, Jewish Community Relations Council
Birmingham Jewish Federation
Cost
The total cost of the program is $2,500 which includes tuition and meals during Seminar hours. Travel to Chicago and lodging during Seminar is not included. This cost is substantially underwritten from the total cost of $5,500 – due to special funding secured for this important program.
Next Steps
Click the button below to talk to Amie Barrish, Associate Director for Recruitment, to find out if the Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism for Lay Leaders is right for you
Ready to Apply?
Online sessions for the Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism for Lay Leaders will begin on September 29, followed by a three-day, in-person Seminar in November 2025.
Preferred Application Deadline: June 16, 2025 ($50 application fee waived)
Final Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
Are you a Professional with a Jewish organization?
Learn more about the Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism for Professionals (LCCA)