The Honors Program hosts special events each semester. Some events are exclusively for Honors Program students, while others are open to the student body or the community. Honors Program events feature engaging speakers, stimulating discussion, and delicious food.
Previous End-of-semester events:
• The Role of the Agudah in American Politics with Rabbi Yehiel Kalish, CEO of S4 Group and former VP for Development and State Relations at Agudah, Fall 2015
• Make it Personal: Self-fulfillment through Career and Community Involvement with Talia Mashiach, CEO, Founder and Product Architect at Eved, Spring 2016
• Understanding the History and Origins of the BDS Movement with Dr. Yvette Alt-Miller, author and international relations expert, Fall 2016
• The Greatest Challenge(s) Facing Diaspora Jewry with Rabbi Binyamin Olstein, Menahel Ruchani, Blitstein Institute for Women, Spring 2017
• Jewish Women as Leaders with Mashi Polstein, Education Director of Jewish Family Experience and Codirector of North Shore NCSY, Fall 2017
• Genetics and Genealogy with Dr. Laurie Erickson - Chair of Health Sciences at Blitstein Institute of Hebrew Theological College, Dr. Carolyn Jones - Professor of Pediatrics, Director of Genetics at Rush University, Mr. Alvin Holzman - member of Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois, Mr. Mitch Dayan - family genealogist, Spring 2018
• Ethical Dilemmas of the Torah Scientist with Rabbi Heschel Weiner - Director of the Walder Science Center, Fall 2018
• Full STEAM Ahead - Your Ride to the Future Is Here! Student Arts & Sciences Showcase, Spring 2019
•Learning Disabilities: Can we do better? with Dr. Shana Erenberg - Director of Libenu, Fall 2019
•Reaching Higher Honors Program Leadership Initiative and Thesis Project Presentations, Spring 2020
•A Conversation with Justice Rachel Freier, Fall 2020
•Revelations of Torah Leadership with Rabbi Daniel Raccah, Spring 2021
•Soaring Higher Honors Program Leadership Initiative and Thesis Project Presentations, Spring 2021
• Make it Personal: Self-fulfillment through Career and Community Involvement with Talia Mashiach, CEO, Founder and Product Architect at Eved, Spring 2016
• Understanding the History and Origins of the BDS Movement with Dr. Yvette Alt-Miller, author and international relations expert, Fall 2016
• The Greatest Challenge(s) Facing Diaspora Jewry with Rabbi Binyamin Olstein, Menahel Ruchani, Blitstein Institute for Women, Spring 2017
• Jewish Women as Leaders with Mashi Polstein, Education Director of Jewish Family Experience and Codirector of North Shore NCSY, Fall 2017
• Genetics and Genealogy with Dr. Laurie Erickson - Chair of Health Sciences at Blitstein Institute of Hebrew Theological College, Dr. Carolyn Jones - Professor of Pediatrics, Director of Genetics at Rush University, Mr. Alvin Holzman - member of Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois, Mr. Mitch Dayan - family genealogist, Spring 2018
• Ethical Dilemmas of the Torah Scientist with Rabbi Heschel Weiner - Director of the Walder Science Center, Fall 2018
• Full STEAM Ahead - Your Ride to the Future Is Here! Student Arts & Sciences Showcase, Spring 2019
•Learning Disabilities: Can we do better? with Dr. Shana Erenberg - Director of Libenu, Fall 2019
•Reaching Higher Honors Program Leadership Initiative and Thesis Project Presentations, Spring 2020
•A Conversation with Justice Rachel Freier, Fall 2020
•Revelations of Torah Leadership with Rabbi Daniel Raccah, Spring 2021
•Soaring Higher Honors Program Leadership Initiative and Thesis Project Presentations, Spring 2021
Previous start-of-semester receptions:
• Preparing for Yomim Noraim with Rabbi Yaakov Robinson, Rav of Beis Medrash Mikor HaChaim • Miracles and Hashgacha Pratis with Mrs. Faith Neuman, teacher at Hanna Sacks Bais Yaakov • Honor and Humility with Rabbi Binyamin Olstein, Menahel Ruchani, Blitstein Institute for Women • Tour of the Oriental Institute with Lauren Perlman, MS Ed • Finding Your Life’s Purpose with Rabbi Reuven Gross Rav of Congregation Shaarei Tzedek Mishkan Yair • Being Your Best with Rachel Zimmerman MA, LCPC • Ma Nistana Hashanah Hazos: Preparing for the Yamim Noraim in a Changed World with Rabbi Zev Cohen Rav of Congregation Adas Yeshurun • From College Student to Working Professional with Mrs. Mindi Zissman
Catering
Our events are catered by some of the best kosher establishments in Chicago, including Emma's Bagel Cafe, Evita Argentinian Steakhouse, Great Chicago Food & Beverage, Hamachi Sushi, Shallots Bistro, Tel Aviv Kosher Pizza, Zelda's Catering