CHICAGO, Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Starting this fall, Spertus Institute brings a series of dynamic, thought-provoking speakers to Chicago for programs that address Jewish themes and their impact on today's world. The program series — titled Spertus Prime — kicks off with news analyst and political commentator Cokie Roberts, who will discuss The Impact of the Jewish Vote: Election 2012. Ms. Roberts will appear on Sunday, October 28 at 1 pm, just ten days before the presidential election.

Each of the speakers in the Spertus Prime series is a leader rightfully known for groundbreaking achievements. Cokie Roberts is a senior news analyst for NPR and a political commentator for ABC News. She was cited by the American Women in Radio and Television as one of the 50 greatest women in the history of broadcasting and was named a "Living Legend" by the Library of Congress. 

Continuing the series, award-winning author Jonathan Safran Foer comes to Spertus on Sunday, January 13 at 2 pm to talk about Judaism, Writing, and Inspiration. Former Vice Prime Minister of Israel Tzipi Livni will present An Insider's View of Recent Developments in the Middle East, on Sunday, March 10 at 2 pm.

The programs take place at Spertus Institute, 610 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago. Tickets for each program are $75, $50, and $35. All seats are reserved. Tickets are on sale online at spertus.edu and by phone at 312.322.1773.

A private reception with the presenter follows each program. Admission to each reception is $250 per person, with the price including one VIP ticket to the corresponding program. Proceeds support Spertus Institute's work fostering Jewish learning and leadership.

ABOUT SPERTUS
Spertus offers dynamic learning opportunities, rooted in Jewish wisdom and culture and open to all. Graduate programs and workshops train future leaders and engage individuals in exploration of Jewish life. Public programs include films, speakers, seminars, and concerts — at the Institute's Michigan Avenue facility, in the Chicago suburbs, and online.

The Spertus Prime speaker series is made possible with the support of the Harvey L. Miller Family Foundation and other generous donors. Spertus is a partner in serving our community, supported by the JUF/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.

SOURCE Spertus Institute