Stephanie Levi at Spertus Shop

Scientist Stephanie Levi, 33, makes a habit of bridging disparate worlds. Earlier this year, she earned her Ph.D. in molecular genetics and cell biology from the University of Chicago. That kind of brainiac degree intimidates some people, yet the amiable and inventive Levi spends part of her free time hosting a quirky series called Science Is Sexy (which will resume early next year at Schubas, after the holidays). Speaking of the season, Levi, who is Jewish, also contradicts another popular assumption: that science and religion don’t mix.

Levi grew up in Dayton, Ohio, where she attended an orthodox Jewish school, although she considers herself “more of a conservative/reform gal.” Still, she says with a wry smile, “That hasn’t stopped me from receiving my fair share of really rotten gifts for Hanukkah…Jewish-star pasta, anyone?”

Early in her graduate studies, Levi recalls, she had a hard time finding gifts with an appropriate religious or ethnic bent. (The great cluster of Judaica shops on Devon Avenue in West Rogers Park felt worlds away from Hyde Park.) But on a trip downtown, she visited the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies to see an exhibition of drawings by refugee children from Darfur—and on her way out, she discovered the Spertus Shop, which impressed her with its eclectic selection of tasteful wares.

Not everything is overtly Jewish: Strolling the aisles, she pounces on a black-and-plum-colored leather bag. (The store clerk tells us it’s “aubergine.”) “I love how roomy it is!” Levi says of her $65 score. “Great color, great minimal design, and you can dress it up or down!”

Founded in 1924, the institute has always been located in the South Loop, but a move two years ago into a new building offered the gift shop a chance to expand. The greater array of merchandise now includes a kids’ section as well as goods imported from Israel (you can browse without paying the museum admission fee). From serious gift books to whimsical trinkets, Levi imagines there’s something here for everyone, regardless of religion.

She points to the bottle of imported Peace Oil—fair-trade olive oil created on a kibbutz by Israelis and Palestinians. You’d have to be a Grinch not to admire the ecumenical effort underlying this harvest. “Plus,” says the scientist with a knowing grin, “Israeli olive oil is the best in the world.”

Spertus Shop (610 S Michigan Ave, 888-322-1740, spertusshop.org); science-is-sexy.com.

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