Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on November 9, 2012 by Derek Kwait
My current ‘stache ranks somewhere between Grover’s perpetually disappointed customer Mr. Johnson and Gomez Addams: SUPPORT THE CAUSE!!! Conversation of the Movember so far: MAN 1: I wish I could grow a mustache. WOMAN 1: Just close your eyes and concentrate! [they try it.] MAN 1: I don’t Continue Reading »
Posted on November 8, 2012 by Derek Kwait
“Oh, so you’ve been here [almost a year/two years]! So are you planning on making aliyah?,” they say, bearing their teeth and gently lifting their eyebrows in anticipation of the upcoming hearty “Mazel tov!” they’re sure to owe me. “No.” “Oh,” this is less an expression than the sound a face makes as it falls. Continue Reading »
Posted on November 1, 2012 by Lauren Schuchart
This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to be included in a shabbaton with some of my classmates at our teacher’s house. We went on a hike beforehand, which was b-e-a-utiful. I also got to use my new camera lens! My first eBay purchase (they were practically giving it away!). Nothing too impressive yet, but Continue Reading »
Posted on October 16, 2012 by Derek Kwait
Last year was my blogging year. This year is the one where I step aside and help other people blog Pardes. This suits me just fine since this is also the year where I have no time to blog (almost). It occurred to me, however, that if I am to run this blog, then I Continue Reading »
Posted on October 16, 2012 by Lauren Schuchart
I have decided that Sukkot is my favorite holiday to celebrate in Israel. Appreciating the simplicity of life. Showing gratitude for our blessings. Being in the great outdoors. Quality time with friends. An offensive amount of food. A reason for my family to say, “a week off from school? come home and get a job!” Continue Reading »
Posted on October 14, 2012 by Derek Kwait
Last night I held the first-ever Salon Pardes in my living room. The Salon provides a safe, supportive environment for Pardes students to share their creative endeavors with other students and receive constructive criticism and feedback. The event was a rousing success, with more than 10 students presenting their art, poetry, photography, music, singing, writing, Continue Reading »
Posted on October 12, 2012 by Laura H.
A good family friend of our’s from Toronto asked me to do him a favour a couple of weeks ago. He is an architect and, as part of his work for a proposal for a Jewish cemetery in Toronto, is researching the signage and organization of different cemeteries. He sent one of his employees to Continue Reading »
Posted on September 30, 2012 by The Director of Digital Media
Check out this great Sukkot video made by Pardes students Hillel Buechler, Brian Blumenthal, Amir Zinkow, and AdAm Mayer. Chag Sameach!
Posted on September 16, 2012 by Derek Kwait
My friend Simcha and I wrote this story together while bunkmates at the Ivy League Torah Study Experience in the summer of 2010. I shared it at the Tisch during the Shabbaton this weekend, and now thought I’d share it with you. Enjoy. The Legend of the Bird Shem Tov by Yehosh Mohsh & Simcha Continue Reading »
Posted on August 26, 2012 by Derek Kwait
This week was my last back at my shul Young People’s Synagogue, which last year, raised around $7,000 to send me to Pardes for a year. Yesterday, I delivered this speech to let them know how their investment turned out. So, how have you all been? For those who don’t know, from September through the Continue Reading »