Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on March 8, 2011 by Avi Strausberg
in the beginning of sefer shmot, בני ישראל did not yet know their God. when God recruits moshe to make the initial introduction between He and the people, God first must tell moshe by what name He can be called before moshe is even willing to make this giant leap. sefer shmot is the book Continue Reading »
Posted on March 7, 2011 by Tamara Frankel
Dear Friends, As some of you may know, this was my last Shabbat in Israel before – what I like to call – my “North American Tour”. I’ll be traveling to New York this Tuesday, to student-teach in a day school in Manhattan and hopefully squeeze in some interviews for teaching positions next year in Continue Reading »
Posted on February 23, 2011 by Avi Strausberg
when i first read this week’s parsha, in which the תרומה (gifts offered to God) and the building of the משכן (tabernacle) is detailed, i experienced a sense of de-ja-vue in their descriptions. i thought, i’ve literally just read all of these same words about how the skilled should offer their services, these vessels will Continue Reading »
Posted on February 20, 2011 by Tamara Frankel
Dear Friends, What a week of learning, both inside and outside the walls of Pardes! A particular highlight for me was picking oranges for an organization called Leket Israel, which provides for Israeli children who are hungry and/or do not received proper nutrition. This volunteering project was organized by Pardes students in loving memory of Continue Reading »
Posted on February 6, 2011 by Tamara Frankel
Dear Friends, Last week was quite a whirlwind: getting back on track with classes at Pardes, exploring plans for next year and hosting my dad who is visiting from Toronto for the next 10 days or so…not to mention the snowy blizzards and political storms going on around the world! I can honestly say that Continue Reading »
Posted on December 31, 2010 by Michael
My parents and brother are here now in Israel. It is awesome to be here together with them for the first time. We’ve had the opportunity to travel around Israel, especially to the south, enjoying beautiful hikes and the sunny Eilat beach. Next time you come to Israel, I definitely recommend that you hike some Continue Reading »
Posted on November 29, 2010 by Jean
Jerusalem graffiti often consists of elaborate images created using stencils and spray paint. Israelis take it for granted. “Why do tourists always take a picture of that?” Here are two of my favorites. The first is on a side street near Emek Refaim. It says, “Idolatry, I won’t save you, but you drink me.” The Continue Reading »
Posted on November 8, 2010 by Michael
I am reading a fascinating book by Aryeh Kaplan called Jewish Meditation. It is practical as a guide to develop the spirit through at least thirty minutes of daily meditation in a completely Jewish manner. By the way, he talks about how the central prayer of Judaism, the Shemonah Esrei (meaning 18 prayers), otherwise known Continue Reading »
