Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on April 18, 2011 by Tamara Frankel
Dear Friends, Believe it or not – I’m in Jerusalem! And although I’m tempted to take a nap before Shabbat comes in, I felt it would be a bad way to start off my “spring season” of learning. So, I did some reading on the plane and managed to read over the parsha and special Continue Reading »
Posted on April 13, 2011 by Shibley
Last Shabbat I had the pleasure of trying out a new synagogue in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Nachlaot called Kol Rina. Kol Rina meets in a miklat (bomb shelter), and you could easily miss it. Once inside, it appears as if this is a full service synagogue, with a newsletter, committees, a library, events, a Continue Reading »
Posted on April 2, 2011 by Shibley
Over a week ago, Jerusalem was struck with the blight of terrorism once again. I am not going to spend time or words rehashing the events, as they are no doubt well known by now. However, in the 10 days since the most recent act of terror perpetrated against Israel, we have continued to live Continue Reading »
Posted on March 25, 2011 by David Bogomolny
In light of the recent bombing in Jeruslam, Pardes alum Courtney Miller (Spring 2010) shares a post of hers from last year. Courtney has made Aliyah and now lives in Jerusalem. The bus: my constant companion. I wait for her. I get annoyed with her. I marvel at her. I wish I could give her Continue Reading »
Posted on January 5, 2011 by Shibley
Last week I had the opportunity to visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum with fellow Pardes students. I had never been to Yad Vashem at night before, but I was surprised to find that the lack of natural light emphasized the murder of the Shoah. As I worked my way through the permanent exhibit, I Continue Reading »
Posted on December 29, 2010 by Shibley
When living in Israel, one is afforded the opportunity to attend many different places for t’fillot. On every corner there is a beit k’neset (synagogue) which is ready to welcome any passerby. Each one is a little different in terms of spacial arrangement, attendance, and general atmosphere. I’ve referenced on a few occasions the importance Continue Reading »
Posted on December 27, 2010 by Shibley
I along with what I imagine must be many Americans, Jewish and non, have at some point contemplated what Christmas in Israel looks like. Having just experienced it, I can tell you that for the most part it looks like any other day. Since Shabbat and Christmas coincided this year, I can really only say Continue Reading »
Posted on December 8, 2010 by Shibley
From my blog: Dec. 6 was the first measurable rain of the season in Jerusalem. A damp cloudy chilly day has never looked so beautiful. It represents only a tiny amount of what would be necessary to alleviate the drought, but it’s a wonderful start. I’m going to splash in puddles. Also, the fires in the 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 28, 2010 by Shibley
I have written here and there about the shaliach tzibbur (communal emissary) and the importance that that role has in the experience of Jewish prayer. If you go back and read my post about Yom Kippur, I wrote that the shaliach tzibbur for musaf did not have the most magnificent voice, but that his presence, Continue Reading »
