Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on October 2, 2014 by Meira Cohen
אשמנו. בגדנו. גזלנו. We have sinned. We are not worthy. We hang our heads in shame as we mournfully chant the words that we recited last year. And the year before that. The all too familiar words are heavy in our mouths, and our cheeks flush as the memories that surface transport us back to Continue Reading »
Posted on July 2, 2014 by Leah Lesch
From my blog: … In the mean time, the Learning at Pardes continues to be stellar. The atmosphere is tinged with sadness, the funerals took place and families stared sitting shiva; but our learning continues and as one of the Rabbi’s said yesterday, Rav Kook would have approved that approach. As I learned today, Rav Continue Reading »
Posted on June 30, 2014 by Leah Lesch
From my blog: I’m dedicating this post to my father, Dr. Michael Lesch. He would be 75 years old today. On the various occasions when I lived in Jerusalem, he never missed an opportunity to visit me. And I think he would have greatly enjoyed the lectures, discussion and learning at Pardes today. I was Continue Reading »
Posted on June 29, 2014 by Leah Lesch
From my blog: It’s 95 degrees in Jerusalem. And it’s supposed to be hot all week. In Hebrew this is called a Hamsin (heatwave) and you pronounce the H with the Israeli CH in your throat so that it comes our of your mouth sounding all hot and bothered. For those of you who have never been to Jerusalem, this is unusual as well Continue Reading »
Posted on April 18, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media
This week, Rabbi David Levin-Kruss discusses Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim in “Shatnez.” am-k ’73 Click here for the accompanying source sheet. Shabbat shalom!
Posted on April 16, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media
Pardes is pleased to present the second episode of our new podcast series by Rabbi Daniel Landes, Unexpected Encounters: The Jewish Holidays and the Other. This episode is on Yom Ha’atzmaut. Episode title: Yom Ha’atzmaut and the Naqba–Is a Jewish Theology of a Palestinian State Possible? Pardes thanks the Alexander Soros Foundation, the sponsor for Continue Reading »
Posted on March 21, 2013 by Joseph Shamash
In last week’s Parsha, the first 5 Chapters of the book of Vayikra described the variety of sacrificial practices that were addressed to the Children of Israel (Burnt, Flour, Peace, Sin and Guilt Offerings). This week, in parshat Tzav we continue with more details and regulations that are directed to the priests, namely Aaron and Continue Reading »
Posted on January 12, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media
By Mira B. Shore (Summer ’09, ’10; Year ’12) As a self-identified progressive, liberal, secular Jew growing up at Jewish Day School, I spent a lot of my time and energy speaking about why prayer and G-d were NOT a part of my life. I actively ran from prayer. Once I had my bat-mitzvah, there Continue Reading »
Posted on December 24, 2012 by Shoshana Rosen
Originally posted on my blog on Oct. 30, 2012: What am I even doing in Israel? What am I doing next year? What brings me joy? Meaning? At some point, you have to stop running away from these questions. The answer will not come without giving it space to be nurtured. Today was the first Continue Reading »
Posted on December 5, 2012 by David Bogomolny
Fixed prayer is a salient element of halakha (Jewish law). Jews committed to halakha pray 3x every day (morning, afternoon, evening), and for many it is challenging to find meaning in the mandated, daily recitation of standardized liturgy. A couple of years ago, I took a class that explored various spiritual practices in Hasidic and Continue Reading »
