Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on June 7, 2012 by Barer
Tamar views her Jewish journey as a work in progress, or, as Zvi Hirschfield suggests, that of a Gemara sugiyah. As a child growing up in Los Angeles, she went to Hebrew school three days a week and was ‘that kid’ who loved it. Perhaps Jewish education’s emphasis on modern Hebrew at the time made Continue Reading »
Posted on June 1, 2012 by Barer
In this week’s podcast, Rav Meir talks about the Nazir – the Nazirite. Naso 5772
Posted on May 25, 2012 by Barer
In preparation for the holiday of Shavuot, enjoy this week’s podcast by Neima Novetsky about the birth of the Jewish nation. Shavuot 5772
Posted on May 22, 2012 by Barer
I just had the immense privilege of watching Footnote (הערת שוליים) with some fellow Pardesniks followed by a discussion with faculty who have intimate personal knowledge of the culture being described in the film. First, I highly recommend watching the trailer and, if you are even remotely interested, watching the movie before reading what I Continue Reading »
Posted on May 21, 2012 by Barer
Kyle was raised in Berkeley, CA to a father who had rejected his Jesuit upbringing and faith altogether, but remained knowledgeable through his work as a publisher of religious books, and a Jewish mother who did not have a strong traditional upbringing. While Judaism as such did not play a positive, central role in her Continue Reading »
Posted on May 18, 2012 by Barer
On this week’s podcast, Alex Israel discusses the laws relating to the land of Israel. Bechukotai 5772
Posted on May 18, 2012 by Barer
This week’s parsha closes out the middle book of the Torah, ויקרא, Leviticus, with a number of further details relating to the priesthood. One specific word caught my eye though: “These are the statutes and the laws and the Torot that Hashem has given between Him and the children of Israel at mount Sinai by Continue Reading »
Posted on May 11, 2012 by Barer
In this week’s podcast, DLK discusses particularism and universalism. Behar 5772
Posted on May 11, 2012 by Barer
This week’s parsha is one of the shortest in the Torah, only including 57 psukim (verses). One of the main themes discussed in the parsha is that of yovel, the Jubilee Year. Every fiftieth year, all land would return to its original owner. This included slaves, and the rabbis of the Talmud were eager to Continue Reading »
Posted on May 4, 2012 by Barer
In this week’s podcast DLK talks about arguments that are not lishma. Emor 5772