These and Those

Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem

Archive: June 2014

[PCJE Graduation] Who is Brave, not Crazy?

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Cara Abrams-Simonton

My PCJE graduation speech: Good evening. It is an honor to stand before you today as I graduate from the Pardes Educators Program. Over the past two years I have been privileged to study in this very Beit Midrash and in the classrooms of Pardes. In this room I have fallen in love with text Continue Reading »

Torah Study on an iPad? Yes? No? Absolutely!

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Cara Abrams-Simonton

From my blog: As a Master of Jewish Education student I have been introduced to many educational theories, developmental psychology and pedagogical practices. In addition to all these areas we also focus on the place of 21st century learning in today’s educational world, which of course includes the discussion of technology’s role in education. Currently Continue Reading »

[PCJE Dvar Torah] Passionate, Wise-hearted Artists

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Cara Abrams-Simonton

I love the imagery in Parashat Vayakhel. I love the introduction of Betzalel, Oholiab and the wise-hearted artisans who build the Mishkan and its furnishings. And I love that the people give so many donations for the creation of these precious ornaments that both Betzalel and Oholiab call out to Moshe to get them to Continue Reading »

Tanach Competition – “Third Story”

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Cara Abrams-Simonton

Daniel Roth presented our ‘Judaism and Conflict Resolution’ class for Jewish Educators with this assignment, and below is the modern ‘Third Story’ that I wrote about Jacob and Esav: Mrs. Rivka teaches 7th grade Tanach. There is a young man, Esav, who is the class clown, captain of the soccer team and a bit of Continue Reading »

[PCJE Dvar Torah] The Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart and Breaking Bad Habits this 2014

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Cara Abrams-Simonton

There are many interesting events, aspects and themes in Parashat Bo. One theme that emerges is the notion of free will which the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart and the purpose of the plagues in general present. I find this theme extremely relevant and accessible for people of all ages.While student teaching last year at the Continue Reading »

[PCJE Dvar Torah] Ha’azinu – Transitioning

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Cara Abrams-Simonton

This week marks many significant transitions in my life. I return to study at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies for my second year of intensive text study in a Beit Midrash. I celebrate my Hebrew birthday for the first time in my life, כ”ח באלול, turning the much anticipated 30. I honor my father’s Continue Reading »

Highlights from a day in the life…

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Cara Abrams-Simonton

From my blog: ד׳ באייר תשע״ג April 14, 2013 יום ראשון Yom Rishon, the first day (of the week) meaning Sunday… [I’ve decided to try to write seemingly mundane highlights for blog posts from now on since it has been so difficult for me to actually invest time in the extremely detailed descriptions I initially Continue Reading »

[PCJE Dvar Torah] Cara Abrams-Simonton: Memories of my Father

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Cara Abrams-Simonton

Although this week’s parashah, Va’era, is full of many rich elements of our story as a Jewish people, I am drawn to the four promises that God makes to the Jewish people in chapter 6, verses 6 and 7: “Wherefore say unto the children of Israel: I am the LORD, and I will bring you Continue Reading »

Falling in love with Tel Aviv

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Cara Abrams-Simonton

Originally posted on my blog: So there is this thing. Tel Aviv vs. Jerusalem- and I’d say probably the majority of your average secular Israelis would say Tel Aviv, hands down. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m in love with Jerusalem… there is incredible history, beauty and complexity here. But there is something else going Continue Reading »

Blogging in 5773

Posted on October 11, 2012 by Cara Abrams-Simonton

Originally posted on Oct. 1: Two months since I last wrote. It is now 5773 and I am hoping to blog more regularly. Call it a Jewish new year’s resolution! The Jewish New Year ראש השנה Rosh HaShanah was on September 17 followed by the Day of Atonement יום כיפור Yom Kippur on September 26. Continue Reading »