Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on March 10, 2011 by Shibley
Green! United States’ currency and Ireland might come to mind. I have a new green I’d like to propose, the green of the Golan Heights, where I was last week on a three day tiyul with pardes. At this time of year, after some of the much needed rainfall has fallen, the Golan is absolutely Continue Reading »
Posted on March 3, 2011 by Shibley
Davening in sacred spaces has received several mentions on this blog, usually referring to indoor areas. Having just completed a three day tiyul in the Golan Heights, we had several opportunities to daven outdoors. After these few days, and other experiences, I can safely say that I do not personally find outdoor davening to be Continue Reading »
Posted on February 26, 2011 by Shibley
No, not the barrier you’re likely thinking of. Rather, the language barrier that exists for anybody who is praying in a language that is not their native tongue. I remember during my religious school days that we struggled to simply pronounce the words well enough to be able to recite them in public. Eventually, we Continue Reading »
Posted on February 14, 2011 by Shibley
My apologies for the long delay between posts. I was privileged to be visited by my parents followed by a battle with the flu, which has become in the inspiration for this post. While I was sick with the flu, I was fortunate enough to receive get well wishes from a number of teachers and Continue Reading »
Posted on February 14, 2011 by Shibley
As was indicated in my basil story, the Land of Israel yields all sorts of delicious and marvelous things. When I was in the Arava earlier this year, we were staying on a moshav where 60% of Israel’s peppers were produced. Driving throughout the northern third of the country, all sorts of greenhouses and fields Continue Reading »
Posted on February 6, 2011 by Shibley
This post is long overdue, I apologize for the lengthy interlude between posts. Earlier this month, I was fortunate to receive a two-week visit from my parents. Since my arrival in Israel, I have been planning their arrival. We arranged a guide for a few days in the North of Israel, after which I would Continue Reading »
Posted on January 18, 2011 by Shibley
It is possible to identify Jewish prayer using several physical movements. For more on those movements, I refer you to this article found on My Jewish Learning. However, the article lacks one movement that is central Jewish, or any prayer, the lips. Without the lips, expressing words is very difficult. This is not to say Continue Reading »
Posted on January 12, 2011 by Shibley
Israel has been fortunate to be the beneficiary as well as the creator of a number of technological advances. Whether it’s cell phone technology, revolutionary care techniques for trauma victims, computer science advances, pick your area, and Israel is likely involved to some extent. Given the above achievements, why are Israeli homes and buildings insulated Continue Reading »
Posted on January 9, 2011 by Shibley
Quick story. Last week I boarded the bus bound for the shuk. I was startled to find that the cost of a cartisia (multi-ride bus ticket) had increased since my last purpose. While discussing this with the driver, all of the Hebrew that I have accumulated vanished from my brain, leaving me stumbling for words, and sounding Continue Reading »
Posted on January 5, 2011 by Shibley
Among the other brachot offered during the shacharit (morning t’fillah) we find one that is about the creation of light and darkness. The text reads “Blessed are You God Master [king] of the universe, who forms light and creates darkness, makes peace, and creates all.” I have long been confused as to the placement of Continue Reading »
