Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on May 22, 2011 by Jean
When Job’s three friends heard about all these calamities that had befallen him, each came from his home…. They met together to go and console and comfort him. When they saw him from a distance… they broke into loud weeping; each one tore his robe and threw dust into the air onto his head. They Continue Reading »
Posted on March 20, 2011 by Jean
When I drove down Whiskey Row, past the town square, someone was standing by the county courthouse, playing bagpipes. Part of my mind noted how odd that was. I parked my car by the funeral home and got out. I walked with determination halfway to the door. Then I turned around and walked back to 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 25, 2010 by Jean
Now Joseph was well built and handsome. After a time, his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph and said, ‘Lie with me.’ But he refused… On such a day, he came into the house to do his work. None of the household being there inside, she caught hold of him by his garment and Continue Reading »
Posted on November 21, 2010 by Jean
At the bus stop near Pardes this evening, I saw a young man with a guitar case slung over his shoulder wearing this kippah. He happily handed it to me when I asked if I could take a picture. (I’m such a tourist!)
Posted on November 18, 2010 by Jean
This year, Thanksgiving falls on November 25th. What does this mean for Jews? The best meal of the year! Is there anything better than getting up early to spend the entire day cooking Thanksgiving dinner? Or the companionship of everyone gathered in the kitchen, chatting and joking and watching dinner unfold? Of course, you must Continue Reading »
Posted on November 15, 2010 by Jean
The beginning Mishna class at Pardes is called Foundations of Judaism, which sounded, to me, suspiciously like Judaism for Dummies. However, not once has the instructor patronized us with statements such as “Pesach is when we eat matzah” or “Chanukah commemorates the miracle of the oil.” The instructor has asked us more interesting questions: If Continue Reading »
Posted on November 10, 2010 by Jean
When God began to create… darkness was over the surface of the deep… God said ‘Let there be light…’ God separated light from darkness. (Genesis 1:1) Rav Meir suggested that water and darkness are realms of the Divine. They were contracted to make a place where humans could thrive. The darkness is “an entity to Continue Reading »
Posted on October 24, 2010 by Jean
September 14 was the first time that our Chumash class was scheduled to last four and a half hours. Everyone was a bit dismayed at the prospect, so after chevruta study, Rav Meir took us on a quick march to the Tayelet, a promenade that overlooks a stunning view of Jerusalem. (Note well: he also Continue Reading »