These and Those

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

Archive: March 2013

[PCJE Dvar Torah] Parshat Vayikra by Lauren Schuchart

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Lauren Schuchart

In this week’s Torah portion, we move from the exciting and relatable narrative in the books of Bereshit (Genesis) and Shmot (Exodus), into the legalistic and methodical book of Vayikra (Leviticus). In the first Torah portion, God tells Moses how the Children of Israel should go about establishing a holy community, a “kingdom of priests.” Continue Reading »

Arava!

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Lauren Schuchart

From my blog: It’s been a while since my last post. Apparently, graduate school essays are a bit of a time-suck. In any case, here are some pictures from my school’s trip to the Arava in January. We went all the way to Eilat in the southern tip of Israel for a few days of Continue Reading »

Jerusalem of White

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Lauren Schuchart

From my blog:(lots of photos!) Splish Splash This week, Jerusalem saw A LOT of rain. The rain in Jerusalem blows sideways because of the wind. This means that umbrellas are useless, because they just turn inside out and make you look silly. I learned this lesson after 4 umbrellas. For the most part, buildings in Continue Reading »

Color My World With Hope

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Lauren Schuchart

From my blog: “The best way to fight evil is to do good… and to improve as best as we can, a small corner of our world” Video about the annual Yom Iyyun Shel Chessed Yesterday was our school’s annual Yom Iyyun Shel Chessed (Day of Loving-Kindness). The day is in loving memory of two Continue Reading »

במדבר

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Lauren Schuchart

Originally posted on my blog: “The desert, when the sun comes up… I couldn’t tell where Heaven stopped and the Earth began. It was so beautiful.” -Forrest Gump Here are some pictures from my school’s trip to the Negev desert two weeks ago. (Pictures are better quality if you click on them!) Israel, you are Continue Reading »

O-bla-di, O-bla-da

Posted on November 23, 2012 by Lauren Schuchart

Originally posted on my blog: (from yesterday) Today is Thanksgiving! After the last few days, I am even more grateful for all of the blessings that I have in my life. With thanks to God for FAMILY (and Skype technology), amazing FRIENDS near and far, a wonderful and supportive community here in Israel, a hope Continue Reading »

Heavy Boots

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Lauren Schuchart

Originally posted on my blog: “We need enormous pockets, pockets big enough for our families and our friends, and even the people who aren’t on our lists, people we’ve never met but still want to protect. We need pockets for boroughs and for cities, a pocket that could hold the universe.” -Jonathan Safran Foer, Extremely Continue Reading »

Narrow Bridge

Posted on November 18, 2012 by Lauren Schuchart

Originally posted on my blog: “You’re worried? You don’t need to be worried. The rockets can’t reach Jerusalem,” they said. “You don’t feel safe in Tel-Aviv? Come stay with us for Shabbat,” we said. “No, Mom, I’m fine. Jerusalem is out of the range of the rockets. Don’t worry,” I said. Yesterday was Friday. I Continue Reading »

[PCJE Dvar Torah] Lauren Schuchart — Chayei Sarah: The Power of Prayer

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Lauren Schuchart

This week’s Torah portion, Chayei Sarah, is chock-full of fascinating narrative. We’ve got the death (and life?) of Sarah, the purchase of the burial plot in Hevron, Rebekah by the well in what is the first shidduch (matchmaker) arrangement in the Torah, and of course, the burial of Abraham by his two sons, Isaac and Ishmael. With all Continue Reading »

Gone Hikin’

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Lauren Schuchart

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to be included in a shabbaton with some of my classmates at our teacher’s house. We went on a hike beforehand, which was b-e-a-utiful. I also got to use my new camera lens! My first eBay purchase (they were practically giving it away!). Nothing too impressive yet, but Continue Reading »