Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
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 7, 2011 by Joel D.
Posted on January 6, 2011 by Avi Strausberg
this is the parsha where it all happens. the full wrath of God, manifested in swarming locusts and complete darkness, falls not only pharoah but on the egyptian people, while the israelites watch protected on the sidelines. when God sent thunder and hail and fire raining down on all of egypt, which struck every man Continue Reading »
Posted on January 6, 2011 by Coretta
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 »
Posted on January 5, 2011 by Shibley
Last week I had the opportunity to visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum with fellow Pardes students. I had never been to Yad Vashem at night before, but I was surprised to find that the lack of natural light emphasized the murder of the Shoah. As I worked my way through the permanent exhibit, I Continue Reading »
Posted on January 2, 2011 by David Bogomolny
Sam had so much to share with his parents last summer, and it was his father’s first time in Israel! He felt steeped in Israeli culture; and his thinking about Jewish and Israel education had evolved after his Mechina (preparatory) year for the Pardes Educators Program (PEP). He wanted to share not only the religious and historical aspects of Israel, Continue Reading »
Posted on January 2, 2011 by Tamara Frankel
Dear Friends, Much of the Book of Exodus, including last week’s Parshat Va’era, is about linking the beginnings of the world, and particularly the history of one family (i.e. Abraham and Sarah’s), their struggles and triumphs, to the development and history of a specific nation, soon to be known as Bnei Yisrael–the Jewish People. I Continue Reading »
Posted on January 1, 2011 by Daniel Weinreb
Here’s a map of the Beit Midrash and a few thoughts to go with it. (pdf map) By November, the Beit Midrash was getting a little messy – books of the Rif, Gra, and Rambam lying on tables next to BDBs, Franks and Jastrows. Books off of shelves is a good sign, a sign that Continue Reading »
Posted on December 31, 2010 by Michael
My parents and brother are here now in Israel. It is awesome to be here together with them for the first time. We’ve had the opportunity to travel around Israel, especially to the south, enjoying beautiful hikes and the sunny Eilat beach. Next time you come to Israel, I definitely recommend that you hike some Continue Reading »
