Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on May 7, 2013 by Avigayle Adler
In the Gemara, Shabbat is defined by the work that surrounds it and goes into preparing for it. We light the Sabbath candles to mark the beginning of Shabbat and light the Havdallah candle to mark its conclusion. Shabbat, therefore is book-ended, suspended in time between these two rituals of light. Interestingly enough, lighting a Continue Reading »
Posted on May 6, 2013 by Avigayle Adler
Grapes, Pomegranates, Olives, Dates, Figs, Wheat and Barley have a special significance to the Land of Israel and are given special mention and priority on Tubishevat, the Jewish New Year for trees. Indeed they have priority when blessing food as well. I have always been enchanted with
Posted on May 5, 2013 by Naomi Bilmes
From my blog: This poem is inspired by one of my wonderful friends. Born from a Lightning Bolt You were born from a lightning bolt. Your life unfolds in storm: violent here, crashing there, silent now as you wait for the flood. Your sharp hair whips at your chin and the gold in your ears Continue Reading »
Posted on May 4, 2013 by Laurie Franklin
Don’t count me out. I’m not young. In fact, I am rightfully considered to be among the elders of our community. But I didn’t grow up in yeshivish Judaism, and my knowledge, is how shall we say… Limited by the circumstances of my origin. I’m acutely aware of it here, in Jerusalem, at Pardes. Nonetheless, Continue Reading »
Posted on May 4, 2013 by Sam Kaye
I’m leaving for Israel and my father hands me two bags. “Take these with you. The furrier, Shlomo, your great grandmother’s brother-in-law, left them to me. Find out if it’s meaningful for you.” The first is black felt, light to the touch, with a golden Magen David embroidered in cord on its front. The Tallit Continue Reading »
Posted on May 2, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media
This week, Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy discusses Parashat Behar-Bechukotai in “An Economic Vision of Justice.” b-b ’73 Shabbat shalom!
Posted on May 2, 2013 by Annie Matan Gilbert
Wednesday morning, at our weekly Creative Shacharit, I led a Kohenet style davenning. This means that the liturgy of the service follows the arc of a traditional shacharit service but is often not traditional liturgy. This particular service is compiled from chants and prayers from the Kohenet siddur and from my own writing and repertoire. Continue Reading »
Posted on May 2, 2013 by Laura Marder
What if What if we were all self absorbed and never helped one another? Could you imagine never grasping a hand if you stumbled, or borrowing a bit of money in a pinch. What would our world look like if we never supported each other? Emotionally. Financially. Physically. Spiritually. Would you ever feel empowered or Continue Reading »
Posted on May 1, 2013 by Stuart Matan Lithwick
I can’t believe we are down to our last 5 weeks in Israel! David Bernstein said that it would absolutely fly by, but I never realized how right he was! I feel like my time in Israel is slipping away, and there are so many things still on my bucket list! I have had such Continue Reading »
