These and Those

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

Tag Archives: alumni

[Alumni Guest Post] The Intersession Bible

Posted on February 8, 2014 by Nina Gordon-Kirsch

On Sunday morning, I arrive at Pardes to empty hallways and a quiet Beit Midrash. No hassles or traffic jams, I find my locker and take my class materials into Room 5, or rather, the space that has been my womb for sometime now. Fall semester ended just three days prior, and I’m not yet Continue Reading »

[Alumni Guest Post] ‘From outside Pardes’ by Aaron Voldman

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Hirsch Fishman

Aaron Voldman (Fall ’12, Elul ’13) is still taking classes at Pardes, as a Dorot Fellow. He recently wrote this poem- Over the din Of traffic A flute sounds Signaling the start of class To the melody of “Tov lhodot Lashem:” “It is good to praise Hashem To declare in the morning his kindness And Continue Reading »

[Alumni Guest Post] “Be Strong”

Posted on January 26, 2014 by Hirsch Fishman

Daniel Shibley’s (Year ’11, Fellows ’12, Kollel ’14) post: Day in and day out in the army, somebody somewhere can be overheard delivering these two words. Often they follow a complaint about any number of potential issues or a minor injury. Frankly, there are plenty of opportunities to be on the giving and receiving end Continue Reading »

[Alumni/Staff Guest Post] Down the Stairs of Your Local Coffee Shop

Posted on January 26, 2014 by Jenna King Brill

It was maybe five minutes after I first walked into the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies’ beit midrash that I thought: “Woah. The people here are incredible!” Anyone you talk to who has spent time at Pardes will tell you that it is the people who make it such a unique and wonderful place. It Continue Reading »

[Alumni Guest Post] Digging a Pit and Me

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Hirsch Fishman

X-posted from Eryn’s blog post: Eryn London (Summer ’06 & ’07, Community Education ’10, Year ’10-’11, Hourly ’11-’12) made Aliya from New Jersey three years ago. She is currently studying in the Manhiga Hilchatit Program at Midreshet Lindenbaum, which is a 5 year advanced Halacha learning program. Beyond learning she also runs activities at a Continue Reading »

[Alumni Guest Post] A message to all those who are considering studying in Israel.

Posted on January 9, 2014 by Hirsch Fishman

David Gutbezahl (Year ’13) reflects upon the year thathe spent at Pardes: Within every Jew there is planted a seedling. This seedling, the desire to learn Torah, has the ability to grow into one of the most beautiful trees in the world, the Tree of Knowledge. While it is true that trees can grow strong Continue Reading »

[PCJE Dvar Torah] The Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart and Breaking Bad Habits this 2014

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Cara Abrams-Simonton

There are many interesting events, aspects and themes in Parashat Bo. One theme that emerges is the notion of free will which the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart and the purpose of the plagues in general present. I find this theme extremely relevant and accessible for people of all ages.While student teaching last year at the Continue Reading »

Together in Paris

Posted on December 25, 2013 by Alana Bandos

Together in Paris.  That’s what Anastasia’s grandmother says to her before their family is torn apart in the hit animated feature film Anastasia (which is not actually a Disney movie).  It’s on the necklace the young girl wears through to adulthood and it helps her reclaim her true identity as heir to the Russian throne.  Continue Reading »

Walk Torah, Talk Torah with David Levin-Kruss

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Meira Cohen

On November 29, David Levin-Kruss walked up and down the High Line in NYC, teaching Torah and raising money for cancer research. Among those who joined him was an incoming student. by Meira Cohen I’m not due to arrive in Jerusalem for another month, but I have already experienced the legendary warmth of Pardes. As Continue Reading »

[Alumni Guest Post] Guns and Rainbows

Posted on December 15, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media

Alum Daniel Shibley (Year ’11, Fellows ’12) blogs about his IDF experiences: Early last week, we made our first trip to the shooting range. Winter, which had been largely absent until that point, decided to arrive. The winds picked up, spraying sand and dust onto and into everything. I had no idea that dust could Continue Reading »