Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on March 20, 2014 by Lisa Motenko
You are what you eat. For Jews, this adage rings especially true because we follow strict dietary laws that strengthen our relationship with G-d, as well as distinguish us from other nations. Growing up I was allowed to eat whatever I wanted – except for pig. Like many assimilated American Jews, my family did not keep kosher, but Continue Reading »
Posted on June 20, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media
Lisa Bodziner is currently the special programs and curriculum coordinator at the Pearlstone Center. She received a Bachelor’s degree in comparative religions from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. She then lived in Israel for four years, receiving a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education from the Pardes Institude and Hebrew College; working at an Ethiopian restaurant Continue Reading »
Posted on May 19, 2013 by Sydni Adler
All pictures are taken from JSPCA’s website. For the past nine months that I have been in Jerusalem, I have spent the majority of my Fridays volunteering at the Jerusalem Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA). The JSCPA is the largest animal shelter in Jerusalem, holding up to 200 dogs and 150 Continue Reading »
Posted on April 18, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media
This week, Rabbi David Levin-Kruss discusses Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim in “Shatnez.” am-k ’73 Click here for the accompanying source sheet. Shabbat shalom!
Posted on April 1, 2013 by Naomi Bilmes
From my blog: Ten Characteristics of a Good Pigeon Handler: The pigeon handler is moderate in his disposition. A reckless pigeon handler frightens the pigeons. The pigeon handler is loyal and responsible and carries out his tasks in an orderly and punctual fashion. The pigeon handler is kindhearted and cares for each and every pigeon. Continue Reading »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Posted on October 2, 2012 by Lauren Schuchart
(Cross-posted from my blog) The morning before Yom Kippur began, I was on a mission to buy food for the “break fast” (specifically borekas and other assorted fattening pastries). The streets were pretty crowded as it seemed everyone had a last-minute mind like myself. I walked past a woman who was holding a bag full Continue Reading »
Posted on September 25, 2012 by Shanee Michaelson
In discussion with my chevrutah, we posited that the snake character of the narrative was rather puzzling. Why would a snake be in conversation with human beings? Moreover, why would a snake have such a pivotal role in גן עדן setting off a series of events and changing the course of humankind? We came to Continue Reading »
