These and Those

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

Tag Archives: choice

Yevgenia Baron Probst

Posted on April 28, 2013 by David Bogomolny

I shared the following words at Pardes, wishing my friend Yevgenia and her family chizuk (encouragement, support) and Hashem’s rachamim (mercy). She was born with a congenital heart defect, which has always impacted the quality of her life. Last Sunday, a week ago, I was not entirely surprised to learn that she had been hospitalized. Yevgenia inspires me Continue Reading »

Why I am Making Aliyah

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Liviah Landau

April 15th, 2013 It’s Erev Yom HaAtzma’ut and just a few days ago I had my first meeting with Nefesh b’Nefesh, an agency that works for North American Jews intending on immigrating to Israel. My application is in, and a few more papers are needed, but the decision has been made. I am making Aliyah Continue Reading »

[Alumni Guest Post] Educating my Jewish Daughter by Whitney Fisch

Posted on April 5, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media

Whitney Fisch (Year 2008-09) shares a personal challenge of hers, regarding the role of women in Judaism: Whitney Fisch grew up within the Reform movement in Marietta, GA. She started her career in Jewish communal work at the University of Georgia Hillel as the Jewish Student Life Coordinator, which led her to other positions in Continue Reading »

Lovely Women, or In Defense of Sniyut and Halter Tops

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Tadea Klein

The difference between a lovely woman and a plain one Is the way that, When dressed in her right clothes Or doing her best loved tasks, She unfurls like a rare flower Her back straight and her eyes shining And she unleashes that 100 Kilowatt smile That all women keep tucked up in the corners Continue Reading »

Time to Stir Up Some Controversy…

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ari Abelman

From my blog: I’d like to use this post to respond to a sentiment that I have frequently heard in recent years among Israelis with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The sentiment goes something like this: “I’m in favor of peace with the Palestinians, including a two-state solution in which the Palestinians would have a Continue Reading »

[Alumni Guest Post] D’var Torah: Parashat Vayakel-Pikudei

Posted on March 8, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media

Daniel Shibley (Year ’11, Fellows ’12) blogs honestly and openly about his thoughts on being drafted into the Israeli Defense Forces after making Aliyah: Israel Flag (Photo credit: Felix_V) Sacrifice. Building of the Mishkan takes center stage in the parasha this week. Moshe asks the Israelites to give to the construction project, to sacrifice some Continue Reading »

What’s in a (Jewish) name?

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Ma'ayan Dyer

From my blog: With the tenth of February just around the corner, it’s hard to believe that I’ve been in Israel for a month already. I have big plans for my time abroad, and while I’ve mostly been happily consumed with Jewish studies at Pardes, I feel like there’s still just so much for me Continue Reading »

[Alumni Guest Post] Shira Abramowitz – The Burden of Legacy: It is no dream.

Posted on January 4, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media

Shira has left us for another adventure, and we miss her… But her insightful writing continues (x-posted here below)! Legacy. A pretty big word around here. Here being Jerusalem, a city that many nations hold dear due to its history and importance in relation to their people, their culture, their religion. As a proud member of Continue Reading »

Notes By ShiraBee: A Directed Heart (Mishnah)

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Shira Bee

Originally posted on my blog:

Lot

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Falynn Schmidt

Originally posted on my blog: Years ago I heard comedian Yisrael Campbell give his shpiel about converting to Judaism. It is hilariously funny in the way that can only come from truths. In one part, the rabbis ask him, “Do you put your lot in with the Jewish people.” “Sure,” he shrugs, realizing that is Continue Reading »