These and Those

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

Tag Archives: communication

Bound. because I Want to.

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 »

[PCJE Dvar Torah] Tongue Parmesan – by AdAm Mayer

Posted on April 11, 2013 by AdAm Mayer

I was sitting in the chadar ochel (dining hall) during lunch yesterday with a number of Pardes students, and Zvi Hirschfield turns around from the next table and decides to poll our small group: “Lashon Hara –an aveira [sin] or just good advice?” As to be expected from any gathering of Pardes students, there was Continue Reading »

Love and a Pigeon

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 »

[PCJE Dvar Torah] Tzav: The Burnt Offering by Joseph Shamash

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Joseph Shamash

In last week’s Parsha, the first 5 Chapters of the book of Vayikra described the variety of sacrificial practices that were addressed to the Children of Israel (Burnt, Flour, Peace, Sin and Guilt Offerings). This week, in parshat Tzav we continue with more details and regulations that are directed to the priests, namely Aaron and Continue Reading »

A Jewish Day of Constructive Conflict

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Shoshana Rosen

On the 9th of Adar, the Pardes Center for Judaism and Conflict Resolution (PCJCR) sponsored its first annual Jewish Day of Constructive Conflict. According to the Shulchan Aruch, this was the day that the arguments of Bet Hillel and Bet Shammai deteriorated from a respectful difference of opinion into violence. Rabbi Daniel Roth prepared sources Continue Reading »

‘Rodef Shalom’ Pilot Program for Hillel Professionals

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Leah Kahn

Leah Kahn is a Campus Professional Fellow within The Pardes Center for Judaism and Conflict Resolution, a current student within the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators and former Director of Engagement, University of Chicago Hillel from 2005-2011. I know from firsthand experience that Hillel professionals are very busy managing multiple projects at once and don’t Continue Reading »

[PCJE Dvar Torah] Parshat Vayikra by Lauren Schuchart

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 »

A few thoughts about Constructive Conflict Day at Pardes

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Gabby Goodman

Yesterday at Pardes, during the Jewish Day of Constructive Conflict, after practicing three skills for constructive conflict in the Beit Midrash — deep listening, asking opening questions, and mirroring — we moved into small groups to see what would happen with these skills when we applied them to a live conversation, over a delicious lunch, Continue Reading »

On “I’m Sorrys”

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Tadea Klein

I first presented this on the Arava Tiyul,in a slightly different form. Around the middle of the first semester, someone said something like this: “I’m sorry, but I won’t pray in a place that doesn’t accept me all the time.” This person was not sorry at all. And whether or not I agree with their Continue Reading »

Does Joseph really forgive his brothers?

Posted on December 27, 2012 by Jenna King Brill

I gave over this dvar at night seder this week: This week’s parasha is Vayechi, in which, among other things, Jacob dies and we see a scene of apparent reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. At first, this seems to be an intimate moment in which everyone comes to understand each other, and by the Continue Reading »