These and Those

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

Tag Archives: communication

Difficult Conversations and Active Listening

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Aliza Geller

On Wednesday, December 5th, a group of approximately 20 members of the Pardes community gathered to talk about what we could do to facilitate conversations on challenging issues among ourselves. This session was expertly led by Shoshana Rosen (Year Program ‘13) and Meesh Hammer-Kossoy. The biggest concern voiced at the meeting is that people do not necessarily have the skills to Continue Reading »

Empty Notebook

Posted on December 4, 2012 by David Bogomolny

I doodled once on the cover of my notebook, but I didn’t take any notes. Every time we met with a speaker, I brought my notebook and pen with me, but I never once wrote down what they were saying. I’m not sure that I couldn’t have; I’m only sure that I didn’t want to. Continue Reading »

[Alumni Guest Post] Intrafaith Engagement

Posted on October 17, 2012 by The Director of Digital Media

by Ben Barer (Fall 2010, Fellows 2011-12) Cross-posted from his blog. “All Jews are friends” I came across this article recently, and the tenor of the article greatly disturbed me.  My friend and fellow Pardes alum did a wonderful job setting the record straight, but I see the underlying problem as requiring more thought as Continue Reading »

Week of Majesty

Posted on May 29, 2012 by AdAm Mayer

Originally posted to my blog last week before Shavuot: This week was the week of Joyceee It was also the week of Majesty I barbequed, I went to different natural springs, and I danced! I was at a baby naming 🙂 and now we will always be reminded how much of a Blessing Jerusalem is! We Continue Reading »

Are you a Lonely Man or a Social Man?

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Ma'ayan Dyer

As most of my fellow Pardesnicks have probably gathered at this late date in the semester, I’m what one might call “quiet.” It’s not that I don’t speak up in class or won’t engage in conversation (if you strike one up first, of course). Rather, my quietness is an overall demeanor. I’m not a smiley Continue Reading »

Thoughts & Teachings about Prayer

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Austin C.

The following is from all of the notes I’ve taken this year during my studies at Pardes. The subject of prayer has been of particular interest to me… (first presented at the final Pardes Shabbaton) Liturgy/Prayer – Liturgy/Prayer is a basic way for us to get in touch with God, fellow Jews, Jewish values, and Continue Reading »

‘Encounter’ing and Machloket

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Jackie F.

I made aliyah in August 2009, after completing my MPA at Columbia University, knowing that I wanted to come to Israel and use my degree to make a positive difference in the future of the Jewish people. Today I do that through my studies at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem and work Continue Reading »

[PEP Student] The Narcissistic Use of Technology In Life, and In the Classroom

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Daniel Weinreb

Cell phones seem narcissistic to me. When I’m on public transportation and another traveler subjects me to the inanities of cell-phone conversation, my blood pressure raises a few millimeters in a Sphygmomanometer. I think I’m more sensitive than most people but I don’t think I’m off the charts. The larger issue is that technologies seem Continue Reading »

Bring-your-Mom-to-Pardes Day

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Mira

The shift from first semester to second semester started during our week off when half of Pardes went on a tiyul to the Arava desert. I’m not a hiking fan, but I love the desert in Israel and have always felt connected to it. This was a wonderful opportunity for me to reflect on my Continue Reading »

ויצא

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Barer

This week’s parsha presents a number of fascinating narratives, as it deals with the major portion of Yaakov’s adult life prior to his children taking center stage in the narrative.  On the cursory reading that time allows me, the interactions between Yaakov and his father-in-law (and uncle) Lavan are extremely hard to follow.  It may Continue Reading »