These and Those

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

Tag Archives: concern for others

Levinas and Lao Tzu

Posted on November 17, 2010 by Michael

I gave this as a speech to the Social Justice Track a few days ago. People seemed to like it, so I thought I’d post it for everyone to read… The 29th section of the Tao te Ching: Do you want to improve the world? I don’t think it can be done. The world is Continue Reading »

Religion of Mr. Potato Head!

Posted on November 12, 2010 by יעל

My theology of religion is encapsulated in a Mr. Potato Head. Mr. Potato Head is a child’s toy in which a plastic potato can be decorated with attachments for eyes, arms, legs, noses, mouths, and clothing items such as glasses and hats. How does this relate to religion? I look at all religions having the same Continue Reading »

True Righteousness

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Spirit Wolf

When once asked by a potential convert to explain the essence of Torah in a mere heartbeat, Hillel recited these famous words: “What is hateful to you do not do unto others. That is the whole Torah. The rest is commentary. Now go and study.” We would do well to remember this today: “True Righteousness” Continue Reading »

Tikkun Olam by Elizabeth Chipkin

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Eryn

This semester at Pardes, I am a participant in the “Social Justice Track.” The “Social Justice Track” is so named because it is more than a class that meets for a prescribed period of time each week. We do meet as a class, to read, to debate and to understand classical texts. However, we also Continue Reading »

"Anyone who has an opportunity to beseech G-d…"

Posted on September 22, 2010 by Mosheh

Before coming to learn at Pardes I lived in Chicago for five years. Having moved from the suburbs of Detroit, I was quite taken aback by actually living in the ‘big city’ for the first time in my life. One of the things which really struck me was all the homeless people on the streets. Continue Reading »