These and Those

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

Tag Archives: correspondence

Dear incoming Pardes students

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Elana Shilling

Dear incoming Pardes students nervously biting your fingernails while watching rockets fly on their TV screens, I won’t lie. Israel is at war. Rockets are terrorizing the country and ground troops are waiting for the okay to enter Gaza. It’s a tense time for Israel. That being said, this morning I woke up to my Continue Reading »

To the incoming Pardes student

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Rachel Bikofsky

To the incoming Pardes student who’s watching the news and feeling anxious, I know how it is. You’re reading the headlines about everything going on in Israel and you’re thinking, “Wait, am I sure I want to go over there?” Allow me to be the voice that speaks insistently in your ear and says, “Yes, Continue Reading »

Why Swarthmore’s Hillel Should Not Become “Open”

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Suzanne Singer

I wrote this to Swarthmore’s Hillel in hopes that it would engage them in responding to me. I have heard nothing. I expect that some Pardes students may be interested and want to challenge/ agree/ expand my thoughts. In Support of Hillel “Guidelines” Why Swarthmore’s Hillel Should Not Become “Open” On December 8, 2013, Swarthmore’s Continue Reading »

[Alumni Guest Post] The Love I Gained

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Aliza Riemenschneider

Aliza Riemenschneider (Mechina ’08, PEP ’10) writes regularlyon her own blog, Each & Every bs”d At the closing community lunch, David Bernstein will stand up and make a speech, telling you that you are all b’nei/b’not bayit.  Meaning, once you come to Pardes to learn, you are always welcomed back with warm, open arms anytime you Continue Reading »

Let’s Relate

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Naomi Bilmes

From my blog: This week was my first full week of class at Pardes, leaving me with less of some things and more of others. More: Learning. Torah. Prayer. Introductions. Re-acquaintances. Texts. Less: Free Time. Energy. Mental Focus. If you haven’t heard from me recently, I’m truly sorry about that. Adjusting to my new schedule will hopefully Continue Reading »

So Many Ways

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Stuart Matan Lithwick

It is so hard to believe Annie and my year in Israel is already over! We are sitting in our hostel room in Tel Aviv, taking in the sounds of the city, as we contemplate returning to Toronto, changed in so many ways. This year has been a year with so many different facets. Challenging, Continue Reading »

[Alumni Guest Post] Dear Pardes Year ’13

Posted on May 26, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media

Dear Pardes Year ’13, It’s been nearly 4 months since I’ve seen you all. Now most of you are getting ready to return to North America. Here are a few things I’ve experienced since I’ve been back. I hope this helps prepare you! Size Matters Everything is a lot bigger in America. This includes the Continue Reading »

[Alumni Guest Post] To my amazing friends

Posted on May 9, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media

Shira Abramowitz (Fall 2012) sent us this postcard from Cape Town, South Africa! To my amazing friends over in Talpiyot, Chag Sameach! (Although I understand it may not still be Pesach once this reaches you!) Just want to send some love & gratitude to your incredible community – I think about you all so much Continue Reading »

A Letter to Iran…

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Joseph Shamash

One Wish Jerusalem was inspired by a video made by an Iranian filmmaker Ali Molavi. To see his video click here. This is the letter I sent him and his subsequent response after seeing our video:

Thank You from Abayudaya

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Rachel Rosenbluth

Dear Friends, This email is to send a huge huge huge thank you for all of your generous contributions towards the Namutumba Jewish community. In total, we raised 900 dollars (!!!!!), to help support the community! The money is going to contribute to full and complete seders, as well as to the education fund of Continue Reading »