Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on April 24, 2014 by Ariel Eliach Forman
This week’s Parsha, Parshat Kedoshim uses the literary device of an “inclusio”. It starts and ends with the same line. דַּבֵּר אֶל-כָּל-עֲדַת בְּנֵי-יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם–קְדֹשִׁים תִּהְיוּ: כִּי קָדוֹשׁ, אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם. and ends with: וִהְיִיתֶם לִי קְדֹשִׁים, כִּי קָדוֹשׁ אֲנִי יְהוָה; In the middle, the parsha talks about all the ways and laws Continue Reading »
Posted on March 20, 2014 by Lisa Motenko
You are what you eat. For Jews, this adage rings especially true because we follow strict dietary laws that strengthen our relationship with G-d, as well as distinguish us from other nations. Growing up I was allowed to eat whatever I wanted – except for pig. Like many assimilated American Jews, my family did not keep kosher, but Continue Reading »
Posted on December 24, 2013 by Dorielle Parker
From my blog: I was recently given the task of writing my own “autobiography” for a final paper in one of my classes. Below is an excerpt from my introduction: It is told: There are tiny cracks in the ether that makes up our Universe. It is how all of the light from the Cosmos Continue Reading »
Posted on November 21, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media
Laurie Franklin (Year ’13) sent us these words of wisdom for Thanksgivukkah: Laurie Franklin is the spiritual leader and rabbinic intern at Har Shalom. She can be reached at laurief AT har-shalom DOT org. More than candles While we celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime convergence of the first day of Hanukkah and our beloved American Thanksgiving on Continue Reading »
Posted on October 9, 2013 by Alanna Kleinman
Time has come to define my year here. Not exactly time itself, rather, how I interact with time. When I describe my goal for the year, the whole concept of my studies here, it often becomes described as “taking time off.”This phrase boggles me. Can someone actually take time off from life? This phrase hints Continue Reading »
Posted on September 23, 2013 by Candace Mittel
About Jerusalem Medley Odalia I am from Beit Shemesh. Twenty minutes away from Jerusalem. You are invited to come and see. She is very nice city. The people there… very, very… heart persons. Lovely. I come to Jerusalem a lot. I love this place because when I was teenager I was here a lot with Continue Reading »
Posted on August 18, 2013 by Naomi Bilmes
From my blog: In preparation for Elul, returning to Israel, and because Torah is awesome, I presented this d’var Torah at my synagogue tonight during seudat shlishit. I thought some of you might enjoy reading it. Shabbat Ki Tetzeh Seudat Shlishit D’var Torah By Naomi Bilmes Shabbat Shalom. This week’s parsha, Ki Tetzeh, is full Continue Reading »
Posted on July 19, 2013 by Charlie Carnow
Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel said, ‘There were no greater festive days in Israel than the fifteenth day of Av and Yom Kippurim, when the daughters of Jerusalem would go out in borrowed white dresses so as not to embarrass those who didn’t have their own” (Mishnah Ta’anit 4:7) Ask in America (and maybe across the Continue Reading »
Posted on May 14, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media
Pardes is pleased to present the third episode of our new podcast series by Rabbi Daniel Landes, Unexpected Encounters: The Jewish Holidays and the Other. This episode is on Shavuot. Episode title: Shavuot–Kedushat HaKotel UE: Shavuot Click here for the accompanying handouts. Pardes thanks the Alexander Soros Foundation, the sponsor for the series.
Posted on May 1, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media
Alissa Thomas (Spring ’11) blogs about relating to Jewish Converts, inspired by her own father: There is nothing like seeing my father dressed head to toe in all white. His soul hearkens to the time of the Kabbalistic rabbis who, draped in white clothing, would sing Kabbalat Shabbat in the fields. I imagine my father in his Shabbat white Continue Reading »
