Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on November 24, 2010 by Avi Strausberg
in this week’s parsha, וישב, our attention focuses on yaakov’s slew of sons . it seems there is something about yosef, the 11th son, whose very name’s is rooted in the word to add (אסף), that intensifies the experiences and emotions of those around him. with yosef, you seem to either love him or hate Continue Reading »
Posted on November 22, 2010 by David Bogomolny
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 »
Posted on November 11, 2010 by Avi Strausberg
in this week’s parsha, ויצא (vayetze), jacob sets out to bethuel, the house of his mother’s father, to find himself a wife, and perhaps some countless offspring in the progress. he succeeds in landing himself not one, but count them, two wives: leah, the unloved, and rachel, the loved. jacob favors rachel to such an Continue Reading »
Posted on November 9, 2010 by Merissa
Today in class someone asked if I consider myself racially Jewish. I answered as honestly as possible on the spot, “I don’t know, I am still forming my Jewish identity.” My thoughts are quick, but not that quick. Later it occurred to me both why I was speaking in dissent, and how I define myself Continue Reading »
Posted on November 2, 2010 by Eryn
2:24 בראשית ’על–כן, יעזב–איש, את–אביו, ואת–אמו; ודבק באשתו, והיו לבשר אחד’ “For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and he will cling to his wife and they will be for one flesh.” How does one acquire a friend? Two boys may enjoy playing sports together. The basketball court becomes their sacred place. With each dribble they speak out Continue Reading »
