These and Those

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

Tag Archives: Pardes

[Alumni Guest Post] I’m scared. I’m terrified. I’ve been taught to keep quiet.

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Alanna Kleinman

I cried during services last Shabbat. I cried out of frustration and fear. I cried because the Rabbi told the sanctuary that liberal voices speaking out against Israel were anti-Semitic and hateful. I cried because I was told to shut up, that there’s only one way to support a land I had come to call Continue Reading »

I’ve been saying Watermelon a lot.

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Rachel Dingman

I don’t formally blog, but I did spend some time reflecting on something I shared at our 2014 Pardes Summer Program Tish. Here are my reflections: At a dinner at Yaffa’s house she made the joke “sing along if you know the words, if you don’t just say Watermelon”. Needless to say, I said watermelon Continue Reading »

The Secret Ingredient

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Janu Mendel

I could seriously fill an entire book about the experiences that led me to Pardes, but don’t worry — for the sake of short attention spans (it’s okay, I have one too) — I’ll keep it brief. So long story short, I grew up in this little bubble outside of the United States. I never had Continue Reading »

[Alumni Guest Post] Ruin Your Life for the Better

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Jamie Bornstein

“Zvi ruined my life.” That was the common refrain heard in the hallways of Pardes at the conclusion of Rabbi Zvi Wolff’s class in 2005. Said with a shake of the head and a smile, we uttered these ironic words with love. We even considered making t-shirts. For several hours every week the brilliant Rabbi Continue Reading »

Just a few words…

Posted on July 26, 2014 by Dara Rosenblatt

From my blog, written before Shabbat: As I enter my last Shabbat in Jerusalem before returning back to the United States on Monday, I find myself thinking and reflecting on the past two months in my life. It was with great intention that I chose to come to Israel this summer, for personal, spiritual, and Continue Reading »

“Til then my heart will stay here”

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Joseph Levin-Manning

I wrote this song to the tune of “I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane” None of my bags are packed, Though I must go. My here now has come to a close. I wish I didn’t have to say goodbye. But the dawn is breakin’, It’s early morn. The hope’s still here, It’s growin’ more. Continue Reading »

Anticipation

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Dara Rosenblatt

From my blog: While living in Tel Aviv last month I had the luxury of spending my time at ulpan (intensive Hebrew study), for four days a week, four hours a day. In June, I relaxed, studied my Hebrew, went to the beach, frequented some amazing cafes, and generally just enjoyed my vacation and the Continue Reading »

Supported and Safe

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Joseph Levin-Manning

Hi! I’m Joe, currently a Hillel professional from Baltimore, Maryland. I initially came to Pardes this summer partly because I was told that it would be a truly rewarding experience and because I felt that I need to study some Jewish text in a “formal way”. What I have experienced so far at Pardes has 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 »

July 4th – Old Family/New Family

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Leah Lesch

From my blog: The closing dinner for the Pardes Executive Seminar was held last night at the picturesque Khan Theater and it was not surprisingly a fitting close to a remarkable week. I’m sad that my time here has come to an end; but in some ways it feels like a beginning. I have amassed Continue Reading »