These and Those

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

Tag Archives: quotes

Change

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Hannah Joy

From my blog: In the days leading up to Yom Kippur, we spent a lot of time at Pardes learning about the book of Jonah. The concept that has stuck most in my mind is something we discussed in a lecture given by Judy Klitsner: that of human’s desire and ability (or lack of ability) to change. Continue Reading »

[PEEP Graduation ’13] Athletes of God

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Leah Kahn

Here is my dvar Torah from the PCJE Graduation ceremony! Martha Graham was one of the sages, entrepreneurs and Rebbes of modern dance. Says Graham: “I believe that we learn by practice. It is the performance of a dedicated, precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of achievement, a sense of Continue Reading »

Paying a price

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Avi Benson-Goldberg

From my blog: This week, in Israel, has been particularly focused on the costs of establishing an idealist state in a previously inhabited plot of land. I’m not trying to dig too deep into the politics of it; rather I’m interested in the idea of the prices we pay to live where we do. After Continue Reading »

[PCJE Dvar Torah] Tzav: The Burnt Offering by Joseph Shamash

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Joseph Shamash

In last week’s Parsha, the first 5 Chapters of the book of Vayikra described the variety of sacrificial practices that were addressed to the Children of Israel (Burnt, Flour, Peace, Sin and Guilt Offerings). This week, in parshat Tzav we continue with more details and regulations that are directed to the priests, namely Aaron and Continue Reading »

Review of ‘Relics for the Present: Contemporary Reflections on the Talmud’ by Levi Cooper

Posted on March 16, 2013 by Derek Kwait

Think of it as divrei Torah for the Talmud. Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper’s Relics for the Present is an innovative, insightful, and thoroughly practical look at Mesechet Brachot that is sure to provide inspiration for Talmudic newcomers as much as long-time scholars. Whether read cover-to-cover or piecemeal, whether you’ve ever studied Tractate Brachot, or any Continue Reading »

do not make your self afraid at all, the world is a very narrow bridge

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Shoshana Rosen

From my blog: The important thing to remember is to not make yourself afraid at all Somehow this song, always comes back to me. In times that i least expect it…. I first came across this song at Jewish sleep away camp, singing it on the top top of my little lungs Kol Ha’olam kuloGesher Continue Reading »

the layers come off

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Shoshana Rosen

From my blog: The layers come off Did that grab your attention? Well don’t get too excited, sorry to disappoint. I was bracing my self for that cold shock on my face, but I got off the bus, and the sun hit my face. Oh hello sun! I walked to a coffee shop (duh) and Continue Reading »

a new struggle i didn’t see coming

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Andrea Wiese

From my blog: “An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.” ― Martin Luther King Jr. I know this sounds naive, Continue Reading »

[Alumni Guest Post] Ben Barer: Why Pray?

Posted on January 7, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media

Ben Barer (Fellows ’11-’12) tackles the issue of Jewish prayer as an Atheist in this blog post: One of the toughest questions for me, as a religious atheist, is what do I gain bydavenning (praying).  Alain de Botton, in his fabulous book Religion for Atheists; a Non-believer’s Guide to the Uses of Religion, offers a number of answers Continue Reading »

Shared Experience of Divine Reality

Posted on January 5, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media

  Adam Masser shares a poignant quote:   As deeply as any ideology may stand apart from, even in stark opposition to, its contemporary environment, if this outlook is to be shared beyond the confines of a small band of elite souls, who need no supportive experience to confirm them in their convictions, its beliefs Continue Reading »