Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on June 20, 2017 by Mira Niculescu
At Pardes, we have a great tradition. It’s called “Take Five”: A few months into the program, right before community lunch on Thursday, we all gather in the Beit Midrash to hear a student share five minutes of Torah. I love this practice. For the listeners, it’s a beautiful way to gain insight into other Continue Reading »
Posted on April 27, 2017 by Rachel Dingman
Life can only be perfected through the affording of a breathing space from the bustle of everyday life. The individual shakes himself free from ordinary weekday life at short and regular intervals – on every Sabbath… What the Sabbath achieves regarding the individual, the Shemitah achieves with regard to the nation as a whole. – Continue Reading »
Posted on April 29, 2015 by Jacob Haas
Yom HaZikaron – what a sad day. I had expectations and anxieties around Yom HaZikaron and I was actually quite relieved that my main feeling from the day was simply sadness. I was anxious that I would feel anger. Anger about the nearly constant state of war Israel is in. Anger about glorifying war. About Continue Reading »
Posted on April 20, 2015 by Maya Zinkow
Every Yom HaShoah, I am transported back to my eighth grade English class. Amidst a sea of plaid skirts, headbands, and decorated notebooks, I am the only Jew in my class. Open on each desk is a copy of The Diary of Anne Frank. I feel the familiar discomfort wash over me – from my Continue Reading »
