Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on July 29, 2015 by Ira Blum
4 Questions, Reflections, Responses and Resolutions from a Period of Immersive learning with the Future Jewish People. (While flying back from Tel Aviv to Philly, I struggled through turbulence in time and space, bearing the weight of collective memorial with the Jewish people, while transitioning back to the work place, following a generative period of Continue Reading »
Posted on July 19, 2015 by Juli Goodman
This post was originally published in www.backpocketeducation.com. This program is inspired by a text I learned in Yaffa Epstein’s course “Without Understanding, How Can I Pray” at the Pardes Institute this summer. I was struck by how detailed the text is with regard to the specific blessing associated with each action, as though a simple Continue Reading »
Posted on July 14, 2015 by Yuliya Mazur
Jerusalem is a place I dream about, a place I begin to yearn for as soon as I am back home (?) from it. I had planned my study at Pardes long ago, thanks to Yaffa Epstein; and that’s when I wrote this little verse: Seeing you in my dreams Craving your warm embrace Hoping Continue Reading »
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 »
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 »
Posted on July 30, 2014 by Carrie Sealine
I shared these words at the final Community Lunch of the 2014 Summer Program: I am an unorthodox Jew. But I know I am Israel because I wrestle with Divine Power — אל — all the time. ישראל: the Power Wrestlers. Among the powers with which I struggle is the power that comes from privilege. Continue Reading »
Posted on July 28, 2014 by Joanne Pollack-Reed
It was a gigantic leap of faith to apply and attend Pardes this summer. Forefront in my mind was if I, a 51 yr old – out of school forever- mom would be able to keep up. Would I be that student that clearly did not belong? My fears were put firmly to rest at Continue Reading »
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 »
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 »
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 »
