Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on January 3, 2014 by Alanna Kleinman
From my blog: One week ago I spent two days in Bethlehem with a group of 15 American Jews, on a trip run by Encounter (http://www.encounterprograms.org/). Immediately after the trip, I knew I had to write about it. I won’t pretend that I can accurately convey my experience in words, or share everything with you. Continue Reading »
Posted on May 20, 2013 by Kayla Higgins
Our bus returned to Jerusalem an hour before Shabbat candle-lighting time. I quickly biked home to shower and light the candles before heading out to my friend’s place for dinner. It was only at twilight, while walking along the Rakevet (the old railroad tracks that cut across the south Jerusalem) and reading from a commentary Continue Reading »
Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ari Abelman
From my blog: I’d like to use this post to respond to a sentiment that I have frequently heard in recent years among Israelis with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The sentiment goes something like this: “I’m in favor of peace with the Palestinians, including a two-state solution in which the Palestinians would have a Continue Reading »
Posted on January 29, 2013 by Rachel Rosenbluth
Tu Bishvat. It’s a day to plant a tree, hug a tree, or nap under a tree. Tu Bishvat symbolizes grounded-ness and growth; rooted-ness and renewal. I celebrated this year’s Tu Bishvat by joining Rabbis for Human Rights (RHR) on a trip to Qusra, a Palestinian community in the West Bank. Beginning with blessings in Hebrew Continue Reading »
Posted on December 13, 2012 by Shira Bee
Originally posted on my blog: Our visit to Hevron (West Bank). A challenging day of conflicting narratives. Heard personal stories and shared reflections from Israeli settlers, Israeli soldiers, Palestinian residents, peace-building organizations, and International Human Rights-Watch organizations.
Posted on December 13, 2012 by Shira Bee
Originally posted on my blog: Preparatory session for our trip to Hevron (West Bank). Speakers presented about the biblical connection to the region, the historical political background, the view from Breaking the Silence, and from an IDF soldier.
Posted on October 16, 2012 by Derek Kwait
Last year was my blogging year. This year is the one where I step aside and help other people blog Pardes. This suits me just fine since this is also the year where I have no time to blog (almost). It occurred to me, however, that if I am to run this blog, then I Continue Reading »
Posted on May 7, 2012 by Derek Kwait
(X-posted from my home blog, Yinzer in Yerushalayim) I came to Israel wanting to learn Torah, and I have. Thank God, I’ve learned tons of Torah here and am privileged to learn more each day. But now that it’s May and I’m entering into the home stretch of my first year in Israel, I’ve gotten Continue Reading »
Posted on January 7, 2012 by Andrea Wiese
All week I had been excited to spend my Shabbat in the “Gush” with two of my teachers. They always have students in their homes for Shabbat, and the anticipation had been building since I heard about other students wonderful experiences. We (Hannah, Yishai, and Amber) left Jerusalem around 1:30, which was way too early, Continue Reading »
Posted on December 31, 2011 by Derek Kwait
(X-posted from my home blog, Yinzer in Yerushalayim) Menorah at the Jerusalem Great Synagogue This was actually my second Chanuka in Israel, I was here on Birthright in December 2008. So the menorahs on the streetlights, the Chabad menorahs in every public square, the impossibly delicious-looking sufganiyot* everywhere, and the total lack of anything Continue Reading »
