Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem
Posted on March 6, 2014 by Max Einsohn
This week we begin reading the third book of the Torah, Sefer Vayikra. This book, commonly known by its Greek name Leviticus, consists of laws of sacrifices, ritual purity, and kashrut. Sefer Vayikra is also referred to as “Torat Cohanim” relating to this book’s emphasis on the laws and behavior of the Priests, or Cohanim. Continue Reading »
Posted on January 6, 2014 by Benjamin Friedman
Drowsy in my Wooden womb I hide myself Inside this room As Ocean wishes to Consume me– Here I’ll lie, nursing contumely Oh– How they crash upon my ears! These waves of shouts and flood of
Posted on August 16, 2013 by Eli Steier
Studying at Pardes was amazing, and I gained much. One of the things I learned from my experiences at Pardes is how to be more comfortable with not knowing the answer, to not be so worried about getting life wrong. Let me explain, and lay my position on the table. I do believe there is Continue Reading »
Posted on May 30, 2013 by Brian Blumenthal
“למען ציון לא אחשה ולמען ירושלם לא אשקוט עד יצא כנגה צדקה וישועתה כלפיד יבער” For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth like radiance, and her salvation like a burning torch. (Isaiah 62:1) This semester in Yaffa Epstein’s Bekiut Talmud Continue Reading »
Posted on May 27, 2013 by Joseph Shamash
On my second Encounter trip, as we listened to various Palestinian speakers share their personal stories in a conference room in a Bethlehem hotel, I decided to take a stretch in the back of the room. At that point in the day, we had already listened to a number of speakers and I remember thinking Continue Reading »
Posted on May 27, 2013 by David Bogomolny
I shared this dvar in honor of the Robbin Landes Family @ a 7 Brachot meal for Hannah Robbin Landes & Eitan Gavson: Dear Sheryl, Rav Landes, Isaac, Hannah and Eitan, I am so touched to have the opportunity to address the five of you directly in celebration of Hannah’s & Eitan’s marriage. Thank you. Continue Reading »
Posted on April 1, 2013 by Naomi Bilmes
From my blog: Ten Characteristics of a Good Pigeon Handler: The pigeon handler is moderate in his disposition. A reckless pigeon handler frightens the pigeons. The pigeon handler is loyal and responsible and carries out his tasks in an orderly and punctual fashion. The pigeon handler is kindhearted and cares for each and every pigeon. Continue Reading »
Posted on March 22, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media
Amber Ikeman (Year ’12) reflects upon how we can relate to Passover if we don’t believe in the story of the Haggadah: I often find myself questioning (shocker!) whether the stories in the Torah actually happened. Don’t you? I mean, it’s a really nice idea to think that thousands of years ago, maybe before humankind Continue Reading »
Posted on March 8, 2013 by The Director of Digital Media
Eric Brief (Yr. 2008-09) sent us the following reflection of his year at Pardes to post on These&Those! Check out his blog to see his beautiful art and weekly divrei Torah! If I remember anything about my experience at Pardes it is that I got more than I could have ever imagined. I’m not exactly Continue Reading »
Posted on January 8, 2013 by Shoshana Rosen
From my blog (10/30/13): I shall follow the truths i do know to find direction to the big questions that I do not know the answers to. So here I am, Heneni, I have Been living in Jerusalem for 4 months now. The last month and a half, I have hoped to put those questions Continue Reading »