What Connects Hanukkah and the Rise of Israel’s Far Right
Posted on December 22, 2022
With the surging power of Itamar Ben-Gvir and Israel’s radical right shaking the foundations of religious Zionist identity, mine included, we need to heed the Hanukkah story’s stark warning about the menace of militant intolerance.
Gratitude and Hatzlacha to Rabbi Alex Israel
Posted on December 22, 2022
Today we share with you the bittersweet news that Rabbi Alex Israel will be leaving Pardes to take on an exciting, senior role with a new educational initiative. Alex’s 14 years at Pardes have been characterized by devotion and commitment. We are enormously grateful for his masterful teaching, his beautiful writing, and his inspiring educational Continue Reading »
The Day My Car Was Hijacked – Very Slowly
Posted on December 6, 2022
By Alex Israel. Last week I had the wildest encounter. My car was hijacked.
Nancy Pelosi and Rabban Gamliel: A Talmudic tale of succession
Posted on December 1, 2022
By Yaffa Epstein. Much like Speaker Pelosi, the Talmud tells us that Rabban Gamliel rules the house of study, with an iron fist, and with a desire for unity. However, Rabban Gamliel takes this desire a step too far.
YOU SHOULD KNOW…Rory Michelle Sullivan
Posted on November 28, 2022
Howl at the Moon. Boston. January 2013. It’s Rory Michelle Sullivan’s 26th birthday, and she’s the musical performer at this bar with a stage.
An Orthodox Rabbi Builds an Unorthodox Harlem Congregation
Posted on November 8, 2022
With Kehillat Harlem, Rabbi Kyle Savitch (Year ’15’-’16) aims to build a space where Jews of all denominations can gather.
Gratitude and Good Wishes to Mike Uram
Posted on October 31, 2022
October 31, 2022 Dear Pardes Community Members and Friends, Rabbi Mike Uram, who has led Pardes North America for nearly two years, is leaving Pardes to take a new job as the Chief Jewish Education Officers of Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) where he will serve as rabbi and educator-in-residence, increasing Jewish content in Continue Reading »
Pardes Welcomes Two New Board Members
Posted on October 26, 2022
The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies is pleased to welcome two new board members! Both are alums of flagship Pardes immersive programs. They represent the next generation of Pardes leadership, whose fresh perspectives will be critical to Pardes’s growth. Dammara Kovnats Hall – Israel Board of Directors Jessica Fain – North American Board of Directors Continue Reading »
Exiled from Our Souls
Posted on September 29, 2022
by Rabbi Brent Spodek. When the Spanish fleet conquered Mexico in the 16th century, Luis de Carvajal y de la Cueva was appointed governor of the New Kingdom of Leon. In his jurisdiction were the towns of Leon, Neuvo Almaden and Monterrey, and thousands upon thousands of acres of silver mines. He was, to put Continue Reading »
Once Every Seven Years: Dismissing Debt on Rosh Hashanah
Posted on September 21, 2022
The concept of Shemittah – the Jewish Sabbatical Year – includes among other things a provision to release people from debts owed to others. Though clearly a noble and moral sentiment, such a law can easily lead to problematic situations and even exploitation. Levi Cooper delves into one possible solution to this issue, provided by Continue Reading »