Mahloket Matters Fellowship

Program Description

We live in a moment of unprecedented breakdown in civil discourse. Yet, our Jewish tradition upholds the principle that constructive disagreement for the sake of heaven (Mahloket L’Shem Shamayim), is not only imperative but the holy work needed to repair what can feel like irreconcilable differences that permeate within our Jewish communities.

We are honored to present the first four cohorts of the Mahloket Matters Fellowship, consisting of 40 fellows who will be stepping up to this holy and timely challenge.

Comprised of Jewish educators, rabbis, and volunteers, these three distinct cohorts represent inspiring leaders working across the North American Jewish community. Over the course of 8 sessions, fellows will explore a methodology of text study that delves into complex and contradictory narratives and then apply this methodology in their own work by creating programs that increase the desire and ability to understand and engage more constructively with conflicting political opinions today, thereby improving civil discourse. (More information about the Fellowship can be found at the bottom of the page.)

Educational Leadership Fellows

Volunteer Leadership Fellows

Rabbinical Assembly
Educational Leadership Fellows

Covenant Leadership Cohort

Pardes is proud to partner with The Rabbinical Assembly (RA) to launch the third cohort for exemplary RA clergy, as well as with The Covenant Foundation to launch a NEW fourth cohort of Covenant grantees and awardees, as well as with the Rabbinical Assembly.

About Mahloket Matters: The Value of Constructive Disagreement

We often think of disagreements as an unfortunate aspect of life. Yet, in the tradition of the Mishnah and Talmud, mahloket (debate) is a vital tool to generate discussion, critical thinking, personal growth, and the deepening of relationships. Through the study of Jewish texts and social psychology, we will distinguish between different types of disagreements and explore why good people may have diametrically opposing views on moral issues. In an age when civil discourse is on the decline and demonization of the other has become common practice, it is crucially important that we find the courage to productively engage people with whom we disagree. 

In each class of the Mahloket Matters series, we will explore a constructive disagreement revolving around a tension between competing values. In addition to taking a deep dive into the specific topic of each shiur, the broader goal of the Mahloket Matters series is to become adept at considering an issue from multiple perspectives and to recognize the conflicting values, needs, perspectives, and concerns of each side. Ultimately, we hope these experiences will help us cultivate a culture of constructive disagreement and debate within our community and in the world at large.

Over the course of 8 sessions, fellows meet to study the adapted Mahloket Matters (MM) material in-depth as a group. This Fellowship consists of two distinct cohorts, each of which will consist of ten fellows:

  • Educational Leadership (Cohort 1) – Designed for Rabbis and Jewish Educators currently working in the Jewish professional field.
  • Volunteer Leadership (Cohort 2) – Designed for current and emerging Jewish volunteer leaders. The ideal candidate for this cohort will target leaders in business, civic and Jewish leaders representing influential social networks.
  • RA Educational Leadership (Cohort 3) – Pardes is proud to be partnering with The Rabbinical Assembly (RA) for the third cohort for exemplary RA clergy.
Fellowship Components

The fellowship will consist of two essential components:

  1. Group Study & Individual Mentorship – Fellows will learn Pardes’s renowned Mahloket Matters curriculum and receive individual mentorship with Pardes faculty. Each fellow of the Leadership Cohort will receive a $1,500 stipend for their time and participation in these sessions.  
  2. Communal Action – Fellows will be asked to transpose their inspiration and learning into a community engagement initiative (in a way that balances local creativity and established metrics) for their home communities. Each fellow will receive a $500 community engagement fund to support the development of their own communal MM study groups and/or community engagement initiatives. For more information, please click here for the requirements.

By participating in the MM Fellowship, fellows will: 

  • Receive both professional mentorship and financial support.
  • Immerse in highly relevant Pardes Torah that they can use to serve their home Jewish communities.
  • Become a critical voice in a movement to help foster respectful dialogue across North America.
  • Join a strong network of colleagues.
Fellowship 2021 Schedule

Educational Leadership Cohort 1: February 2 – May 11
Volunteer Leadership Cohort 1: February 9 – May 19
Rabbinical Assembly Leadership Cohort 1 March 8 – June 7

Fellowship Faculty

rabba shani grossRabba Shani Gross

Sefi Kraut
Sefi Kraut

Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

 rabbi mike uramRabbi Mike Uram
Meet the 2021 Fellows

Pardes is pleased to announce the three inaugural cohorts of the 2021 Mahloket Matters Fellowship!
Learn more about the 31 impressive individuals selected to participate in the fellowship here:

Educational Leadership Fellows

Volunteer Leadership Fellows

Rabbinical Assembly
Educational Leadership Fellows

Fellowship Eligibility

All applicants must be living in North America (Canada, the U.S., or Mexico) to participate in the fellowship.

Educational Leadership (Cohort 1):

Applicants must either be working as a Jewish educator or rabbi in a Jewish community (defined as a Jewish organization, synagogue or other Jewish institution).

Volunteer Leadership (Cohort 2):

Applicants must be appointed as/hold a volunteer leadership position in a Jewish community (defined as a Jewish organization, synagogue, Federation or other Jewish institution).

Fellowship Application and Deadlines

The deadline has passed for 2021. For more information how you can apply or nominate someone in the future please contact Shani@pardes.org.

Contacting Fellowship Staff

Questions can be addressed to:

Rabba Shani Gross

Amira Mintz-Morgenthau

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Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Activation

Start date: ASAP

We are seeking a charismatic, creative, and action-oriented Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Activation to lead this initiative. This individual will play a key role in bridging the gap between the immersive Jerusalem-based Pardes experience and the ongoing life-long learning opportunities we offer in North America.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Implement and Iterate Alumni Engagement Strategies:
    • Enhance the current “menu” of opportunities for Pardes alumni to both “give” to
      and “receive” from, Pardes.
      • Give: Empower alumni to take action, create initiatives, and leverage
        Pardes as a platform for leadership and innovation.
      • Receive: Encourage alumni to engage in continued learning through
        classes, retreats, Shabbatonim, cohorts, and other programs.
    •  Ongoing internal evaluation of efficacy of strategies and implementing iterative
      updates to enhance outcomes.
  • Program Development and Management:
    • In collaboration with the wider team, develop and implement ideas for online and in person classes, including holiday programs, one-off shiurim, and limited series.
    • Oversee the execution of programs including but not limited to: email
      correspondence and registration, coordinating with marketing, Zoom production,
      and post-program evaluation.
    • Ensuring cross-departmental collaboration specifically with the engagement and
      development teams
    •  Serve as the project manager for select alumni cohort learning programs,
      ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes.
  • Community Building and Leadership:
    • Foster strong, relational connections with alumni, encouraging their active
      involvement in the Pardes community.
    • Identify and cultivate connections with key alumni leaders. Lead efforts to inspire alumni to take on leadership roles within their communities, promoting Pardes’ values and educational mission.
    • Cultivate and steward and existing external partnerships with organizations and
      initiatives as it relates to our Pardesnik engagement and activation work
  • Alumni Coaching and Mentorship:
    • Provide coaching and mentorship to alumni interested in developing initiatives, such as micro-grants or local events, and support them in realizing their ideas. This may include group coaching within cohorts.
  • Targeted Recruitment and Outreach:
    • Engage in focused recruitment and outreach efforts to involve specific alumni in relevant Pardes offerings.
    • Collaborate with the wider team to manage recruitment for various programs,
      including necessary follow-up and evaluation.

Qualifications:

  •  Proven experience in alumni relations, community engagement, or a related field.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a talent for building and maintaining relationships.
  • Creativity and initiative in developing new programs and strategies to engage alumni.
  • Passion for Jewish learning and a deep connection to the mission of Pardes.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Willingness to travel as needed to engage with alumni across North America.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Pardes alumna
  • Experience working in Jewish education or community leadership.
  • Familiarity with the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and its programs.
  • Based in New York City

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience: $70,000-$85,000
    100% health insurance coverage for the employee (dependent coverage available)
  • 403b retirement plan with Nationwide with up to 5% contribution by employer
  • Paid time off & Paid holidays (Jewish and secular)
  • FSA
  • Group Life and Personal Accident Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Remote and hybrid working option and flexible hours
  • Opportunities to travel domestically and to Israel to collaborate across the team
  • Opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and growing organization with a meaningful mission.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and passion for this role. All applications should be sent to Assistant Director of Programs at Monica at monica@pardes.org.

Cover letters should answer the following questions

  • What makes you passionate about this role and work?
  • What concrete professional or personal experiences have prepared you best for this role?
  • What is one project, strategy or initiative that this job description stimulates in you?
  • How do you ensure great teamwork and successful collaboration?
    PLEASE NOTE:

Applications are due by October 8th and interviews will be the week of October 28th. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Pardes North America provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in all organizational facilities without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, (or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer-related or HIV/AIDS-related), genetic information, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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