2-Year MA in Jewish Education (with the Davidson School of Education at JTS)" />      

Pardes Experiential Educators Program
2-Year MA in Jewish Education (with the Davidson School of Education at JTS)

Program Description

The Pardes Experiential Educators Program – Two-Year Master of Arts in Jewish Education is designed for experiential educators who want to live and study in Israel for one to two years. The program combines classical Jewish text study at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies with an online MA from The Jewish Theological Seminary’s William Davidson School of Education.

Program Components

  • Jewish Studies: Courses in Bible, Rabbinics, Jewish Thought, Prayer, and Jewish History to be taken as a fulltime student at Pardes in Jerusalem
  • Hebrew Language: Students must demonstrate Hebrew language proficiency at JTS’ lowest intermediate level (HEB 2201). Students receive one month of individualized program at Ulpan Or in Jerusalem during the summer preceding their year of study at Pardes, and then continue their Hebrew studies at JTS in order to reach the required level. If they have reached the required level (and passed the placement test) before they arrive at JTS, they need not take Hebrew courses during their time there.
  • Education Studies:  10 courses to be completed at JTS, in residency or online, during fall, spring, and summer semesters
  • Education Practicum: Part-time placement to be completed with supervision from The Davidson School in Israel or US
  • Israel Education: Year-round field trips and seminars at Pardes
  • Professional Enrichment: Participation in a professional cohort of the Pardes Experiential Educators Program and in collegial network of The Davidson School

Program Length: Two Years Full-Time

  • One academic year studying full-time at Pardes (September 1–May 31); additional part-time online courses taken at The Davidson School
  • One academic year working in supervised practicum (10 hours/week in the field plus accompanying online course); in-house or online courses at The Davidson School
  • Hebrew study in Jerusalem and at JTS

Hoping to hire a PCJE graduate as a teacher or Jewish educator? Please contact Rachel Margolin at rachelm@pardes.org.il with a description of the position and we will try to make a shidduch!

Prerequisites:

  • BA with above-average GPA
  • Professional experience in Jewish education

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application (to both Pardes and JTS)
  • An official transcript of academic records from all colleges and universities
  • Placement tests for Hebrew language and text levels
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal essay
  • Interview

At Pardes

Full subsidies awarded to all students for two semesters at Pardes and summer ulpan; $800 per month living stipend for 10 months.

At The Davidson School

All MA students at The Davidson School are considered for scholarships of up to 100 percent based on merit and need. Applicants must apply by March 1, 2020. Full-time students are funded for two years.

Applicants for these merit-based and need-informed fellowships must fill out the FAFSA (JTS Code 002740) so that the fellowship committee can assess financial need. To be considered for US Federal loans, you may work with the JTS Financial Aid office upon your enrollment.

The information on this page does not represent a funding guarantee for any current or future PCJE or Pardes student. All accepted PCJE students sign individual contracts with Pardes that confirm program dates, obligations, funding amounts and stipulations for the repayment of funds should program obligations be unmet. Please note that PCJE is not fully funded. As such, PCJE students that receive grants, scholarships or fellowships from other organizations must make reasonable contributions from these funds towards PCJE program costs. In some cases, Pardes coordinates such payments directly with the relevant organizations, institutions or programs; in other cases, the students themselves will need to coordinate these payments. Please address any questions to PCJE staff.

Pardes students usually rent apartments in Jerusalem. Pardes provides helpful housing resources to accepted students, including a listserve. Click here for more info about finding housing in Jerusalem.

Pardes:
Rachel Margolin
rachelm@pardes.org.il
+972 2 673 5210 ext 244

The Davidson School:
Sarahann Goldstein
sargoldstein@jtsa.edu
(212) 678-8032

Outside the Classroom

Beyond the classroom and beit midrash, students enjoy opportunities to explore Israel. Through special programming and tours, we discover the connection between the story of the Land of Israel and the Jewish people. We also grapple with the complexities of the modern State of Israel and how that can influence our Jewish identity.

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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