Pardes Summer Program

Program Description

We can’t wait to learn with you in Jerusalem!

Join us at Pardes for one or both summer sessions to experience:

  • Dynamic, interactive study of classic and contemporary Jewish texts
  • Classes in Talmud, Bible, Spirituality, Prayer, Ethics, and more
  • Talented faculty with expertise in skill-building
  • Inclusive community with students from around the world
  • Celebration of multiple Jewish voices and expressions of ritual life
  • Shabbat hospitality, song and storytelling
  • Fascinating tours in Jerusalem and beyond

THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.

In and beyond the Beit Midrash, Pardes cultivates a culture of curiosity, reflection, constructive debate, and growth, nurturing a commitment to serious study and personal meaning-making. 

THE COMMUNITY.

Joyful. Passionate. Diverse. Engaged. Intergenerational. Supportive.
Learners of all Jewish backgrounds are welcome, from text newbies to yeshiva grads. Ages 19-99 (+).

THE SETTING.

There’s nowhere in the world like Jerusalem in the summer. Ancient intertwines with modern, festivals abound, strangers become friends, and the sun shines bright and long.

Are you a Hillel professional?

Generous scholarships and stipends are available for a limited number of engagement and education professionals. Pros will enjoy a curated cohort-within-a-cohort experience, with a focus on bringing their personal and professional development back to campus. Contact rebecca@pardes.org for details.

Are you a Jewish Educator?

Check out the Jewish Educator Summer Workshop, which offers 1-on-1 expert mentorship alongside Beit Midrash learning with the Summer Program community.

Jews of all backgrounds who want to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Jewish tradition and texts are invited to apply. Minimum requirement: one year of college or age 19 and up. Covid: Pardes complies fully with Israel Health Ministry regulations.

Session I: $950
Session II: $650
Session I+II: $1490

Tuition includes all classes, course materials, trips and tours, and select communal meals.
Flights, accommodation and all other meals are not included.

A limited number of 50% off tuition grants are available for those who meet the following criteria:

  • Campus student leaders (undergrad)
  • Moishe House residents / professionals
  • Limmud leaders
  • Rabbinical / Cantorial / Jewish Ed grad students
  • Other full time Jewish communal professionals (ages 22-35)
  • International young leaders from outside N. American or Israel (ages 19-35)

Increased scholarship and stipend funding will be available to select Hillel professionals in engagement and education roles.

Pardes summer students find their own accommodation during their summer stay. Click here for some suggested websites and housing resources.

Wow, what a wonderful 3 weeks. I feel so spiritually nourished to return home with new energy. I also feel like I had time to really explore who I am, what I believe, and what I want in the world.

-Sammy Kanter (Summer ’22)

The air of Jerusalem made the learning sweeter and more complex. Learning at Pardes reflected the nuance, complexity and beauty of Israel. I appreciated learning with people from different backgrounds and experiences. 

-Anne Berman-Waldorf (Summer ’22)

The teachers and staff create the type of environment to allow this openness and acceptance. The teachers are absolutely masterful. They’re the best of the best. They make the texts come alive.

-Danielle (Summer ’22)

I am beyond happy that I can call myself a Pardes alumnus. I’ve waited many years to learn at Pardes and it was well worth it. I look forward to the opportunities ב׳׳ה to learn more with Pardes in the future.
– Joshua Margo (Summer ’20)

This is the first time I studied Talmud. It was difficult but well worth extending beyond my comfort zone. The teachers at Pardes are awesome and made the time fly. It always left me feeling like I wanted more time. The experience was stimulating, enriching, and challenging.
– Karen Bailis Saef (Summer ’20)

I finally understand why Pardes was so important to people I had talked to. It filled a spiritual void I have been feeling for a long time and renewed my relationship to Judaism and to G-d.
– Katherine Baker (Summer ’20)

Read about our youngest and oldest Summer Program participants.

Contact summer@pardes.org.il for more information.

Schedule a call:

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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