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American and FSU Jewish University Graduates Contribute to 24% Growth of Pardes Institute

Jerusalem, Israel - October 11, 2005 (8 Tishrei) - The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem opened the academic year with the largest class in its history - a 24% growth of its student body, which is composed largely of young American university graduates. Rabbi Daniel Landes, Director of Pardes, attributes this growth to a number of factors, including increased interest in traditional Jewish text study among non-Orthodox Jews; a renewed interest in living for a year in Jerusalem related to the general rise in tourism; support from the Jewish Agency for Israel's new MASA initiative; and a new Pardes program which funds the attendance of promising students from Poland, the Czech Republic and the FSU.

"In addition to the large number of students, we're immensely proud of the high quality of this group," stated Rabbi Landes.

Pardes Student Ales Koukal

"Pardes has always sought students of diverse philosophical and religious views to come together in the Pardes Beit Midrash (study hall). Now, in addition to students of all denominations from North America and other English-speaking countries, due to expanded scholarships we are able to offer in-depth Jewish text study to students from Central Europe and the FSU who otherwise would not be able to afford such an experience," explained Pardes Dean David I. Bernstein, Ph.D.

"The unique combination here of serious study of Talmud and Torah with a warm community and hiking trips around Israel makes this a great opportunity," stated Pardes Year Program student Ales Koukal, who majored in Philosophy and Religious Studies at the Charles University of Prague in the Czech Republic. In Prague, Ales led educational workshops for elementary school students as part of the city's Jewish Museum's Education and Culture Center's efforts to increase the Czech public's knowledge of Judaism and Jewish history.

Pardes Student Rachel Isaacs
Following four years of intensive study at Wellesley College, including serving as a class commencement speaker, Rachel Isaacs from Manalapan, New Jersey, decided to spend a year at Pardes in Jerusalem. "Pardes is perfect for me! I love having this time to delve into Jewish texts and debate such interesting ideas with my teachers and fellow students," she said.

The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem

The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem www.pardes.org.il offers men and women of all backgrounds the authentic study of classic Jewish texts in the rigorous, challenging and open environment of dynamic Beit Midrash Havruta partner learning. Pardes, founded in 1972, offers a Year Program for university graduates as well as Educators, Summer and Advanced Scholars learning programs.

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