Pardes News
Mayor of Jerusalem Recognizes Community Service Programs – Pardes Students Win Award for Ethiopian Immigrant Children’s Event
Jerusalem, Israel – June 13, 2007 (27 Sivan) – Mayor Uri Lupoliansky, on behalf of the City of Jerusalem, recognized Volunteers of Jerusalem organization Mitnadvei Yerushalayim award-winners, including the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. The volunteer organization lauded Pardes Community Service and Continuing Education Director Debra Weiner-Solomont and Pardes student organizers of a Purim carnival for Ethiopian immigrant children.
The Pardes Purim carnival was the first celebration of the holiday for many of the immigrant children. Purim is not observed in Ethiopia because the Jewish community there was cut off from world Jewry before the Purim events occurred. At the carnival, Pardes students staffed a variety of game and activity booths and handed out Mishloach Manot food packages to immigrants in the neighborhood.
“Pardes students planned, organized and ran the Purim events themselves, as one of our institute’s many community service projects. I’m honored to accept this award on their behalf,” commented Pardes Community Service and Continuing Education Director Debra Weiner-Solomont.
The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem 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, Spiritual and Advanced Scholars learning programs. Pardes students who qualify receive support from the Jewish Agency for Israel’s MASA – The Gateway to Long-term Israel Programs initiative.