First Yahrzeit Memorial for Ben Blutstein and Marla Bennett
 U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer delivers a D'var Torah |
 Students and community members participate in the commemoration |
The Pardes community came together on Menachem Av 22 (August 20) to mark the first Yahrzeit of Marla Bennett and Ben Blutstein at Pardes in Jerusalem.
Marla and Ben were remembered by friends, faculty, Pardes Board members, and representatives of the Hebrew University and The AVI CHAI Foundation, two organizations that are linked closely with the Pardes Educators Program.
The ceremony was honored by the participation of U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer. His D'var Torah, based on Parshat Hashavua Re'eh, underscored the common values that are reflected in the American and Jewish heritage. He said that Ben and Marla's pursuit of Talmud Torah was a Mitzvah of Ben Adam L'makom; it is tragic that thousands of students will never receive their V'shinantem L'vanecha, a Mitzvah Ben Adam L'chavero.
Michael Simon, who was about to become engaged to Marla, recalled all the things we would miss about her, including her cheerful, inclusive smile. Everyone recalled Ben's drumming, as he listened to a beat uniquely his own.
 Michael Simon, a Pardes Fellow, speaks |  Alumna Leah Solomon leads recitation of Tehilim (Psalms) |