News and Updates

Parashat Shemot: A conspiracy of women

Posted on January 20, 2023

By Nechama Goldman Barash In this first instance of Pharaoh’s underestimation of women, he fails to recognize that women who bring life into the world are unworthy allies in facilitating violent death.

Making Base Home: 11 Lessons on Innovation

Posted on January 10, 2023

By Faith Leener –  In 2014, my three best friends and I co-founded Base – a new type of Jewish community for ourselves and our millennial peers.

Gila Fine: Teaching Talmud with a Twist

Posted on January 5, 2023

Gila Fine’s interpretations of the Talmud are kind, inspiring, and relatable for modern women. Let’s hope the men are on board.

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What Connects Hanukkah and the Rise of Israel’s Far Right

Posted on December 22, 2022

With the surging power of Itamar Ben-Gvir and Israel’s radical right shaking the foundations of religious Zionist identity, mine included, we need to heed the Hanukkah story’s stark warning about the menace of militant intolerance.

Gratitude and Hatzlacha to Rabbi Alex Israel

Posted on December 22, 2022

Today we share with you the bittersweet news that Rabbi Alex Israel will be leaving Pardes to take on an exciting, senior role with a new educational initiative. Alex’s 14 years at Pardes have been characterized by devotion and commitment. We are enormously grateful for his masterful teaching, his beautiful writing, and his inspiring educational Continue Reading »

The Day My Car Was Hijacked – Very Slowly

Posted on December 6, 2022

By Alex Israel. Last week I had the wildest encounter. My car was hijacked.

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Nancy Pelosi and Rabban Gamliel: A Talmudic tale of succession

Posted on December 1, 2022

By Yaffa Epstein. Much like Speaker Pelosi, the Talmud tells us that Rabban Gamliel rules the house of study, with an iron fist, and with a desire for unity. However, Rabban Gamliel takes this desire a step too far.

YOU SHOULD KNOW…Rory Michelle Sullivan

Posted on November 28, 2022

Howl at the Moon. Boston. January 2013. It’s Rory Michelle Sullivan’s 26th birthday, and she’s the musical performer at this bar with a stage.

An Orthodox Rabbi Builds an Unorthodox Harlem Congregation

Posted on November 8, 2022

With Kehillat Harlem, Rabbi Kyle Savitch (Year ’15’-’16) aims to build a space where Jews of all denominations can gather.

Gratitude and Good Wishes to Mike Uram

Posted on October 31, 2022

October 31, 2022 Dear Pardes Community Members and Friends, Rabbi Mike Uram, who has led Pardes North America for nearly two years, is leaving Pardes to take a new job as the Chief Jewish Education Officers of Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) where he will serve as rabbi and educator-in-residence, increasing Jewish content in Continue Reading »