The aim of the Pardes Advanced Scholars Program is to facilitate the journey from an advanced level towards becoming a Talmid Hakham and a Jewish thinker. The Pardes Advanced Scholars Program provides a forum for men and women to become Torah leaders, regardless of their chosen profession. The Advanced Scholars Program is the apex of the learning pyramid at Pardes, and as such infuses the entire institution with a culture of creative learning and dynamic growth.

Advanced Scholars have the opportunity to take top-level classes, primarily focusing on methodology, in a number of disciplines. Participants are afforded flexibility to pursue their own Torah interests in the Pardes Beit Midrash. Some Advanced Scholars are pursuing Semikha. Syllabi and suggested reading lists in a number of disciplines are available, to provide structure while allowing independent study in fields in which participants are yet to gain proficiency. Advanced Scholars select at least two topics over the year, and give Habura presentations in these fields. This opportunity facilitates the gaining of a rounded Torah education and ensures Advanced Scholars have sound knowledge in various disciplines. Advanced Scholars can also participate in other classes offered at Pardes, including Hassidut, Scribal Arts, etc..

Advanced Scholars are expected to provide guidance and leadership in the Beit Midrash, setting the tone of Hatmada and Hiddush in learning. Through giving classes to peers and to the wider Pardes student body, Advanced Scholars develop text and educational skills so that participants become more capable of offering Torah opportunities, initially to the Pardes community, and later to their own communities.

Selected Student Profiles

Aharon E. Wexler, Hesder: Yeshivat Hakotel; BA: Bar-Ilan University, Land of Israel Studies; Bar-Ilan Kollel; Smicha; Pardes Advanced Scholar, two years. Rabbi, Jewish educator, and professional tourguide.

Malka Landau, BA (hons.)/LLB: Melbourne University; MA: Latrobe University, Psychoanalytic Studies; Jerusalem Fellow, the Mandel School; Bruria Scholar; mother of Ktoret Landau-Fagenblat. Pardes Advanced Scholar, two years. Currently in Australia lecturing in the Department of Jewish Studies,

Marc Baker, BA: Yale University, Religious Studies; MA: Hebrew Universtiy, Jewish Education; Pardes 1-year program; Pardes Fellow; Advanced Scholar, one year. Teacher at the Weber School, Atlanta, studying in the Atlanta Torah Mitzion Kollel.

Jenny R. Labendz, BA: Barnard College, Philosophy; BA/MA: Jewish Theological Seminary, Talmud and Rabbinics; summer teacher in the North Woods Kollel, Ramah, Wisconsin; Pardes Advanced Scholars, two years. Completing a second Masters degree at Hebrew University and teaching a course at Pardes on Critical Talmud Study.