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Pardes Summer Learning Program in Israel

Description

Join us for one or more Summer Learning sessions of intensive text study

  • Be challenged by new ideas and opinions
  • Interactive classes with top Jewish educators
  • Dynamic Havruta (paired learning) sessions with fellow students
  • Optional evening activities and Shabbat celebration
  • Develop independent text study skills
  • Meet a wide range of Jews of all denominations and belief systems
  • Form a community
  • Enjoy the opportunity to grow as a person and as a Jew

It's amazing how much you can accomplish in three weeks!

Academics

Each summer learning session will be devoted to a theme:

bullet Session 1: Our Jewish Body/Our Jewish Selves

June 1-22, 2010

  • What do Jewish texts have to say about the body?
  • Is it a mitzvah to take care of one’s health?
  • Is there a Jewish way to eat?
  • We will look at texts that touch on issues of the body, including passages from the Talmud that examine what happens when one damages one's body, prayers that thank God for our health, and philosophical texts that deal with mind versus body.

    Click here to see the full June schedule.

    bullet Session 2: I Am Me, You’re Not Me!

    June 30 - July 21, 2010

    This course examines the individual – you and me – and how we relate to ourselves and the world around us. Questions we will ask include:

  • How do I create a meaningful life?
  • How does Judaism relate to the other?
  • Can Jews be outsiders among their own people?
  • Can charity be an excuse for dealing with the symptom rather than solving the problem?
  • How do we create a socio-economic framework that helps us to lead good lives?
  • Where do G-d and ritual fit in?

    Click here to see the full July schedule.

    bullet Session 3: Israel is Real

    July 25 - August 12, 2010

  • Why do we need a Jewish state? Do we?
  • How does Israel reflect/challenge Jewish values?
  • Do we see texts differently when we visit the places where the events happened?

    During this session we will tackle everything from God's call to Abraham to post-Zionist musings, understandings of the Land and the State of Israel and the differences between them, and grapple with Israel as the ideal and Israel as it really is.

    Click here to see the full August schedule.

    Subjects

    Students study some of the following subjects:

  • Tanach (bible)
  • Talmud courses
  • Halacha (Jewish Law)
  • Sidur
  • Jewish philosophy and hasidut
  • Interpersonal relationships
  • Contemporary issues
  • Jewish history
  • Torah Yoga
  • Art

    Classes are held on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30am-5:00pm. Tuesdays are devoted to special programs and trips dealing with the particular program’s theme.

    Please note: Changes can be made to the schedule at any point, even once the program has begun.

    Ulpan and Hebrew

    Hebrew language classes are part of every program and run every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon.

    All classes will incorporate Hebrew language skills. At a more introductory level simple commands and sentences will be used as part of regular instruction. Classes on a higher level will be conducted in a combination of English and easy Hebrew.

  • Admission and Fees

    The Pardes Summer Learning Program is open to Jews of all backgrounds who want to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Jewish tradition and texts. Minimum requirement: one year of college or age 19 and up.

    Click here for full admissions information.

    Dates for 2010

    Session 1: June
    Tuesday, June 1 to Tuesday, June 22, 2010

    Session 2: July
    Wednesday, June 30 to Wednesday, July 21, 2010

    Session 2: August
    Sunday, July 25 to Thursday August 12, 2010

    Multiple Sessions

    Participants may attend one, two or three summer sessions. The curriculum is designed to enable students to benefit from attending consecutive sessions.

    To apply for one or more Pardes summer sessions click here.

    Tailor-Made Tutorials

    The topic you’d like to learn about isn’t on our schedule? The times or dates don’t fit in with your plans?

    Pardes offers tailor-made tutorials for one to five people on a topic of your choice at a time that is convenient for you. Cost ranges from $100 to $200 a session.

    Contact tutorials@pardes.org.il for more details.

    Living Arrangements

    Pardes students live in apartments in Jerusalem. Pardes provides information on apartment rentals. Once you apply your receive access to a listserve and other privileged information.

    Local apartments are available through Pardes for July and August summer sessions. May 5th deadline for reservation. More information from arlene@pardes.org.il.

    bullet Contact

    For more information about any aspect of the Summer Program, fill out our Information Request Form, email or call 212-447-4333 (North America) or 972-2-673-5210 (Israel and the rest of the world).

    bullet Student Comments

    "The summer program significantly improved my textual skills and helped me clarify my long-term Jewish learning goals." - Ann G., seasoned learner, Cambridge, Massachusetts

    "Learning alongside others who are excited about their Judaism has helped me feel part of the Jewish people." - JB, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee

    "Pardes respects its students and this freedom allows people to grow if they so desire." - Shira Z., York University, Toronto, Canada.

    "I feel more empowered than ever to make positive changes in all aspects of my life and be the true "me" I've always wanted to be." - AF, Los Angeles

    "I am beginning a relationship with God that I didn't even realize I was yearning for." - Hannah E., New York, NY

    "The educators were helpful, respectful and, most of all, inspiring, erudite and encouraging." - Shira Z., York University, Toronto, Canada.

    "The courses were intellectually and spiritually stimulating and I hope to take up the challenge of continuing to learn in a serious way." - Karin S., London, UK.

    "I have no formal learning and expected to feel uncomfortable. Instead I have been inspired." - JS., beginner