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Description
This core Pardes program offers serious study for post-university students, including dynamic interactive learning, day and overnight trips, and community service. Students learn both in Havruta study (partner learning) and in seminar-style classes five days per week.
The Pardes experience gives students maximum exposure to the classic texts of Jewish tradition.
Program Options
While in special cases students may attend for one semester, our experience shows that the impact of a year at Pardes grows exponentially as the hours invested increase.
Full-time Year Program
The full-time Year Program is the optimal framework for intensive Jewish study and the exploration of ethical, spiritual, philosophical, legal and societal issues facing individuals, the Jewish people and humanity. Full-time students participate in seminar-style classes and Havruta (partner study) at least 32 hours per week. Year Program students have the opportunity to participate in weekly community service projects in Jerusalem organizations matching student’s interests.
Half-time Year Program
The half-time Year Program is 20+ hours per week and covers about half of the subjects in the full-time program. Students select classes from the full-time schedule for morning study or a combination of mornings and afternoons.
Professional Development Add-on
The new Pardes Professional Development Program is an option for students interested in serious involvement in the community beyond Pardes, including volunteer and professional opportunities in Jerusalem. Students may combine either option with the academic Medical Issues or Social Justice Career Concentrations.
Full-time Study with Career Exploration
For students interested in supplemental career and social justice opportunities who wish to fully participate in the Pardes Year Program, Pardes staff will assist students in making suitable arrangements on an individual basis fitting the full-time course load. Students may also select a Pardes Career Concentration.
Half-time Study with Internship
This internship program is geared to Pardes students who want more extensive participation in their field or in a service opportunity than the full-time Year Program is able to accommodate. The Israel Professional Internship Program arranges internships in medicine, tourism, hi-tech, law, education, social service, communications, and government. Job placements are tailored to the needs of the employer and the qualifications of the applicant. Hebrew language proficiency is not required for most internships. Students may combine an internship with a Pardes Career Concentration.
Choosing Your Program
Pardes staff members are available in person, by phone, and online to assist you in selecting the most appropriate option for your individual situation. Students may make changes during the first month of study. Please note that there is a difference in financial aid availability for full and part-time students.
Student Comments
"The learning at Pardes is exactly what I was looking for. As a liberal Jew, it was essential for me to find a place where I could explore the sources of my tradition in a coed environment that is neither coercive nor judgmental. I can incorporate what I have learned into my daily life in the way that suits me."
Adam K
New York
Harvard University
"I've never studied anything like Gemara before and it really appeals to my type of intellect. It's like a puzzle, making it very rewarding to learn."
Rachel K
Wilmington, Delaware
Barnard College
"As a graduate of an Orthodox yeshiva high school, I have found Pardes to be a welcome and eye-opening experience. I have met committed Jews from all movements and affiliations. Being able to discuss our beliefs and share our experiences over texts, Shabbat meals and hikes through the desert, has been a tribute to the endless possibilities for Jewish continuity and unity."
Elana L
New York
Cornell University
More student comments
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Program Dates
Two semesters of study are offered. In addition, students are required to attend an Ulpan (intensive Hebrew course) in July and August. An exemption may be granted to students with a strong Hebrew background.
Ulpan
July and August
Fall Semester
The beginning of September to mid-January
Spring Semester
Mid-January 27 to the end of May
Academic Calendar
Admissions Page
Academics
Core classes are offered in eight levels, from beginners to advanced, according to the students' Hebrew language skills and background in Jewish studies. Students select their courses and concentrations after arrival at Pardes. Faculty, courses and concentrations will be introduced at the Pardes Orientation on the first day of classes.
Classes meet Sunday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., plus at least one evening a week. One afternoon a week is available for individual Community Service projects.
Course Schedule
Career Concentrations
In addition to the full schedule of courses, Pardes is introducing Career concentrations, with the option of taking them in conjunction with professional internships.
Social Justice - Fall Semester
The Social Justice concentration will include an in-depth study of social justice issues through the lens of classical Jewish texts, as well as bi-monthly visits to institutions and organizations. The Concentration is open to all students.
Medical Issues - Spring Semester
The Medical Issues concentration will include an in-depth study of medical ethics from a Jewish perspective, as well as bi-monthly visits to medical institutions and organizations. While designed specifically for individuals pursuing careers in the full-range of medical professions including doctors, nurses, midwives, public health and holistic healers, the Concentration is open to all students.
Intensive Study Concentrations
Intensive Talmud
The Talmud concentration is geared for Intermediate and Advanced students, and includes 3 or 4 mornings a week of in-depth Talmud study combined with 2 afternoons of survey style Talmud study.
Intensive Tanakh
Intensive Tanakh is available 4 mornings and 2 afternoons per week at the Intermediate level. Instruction is in Hebrew.
Learning Beyond the Text
Shabbat and Holidays
Shabbat is a time for students and faculty to come together for informal communal meals, singing, prayer and D'vrei Torah (Torah insights). Pardes organizes various Shabbatonim, enabling students to experience Shabbat in a a variety of settings in different locations around Israel. In addition, faculty members frequently invite students to join them in their homes for Shabbat meals.
Before each holiday there is a Yom Iyun (day of learning) which focuses on the concepts, laws and traditions of that holiday. Whether it's sharing latkas at Channukah or baking matza before Pesach, holidays are a time for our students to celebrate and reflect together.
Special Events
Faculty members arrange lunchtime learning programs based on student suggestions. Issues for discussion have ranged from choosing a prayer leader (shaliach tzibur) to gender roles issues in prayer services, and the Israeli election process.
Students initiate events, either in conjuction with Pardes, or on their own, in areas such as charity, the environment and entertainment.
Meeting Israelis
Pardes arranges optional events and discussions with young Israelis to enhance our understanding of the local society and culture.
Exploring Israel
Throughout the year, there are regular tiyulim (trips) around Jerusalem and the rest of Israel. Hiking through deserts and mountain streams and visiting historical sites enhances the Pardes learning experience by bringing students into contact with the land of the "People of the Book."
Living Arrangements
Pardes students live in apartments in Jerusalem. Although we do not arrange housing, we do post information on apartment rentals and make every effort to help students find suitable accommodation.
Housing Page
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