The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies Launches Educational Series on Constructive Disagreement

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE PARDES INSTITUTE OF JEWISH STUDIES LAUNCHES EDUCATIONAL SERIES ON CONSTRUCTIVE DISAGREEMENT

WORKSHOP CURRICULUM USES JEWISH TEXTS TO ADDRESS TODAY’S POLITICAL AND IDEOLOGICAL DIVIDES

(JERUSALEM, Israel- January 8, 2019) The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies (www.pardes.org.il/) launched “Mahloket Matters: How to Disagree Constructively-The Beit Midrash Way”, an innovative five-part educational workshop series on constructive disagreement.

Mahloket Matters shows how the study of contradictory interpretations of Biblical narratives about conflict can empower people today to engage more constructively in polarized ideological and political debates. The program is a ready-to-use yet customizable curriculum for educators and lay leaders to facilitate study and dialogue and includes source sheets, videos and facilitator guides.

“As an open, non-denominational institution, constructive disagreement is something that Pardes has been practicing and promoting for decades,” said Rabbi Leon A. Morris, President of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. “This value is relevant in ways it has never been before. People often are enclosed in like-minded groups, unable to engage those with whom they disagree in respectful conversations. This is a moment when we have the duty to share these concepts with the world at large,” he added.

The project was created by Rabbi Dr. Daniel Roth, a core faculty member at Bar- Ilan University‘s Program for Conflict Resolution, Management and Negotiation and the Director of the Pardes Center for Judaism and Conflict Resolution. “The model of the Jewish beit midrash (study hall) and the concept of mahloket l’shem shamayim (disagreement for the sake of heaven) cultivates our minds to be skillful interpreters of the many conflicting realities of the texts,” said Rabbi Dr. Daniel Roth. “We believe that this methodology of learning texts can be also applied to the study of history, conversations over social media and the news. This is absolutely critical for strengthening the eroding culture of civil discourse and constructive disagreement in the world today,” he shared.  

Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies received grants from Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah, from the EGL Charitable Foundation and Ronald Guttman to develop and launch this innovative series.

“Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah is excited to help bring Mahloket Matters: How to Disagree Constructively-The Beit Midrash Way to fruition,” said Aaron Dorfman, President of the Foundation. “At a time of unparalleled polarization and incivility, Mahloket Matters will empower synagogues, federations, Jewish campus organizations, and other Jewish communities to engage in political and ideological disagreements more constructively, bringing Jewish wisdom to bear on these critical contemporary issues. Pardes is uniquely situated to lead the way in this relevant and timely task.”

To learn more and register: www.pardes.org.il/mm

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The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies (www.pardes.org.il) is an open, co-ed and non-denominational Jewish learning community, based in Jerusalem and with programs worldwide. Pardes cultivates in its students a life-long love of Jewish learning, the Jewish people and Israel, inspiring them to engage in Jewish life, as communal leaders, educators, and spiritual leaders.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Ayala Young
Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies
Office: + 972-2-673-5210 x240
E-mail: ayalay@pardes.org.il

Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Activation

Start date: ASAP

We are seeking a charismatic, creative, and action-oriented Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Activation to lead this initiative. This individual will play a key role in bridging the gap between the immersive Jerusalem-based Pardes experience and the ongoing life-long learning opportunities we offer in North America.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Implement and Iterate Alumni Engagement Strategies:
    • Enhance the current “menu” of opportunities for Pardes alumni to both “give” to
      and “receive” from, Pardes.
      • Give: Empower alumni to take action, create initiatives, and leverage
        Pardes as a platform for leadership and innovation.
      • Receive: Encourage alumni to engage in continued learning through
        classes, retreats, Shabbatonim, cohorts, and other programs.
    •  Ongoing internal evaluation of efficacy of strategies and implementing iterative
      updates to enhance outcomes.
  • Program Development and Management:
    • In collaboration with the wider team, develop and implement ideas for online and in person classes, including holiday programs, one-off shiurim, and limited series.
    • Oversee the execution of programs including but not limited to: email
      correspondence and registration, coordinating with marketing, Zoom production,
      and post-program evaluation.
    • Ensuring cross-departmental collaboration specifically with the engagement and
      development teams
    •  Serve as the project manager for select alumni cohort learning programs,
      ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes.
  • Community Building and Leadership:
    • Foster strong, relational connections with alumni, encouraging their active
      involvement in the Pardes community.
    • Identify and cultivate connections with key alumni leaders. Lead efforts to inspire alumni to take on leadership roles within their communities, promoting Pardes’ values and educational mission.
    • Cultivate and steward and existing external partnerships with organizations and
      initiatives as it relates to our Pardesnik engagement and activation work
  • Alumni Coaching and Mentorship:
    • Provide coaching and mentorship to alumni interested in developing initiatives, such as micro-grants or local events, and support them in realizing their ideas. This may include group coaching within cohorts.
  • Targeted Recruitment and Outreach:
    • Engage in focused recruitment and outreach efforts to involve specific alumni in relevant Pardes offerings.
    • Collaborate with the wider team to manage recruitment for various programs,
      including necessary follow-up and evaluation.

Qualifications:

  •  Proven experience in alumni relations, community engagement, or a related field.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a talent for building and maintaining relationships.
  • Creativity and initiative in developing new programs and strategies to engage alumni.
  • Passion for Jewish learning and a deep connection to the mission of Pardes.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Willingness to travel as needed to engage with alumni across North America.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Pardes alumna
  • Experience working in Jewish education or community leadership.
  • Familiarity with the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and its programs.
  • Based in New York City

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience: $70,000-$85,000
    100% health insurance coverage for the employee (dependent coverage available)
  • 403b retirement plan with Nationwide with up to 5% contribution by employer
  • Paid time off & Paid holidays (Jewish and secular)
  • FSA
  • Group Life and Personal Accident Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Remote and hybrid working option and flexible hours
  • Opportunities to travel domestically and to Israel to collaborate across the team
  • Opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and growing organization with a meaningful mission.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and passion for this role. All applications should be sent to Assistant Director of Programs at Monica at monica@pardes.org.

Cover letters should answer the following questions

  • What makes you passionate about this role and work?
  • What concrete professional or personal experiences have prepared you best for this role?
  • What is one project, strategy or initiative that this job description stimulates in you?
  • How do you ensure great teamwork and successful collaboration?
    PLEASE NOTE:

Applications are due by October 8th and interviews will be the week of October 28th. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Pardes North America provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in all organizational facilities without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, (or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer-related or HIV/AIDS-related), genetic information, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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