An announcement about this initiative was also published in eJewishPhilanthropy on February 13, 2020. You can read more here.
A Letter from Pardes President, Rabbi Leon A. Morris
January 14, 2020
Dear Friends,
In the spring of 2018, Rabba Yaffa Epstein and I embarked on a 10-day North American tour. Together we visited eight cities and met with hundreds of alumni and supporters of all ages and backgrounds.
We shared with you that Pardes is entering an ambitious stage of institutional growth. We told you that, yes, we are building a new campus in Jerusalem, but that we envision our growth extending far beyond the four walls of our beautiful new beit midrash.
The future of Pardes is a future that must include a significant investment in North America, and we asked you to help us define a shared vision for how Pardes could best serve the communities in which you live.
Your message was clear:
More Learning Opportunities
Alumni Gatherings
Professional Development Opportunities
Strong Local Alumni Networks
I am thrilled to share with you that in late December Pardes secured $3,000,000 in funding to invest entirely in North American programming — for alumni, their friends and their communities!
With the help of a $1,000,000 lead gift from AVI CHAI, Pardes is now poised to build a presence in North America unlike anything we have had before.
In the coming weeks you will hear more from us as we begin a three-year process of programmatic expansion from coast-to-coast. During this time, we hope to continue our partnership with you. We are looking forward to your ongoing engagement and leadership to build and grow a multifaceted program about which we can all be proud.
Thank you for being part of this tremendous community that, in its 48th year, continues to model the power and beauty of welcoming multiple perspectives and practices in the same beit midrash. When we stand (and sit!) together we are truly strengthened!
Sincerely,
Rabbi Leon A. Morris
President
