A Letter of Thanks from Rav Meir Schweiger

Dear Pardes Community,

I would like to formally thank everyone – Pardes staff members, alumni, contributors worldwide – who were involved in the recent campaign to raise $1.5 million for the library, in the new building, to be named in honor of my beloved wife, Malkah, z”l, and myself.

From the outset, this project was undertaken as a labor of love by all involved. About eight months ago, when we were discussing my retirement plans, Rabbi Leon Morris mentioned to me that Pardes wanted to name a space in the new building in my honor. At the time, I was both flattered and embarrassed by the idea.

During my many years at Pardes, I generally avoided the limelight and, consequently, felt somewhat awkward and uncomfortable when I was presented with this very generous proposal.

Two months ago, when Leon and I met after the shiva, he presented me with a revised proposal of launching a major campaign to name the library in honor of the two of us. This gesture brought about a dramatic shift in my attitude. This was no longer about honoring me; instead, it became an opportunity for me to honor the memory of my beloved Malkah in a manner that would be a most fitting tribute to her life.

The two pillars of her life were our home/family and her library. In mid-life, after devoting herself to raising our nine children, she decided to take on a second job, outside the home, as a librarian. She studied for three years to become certified and then worked for over 20 years in the Israeli educational system. Malkah loved reading, and she made every effort to familiarize herself with a wide range of books that would be appealing to children and young adults. She initiated a variety of creative projects that succeeded in transmitting her passion for reading to hundreds if not, thousands of students.

But there was another element that made her library so special. In her unassuming way, Malkah created a warm, safe space where everyone felt welcome and embraced. Through her radiant smile and her encouraging words, she became a role model, advisor, confidant and mother to countless numbers of students. My fervent hope and belief is that Pardes’s new library will be a natural and vital complement to the Beit Midrash.

On the most basic level, I see the library providing students and staff with a wide range of books that will make Torah study more appealing and accessible, thereby deepening each and everyone’s love of Torah study. But my vision is that the library will go far beyond that and become an inviting, safe space for self-exploration, intimate conversations, and community building. As such, the library will not only bring the people closer to the Book but will enable each one to beautifully write their story and become their own book. That will be the greatest tribute to our life’s work.

It has been my honor and pleasure to have had the opportunity to be a full-time teacher for so many years at Pardes. What makes Pardes so special is its inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes mutual respect and bonding between faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the general community.

I am sure that Pardes’s message and mission of “harmony in the midst of diversity” will continue to impact in a major way on the Jewish world for many years to come. I am proud and thankful to have been given the opportunity to have a part in the new building, which will enable Pardes to bring its holy service to an unprecedented level.

THANK YOU!

Rav Meir Schweiger

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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