Hope and Resilience in the Midst of Strife:
Thoughts and Prayers for the State of Israel on this 9th of Av

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Thoughts and Prayers for the State of Israel on this 9th of Av

A message from Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy, Director of the Year Program:

עם הנצח לא מפחד מדרך ארוכה
“The eternal nation is not afraid of a long journey”
A popular folk song based on a saying by Rav Kook z”l

The State of Israel and the Jewish people had an intense week of conflict. The pain is especially poignant as we approach the 9th of Av and mourn the loss of the Second Temple, whose destruction is traditionally attributed to senseless hatred.

As someone who has been deeply involved in the protests, together with many colleagues and students, I have personally been inspired again and again by the willingness of so many thousands to fight for their vision of democracy with tenacity, endurance, and resilience. I am thrilled that many of our students have been buoyed by a protest movement, of which our own President, Isaac Herzog, said,

“Our democracy is also reflected in protestors taking to the streets all across the country, to emphatically raise their voices and fervently demonstrate their point of view. Our democracy is the blue and white Israeli flag waved and loved by all Israelis taking part in the debate.”

I am deeply disappointed by this week’s developments. However, I will continue to fight with renewed vigor and dedication for a Jewish and liberal democratic state, built on human rights and equality for all. And at the same time, we will continue to work towards healing the rifts in Israeli society.

The Pardes community holds a range of views on this conflict as well as all political and religious issues. I am proud that Pardes and Pardes Torah are making a real contribution to the health of the Jewish People and the State of Israel. The most important way we do that is by breaking down the binary of a conflict between secular and religious, right and left, rather than being on the frontlines of any particular movement. As we commemorate the national tragedies of the 9th of Av, all of us at Pardes are committed to resisting hatred, polarization and catastrophizing, and to continuing to work towards love and fellowship.

My blessing for us all is that this 9th of Av be a meaningful day of national reflection and healing.

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.