What can trans lives teach us about God, Torah, and the sacred journey of becoming?
Join Pardes and Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn for a free Yom Iyun that brings together some of today’s most compelling Jewish thinkers and educators to explore theological insights grounded in trans experience. This day of learning is not about debate or identity politics—it’s about listening with intention, engaging Torah with open hearts, and recognizing the holiness in every person’s story.
Together, we’ll explore courage, authenticity, and transformation through text study, hevruta, and personal reflection—guided by the spirit of Brit Lashon Hatov, a covenant for sacred speech and meaningful disagreement.
Event Details:
Sunday, September 14, 2025
1:00–5:30 PM
Congregation Beth Elohim, Brooklyn
Speakers include:
Dr. Joy Ladin • Rabbi Abby Stein • Laynie Solomon • Rav Jericho Vincent • Artist Yael Kanerak • facilitated by Rabbi Brent Spodek
✨In partnership with Keshet, we are offering a special learning track for teens and young adults. In addition, following the event, there will be a dinner for trans and non-binary youth and young adults (under age 24)
Whether you come as a seeker, an educator, a parent, or an ally—this is a space for Torah, for empathy, and for holy conversation.
This class offers a rare opportunity to engage with Torah in a deeply personal and embodied way. Whether you’re a seasoned yoga practitioner or completely new to the practice, Torah Yoga provides a supportive environment to connect with sacred texts through movement and meditation.
Spaces are limited—register now to secure your spot and experience the light of Torah in every breath.
Yiscah is a spiritual activist, educator, mentor, and meditation guide, who addresses the spiritual practice of encountering the Divine spark within and beyond. In fact, Yiscah views Judaism as a spiritual practice.
Yiscah teaches Jewish contemplative practice and spiritual texts at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and at Applied Jewish Spirituality. She has also founded and directs Conscious Community Nachlaot, an organization in Jerusalem that hosts Shabbat in-person spiritual gatherings, virtual guided meditation sits and spiritual text classes. In addition, Yiscah works with individuals in her private spiritual mentoring practice. Yiscah has earned a reputation as a sought-after inspiring international public speaker.
Contact: yiscahs@pardes.org.il or listen to her podcast collection.
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:
Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Benefits:
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
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.