Experience the Magic of the Beit Midrash
This Hanukkah, step into the heart of Jewish learning and community at Pardes. Whether you’re a student on winter break or a local eager to try out our Beit Midrash opportunity in action, the Winter Learning Intensive offers a unique two-day program to engage in transformative study and connection alongside our full time students.
This year’s theme is Rekindling the Lights.
Hanukkah has been interpreted in many ways over the generations—spiritual triumph, military victory, internal struggle over Jewish identity, and more. As we reflect on the upheavals that our Jewish communities face, both internal and external, what sources of light and hope can Hanukkah offer?
Program Details
- Dates: December 21st – 22nd, 2025
- Cost: $18 USD/50 NIS*
*Some meals are included. Please note that travel, accommodation, and (additional) meals are the responsibility of participants.
Registration deadline: December 8th 2025
What to Expect
Over the course of two days, immerse yourself in a dynamic and engaging learning experience:
Interactive Classes
Delve into Hanukkah themes through explorations of spirituality, Hasidut, Jewish history, and Biblical and Rabbninic texts.
Paired Havruta Study
Engage in havruta, paired study, where you’ll unpack texts together in a collaborative way.
Guest Speakers
Hear from inspiring guest speakers who offer unique perspectives on Hanukkah and Jewish identity.
Creative Workshops
Participate in hands-on workshops that bring Hanukkah’s themes to life through creativity and reflection.
Hannukiah Tour
Wind through historic Jerusalem alleyways and experience “pirsum hanes”- publicizing the miracle – in action!
Celebrate the 7th night of Hanukkah with a musical candle lighting at Pardes, and the 8th and final night by taking to the streets together to see the holiday lights in their fullest splendor! . We’ll also enjoy festive meals with fellow learners, featuring cozy winter soups and holiday favorites. Latkes, anyone?
As we finalize this year’s schedule, please explore last year’s full schedule and course descriptions to get a sense of the incredible learning and activities we will have in store for you!
Who Should Join?
This program is open to learners ages 18 and up who are eager to get a taste of the immersive Beit Midrash experience at Pardes. It brings together a vibrant mix of students on winter break, participants in other Israel programs, and local young olim and professionals looking to integrate more Torah study into their lives.
No prior Jewish text study experience is needed. Classes are available at various levels. Discussions will be in English, with texts in Hebrew and Aramaic, accompanied by English translations.
Questions? Contact Carmella Rose at carmella@pardes.org.il.
Can’t make it in person – or looking for an enriching taste of Pardes Torah as opposed to an immersive Beit Midrash experience? Check out our winter (online) Pardes Learning Seminar.
Program Supporters:
