They are leading and creating organizations and businesses of all kinds, responding to humanitarian crises, writing novels, educating at all levels, creating works of art, and so much more! In celebration of Pardes’s 50th, we are highlighting 50 standout alumni whose accomplishments exemplify the rich texture of the Pardes community worldwide.
Aaron Lerner is a licensed social worker in the state of Colorado. He is currently participating in the Department of Veterans Affairs Interprofessional Fellowship in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Oriented Services. Upon completing the fellowship, Aaron hopes to continue his career as a social worker serving homeless members of his community, helping those living with severe and persistent mental illness, people living with a substance use disorder, and the elderly.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR WORK?
I am most proud of the unexpected impact I can have on clients, veterans, and my colleagues as a social worker. In social work or any service-oriented work, you are always collaborating with the client to make a difference in their lives. With people in distressing situations, you often find resistance to change, even if it may be in their own interest. Getting the buy-in of my clients and helping shape a plan together requires persistent trust-building, even as I face diverse obstacles to the relationship.
I think change is hard work. It is not easy to accept the difficult realities of life. Whether it be maintaining housing or abstaining from a harmful substance, I am so inspired when I see clients have the courage to make changes in their lives for the better. Helping support healthy, happy lives is frequently a thankless job, but I am always the most proud of the changes I have seen with those I least expected to connect with.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASUK, PASSAGE OR TEXT?
My favorite pasuk is one I learned from my Hasidism class with Levi Cooper. I loved learning about the concept of devekut, or clinging to God, but my absolute favorite would be the vision of the Baal Shem Tov of the Messiah studying Torah. The Messiah told the Baal Shem Tov that he would come when all Jews were able to do mystical supplications. I found this very inspiring in terms of how the teaching emphasized the infinite potential and dignity of each human being to connect with the world around them and help others on a deep and profound level, and our capacity to have an impact on our world. I also love the Burning Bush, no other scene in the Torah speaks to me more.
CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIAL PARDES MEMORY?
I have so many memories… tiyulim filled with singing, Meesh Hammer-Kossoy’s passion for the Mishnah and discussing “JewBus” (Jewish Buddhists) with Levi Cooper. My best memories would be the times I spent getting to know a Benedictine monk on Mt. Zion over drinks. He hosted me in his monastery every week for deep conversations. The same day that I met him I attended a random tische as well! Jerusalem is a city of unexpected moments, hospitality, and fascinating people.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS AT PARDES?
I loved many classes at Pardes, from Mishnah with Meesh, Hasidism with Levi Cooper and any bible class with Michael Hattin. However, my favorite class hands down would be Gila Fine’s class on women heroines in the Talmud. I loved her teaching style so much. She allowed us to explore the texts on a deep level, and then revealed new depths with each story of the Talmudic characters we studied. She taught the course as if it were a mystery novel. I learned so much about sexist and patriarchal tropes in literature and about the large, albeit overlooked, roles women play in the Talmud.
HOW DOES PARDES CONTINUE TO AFFECT YOU TODAY?
My time at Pardes was critical in terms of helping me to transform into the serious Jewish educator that I wanted to become. The ability to spend three years cultivating text skills in a serious Beit Midrash setting with thoughtful and intellectually honest educators and pedagogues was one of the milestones of my career. I draw on those three years daily in some way shape or form.
WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE?
I studied at Pardes during a critical moment in my life. My mental health was not at its greatest, I was confused about what I wanted to do with my life. Pardes provided me with a space of unconditional love and acceptance among the teachers and students and allowed me to figure myself and my next steps out.
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.