Celebrating David Richman

Pardes alumni are making an incredible impact on our world.

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. 

MEET DAVID

David Richman worked as an attorney and law clerk for the US District Court. In July 2008, David began serving as a Judge on the Colorado Court of Appeals.

PLEASE SHARE A SPECIAL PARDES MEMORY.

Davening Kabbalat Shabbat with the Year Program, led by Marla Bennett while Ben Blutstein provided percussion by tapping on a table. I often think of them.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASSAGE, PASUK, OR TEXT?

Deuteronomy 12:11-14, conveying the concept that Torah is “not in the heavens” or “beyond the seas,” but rather it is close to us “in our mouth and in our heart.” This is alongside the related story in Tractate Bava Metzia regarding Rabbis Eliezer and Yehoshua.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SHABBAT GUEST, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Rashi. Did his daughters really wear tefillin? Why did they believe in amulets? How did he accomplish his massive commentaries on Torah and Talmud without a computer?

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN JERUSALEM?

The Austrian Hostel courtyard in the Old City is one of the most isolated sanctuaries amidst a volume of chaos… and the strudel is delicious. Also Machane Yehudah…day or night.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR WORK?

I helped to establish a program that provides voluntary counsel for litigants in civil appeals who cannot otherwise afford a lawyer, usually spouses in domestic cases. I also authored the opinion that upheld the constitutionality of our state law that bans large capacity gun magazines (used with assault rifles).

HOW DOES PARDES CONTINUE TO AFFECT YOU TODAY?

Since my second full year (’01-’02), I have continuously learned and taught Torah and Talmud in our community in Denver, mainly in memory of Marla and Ben, who were tragically deprived of their desires to teach.

Pardes alumni are making an incredible impact on our world.

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. 

MEET DAVID

David Richman worked as an attorney and law clerk for the US District Court. In July 2008, David began serving as a judge on the Colorado Court of Appeals.

CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIAL PARDES MEMORY?

Davening Kabbalat Shabbat with the year program, led by Marla Bennet with Ben Blustein providing percussion by tapping on a table. I often think of them. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASSAGE, PASUK, OR TEXT?

Deuteronomy 12:11-14, conveying the concept that Torah is “not in the heavens” or “beyond the seas,” but rather it is close to us “in our mouth and in our heart.” This is alongside the related story in Tractate Bava Metzia regarding Rabbis Eliezer and Yehoshua.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SHABBAT GUEST, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Rashi. Did his daughters really wear tefillin? Why did they believe in amulets? How did he accomplish his massive commentaries on Torah and Talmud without a computer?

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN JERUSALEM?

The Austrian Hostel courtyard in the Old City is one of the most isolated sanctuaries amidst a volume of chaos… and the strudel is delicious. Also Machane Yehudah…day or night.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR WORK?

I helped to establish a program that provides voluntary counsel for litigants in civil appeals who cannot otherwise afford a lawyer, usually spouses in domestic cases. I also authored the opinion that upheld the constitutionality of our state law that bans large capacity gun magazines (used with assault rifles).

HOW DOES PARDES CONTINUE TO AFFECT YOU TODAY?

Since my second full year (’01-’02), I have continuously learned and taught Torah and Talmud in our community in Denver, mainly in memory of Marla and Ben, who were tragically deprived of their desires to teach.

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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