Celebrating Jordan Soffer

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 JORDAN

Rabbi Jordan Soffer is the Head of School at Striar Hebrew Academy in Sharon, MA. In this role, Jordan oversees all educational and administrative activities at Striar Hebrew Academy. 

Jordan was awarded the Covenant Foundation’s 2020 Pomegranate Prize, which recognizes emerging leaders in the field of Jewish education, and is currently Rabbinic Mentor for the Day School Leadership Training Institute.

He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education at Yeshiva University.

CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIAL PARDES MEMORY?

My father came to visit for a week once. I shared with Zvi Hirschfield that I wanted to show my dad, who is deeply spiritual and committed to Judaism, but not particularly observant, why I had fallen in love with a more observant lifestyle. Without missing a beat, Zvi invited us both to his home for shabbat. It was one of the most meaningful shabbats of my life.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS AT PARDES?

I loved morning seder with Zvi. Though I had studied gemara from the time I was 13 or 14, it was the first time that I realized its deep resonance in my life, both practically and spiritually.

WHAT DID YOU DO FOR THE FIRST TIME AT PARDES?

I still remember leading slichot for the first time! I had spent years sitting in the back, whispering to friends during slichot, so it felt good to learn them well enough to eventually lead them for the minyan.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN JERUSALEM?

For me, it will always be the Kotel. Knowing that I can stand that close to the epicenter of Jewish history is overwhelming. Realizing that a lowly retaining wall can become elevated is a testament to the power of the place.

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

My wife’s Saba, Rabbi Morris Dembowitz z”l. He passed away before I met Marti, but occupies such a large place in her (and now our) family’s identity. I hear so much of his Torah second hand, and would love to “שותה בצמא דברו”, “drink from his wisdom with thirst.”

MAKE A DONATION IN JORDAN'S HONOR
MAKE A DONATION IN JORDAN'S HONOR

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR WORK?

Our school’s unwavering comittment to providing a Jewish education to any student or family that desires it. We are patient pedagogically, generous financially, and deeply committed to providing a quality Jewish education for all.

WHAT DOES THE JEWISH WORLD NEED MOST RIGHT NOW?

Positivity and optimism. Judaism and Torah are eternal and amazing! As a community, we focus too much time, energy and resources on challenges and deficiencies. We need to focus on what is good and right, and to celebrate the amazing gifts that we have!

HOW DOES PARDES CONTINUE TO AFFECT YOU TODAY?

Pardes showed me how Torah can be a source of light, and of purpose. It placed Torah, Torah learning, and Torah living at the center of my life and my career.

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.