Celebrating Linda Gradstein

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 LINDA

Linda Gradstein is a freelance journalist for Voice of America, CBS Radio and the Jerusalem Report. She writes the restaurant reviews for The Jerusalem Post. She also teaches journalism at NYU-Tel Aviv and recently taught at NYU-Abu Dhabi.

CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIAL PARDES MEMORY?

It was February 9th and I was walking to Pardes from my apartment on Shimoni Street. I was looking forward to a day of learning and remember wishing I could just freeze time and stay in this day forever — a beautiful Jerusalem day and a day of learning ahead. I remember thinking that both my fellow students and my teachers were among the smartest and brightest people I had ever met.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS AT PARDES?

My Mishna class with Dov Berkovits. I remember spending hours thinking about the wording of various mishnayot and what they were trying to tell us. Once I got stuck and Dov told me to take a long walk through the streets of Jerusalem and maybe I would find the answer. He also introduced me to his father, Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits. When I got engaged to my husband of now 31 years (!!) I asked Dov to do the wedding and he said that first he wanted Cliff and I to spend a Shabbat with him in Shiloh. Only then did he agree to perform the wedding which was so special. I was also the last of my chevre from Pardes to get married so there was a lot of simcha!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASUK, PASSAGE OR TEXT?

What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the principle and the rest is commentary.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN JERUSALEM?

My favorite spot is the tayelet overlooking the Old City, especially at night.

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

My mother died many years ago and I still miss her. I would love to see her again and I’d ask her what happens after death. I was with both my parents as they died and I could actually feel their neshamot leave their body. I don’t know what happens afterwards but I have no doubt that there is a neshama that is separate from the body.

WHAT DOES THE JEWISH WORLD NEED MOST RIGHT NOW?

A way to discuss our differences without hating each other. I am concerned about the political discourse in this country.

HOW DOES PARDES CONTINUE TO AFFECT YOU TODAY?

At Pardes I learned that each person is created “Btzelem Elokim” and that is a principle I have tried to live in both my personal life and professional work.

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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