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.
Rabbi Aaron Lerner is President and CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation of LA, which gave out more than $160 million in grants to over 2,500 nonprofits in 2023.
CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIAL PARDES MEMORY?
It was the second intifada and Pardes managed it better than anybody else. With so much trauma around us, the leadership and staff made space for all the big questions and feelings without losing focus on Torah.
WHAT DID YOU DO FOR THE FIRST TIME AT PARDES?
Met my wife.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS AT PARDES?
Bekiut Brachot with Rav James. He brought it to life, and it was great to see a whole masechet.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN JERUSALEM?
The Teatron. I love walking there. And we were poor, so an annual pass was clutch!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PASUK, PASSAGE, OR TEXT?
In the Midrash, Moses advises Joshua to listen to the elders’ opinons and counsel. Then, God comes in and tells Joshua to lead the people into Israel even if he has to hit them with a rod to accomplish the national purpose. It’s fun to imagine the scene being acted out on a stage!
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SHABBAT GUEST, WHO WOULD IT BE?
Einstein. What did he actually think about God?
WHAT DOES THE JEWISH WORLD NEED MOST RIGHT NOW?
Inspiration. Love for one another. More humility and less insistence.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR WORK?
Empowering others.
HOW DOES PARDES CONTINUE TO AFFECT YOU TODAY?
Pardes set me on the path towards the rabbinate and serving the community. Not immediately, but the course was established during that year when I fell in love with Jewish learning.
WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE?
I’d like to see all young professionals working in the Jewish community spend time at Pardes. For a summer. For a year. It would radically alter the Jewish community of North America to have more knowledgeable and inspired Jewish pros.
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.