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.