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.
Rabbanit Sara Wolkenfeld works as Chief Learning Officer at Sefaria. Sara also directs her local mikvah in Chicago, and chairs the Education and Leadership Subcommittee at the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Chicago.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN JERUSALEM?
I love Adderaba, a fantastic bookstore in Rechavia. It is so much fun to browse for books there. The shelves are organized according to a logic that only the owner understands, so I’ve had lots of nice conversations with him while he helps me find books.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS AT PARDES?
I was in Rav Elisha Ancselovitz’s Gemara shiur, and I loved it because it was so deeply formed by the personalities of the teacher and all the participants. Rav Elisha has a very unique teaching style, and each person brought their full self to the class. Years later, I have discovered that I still have parts of Masekhet Ketubot memorized.
CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIAL PARDES MEMORY?
On my first day at Pardes, I met my bashert hevruta, Yaffa Epstein. I remember sitting with her talking about Gemara, women in Judaism, and just everything (we covered a lot of ground in our first conversation) and deciding that we wanted to learn together. Nineteen years later, we are still learning together weekly.
WHAT DOES THE JEWISH WORLD NEED MOST RIGHT NOW?
More Torah learning.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SHABBAT GUEST, WHO WOULD IT BE?
Honestly, it has been a very long time since I have seen most of the Pardes faculty. I would welcome the opportunity to host all of them at a Shabbat meal, ask about what’s new at Pardes, and hear words of Torah from them. I miss the chatter of the Beit Midrash and the chance encounters in the hallway, and I would like to have a reunion.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR WORK?
I’m proud that I help make Jewish texts more accessible to more people.
HOW DOES PARDES CONTINUE TO AFFECT YOU TODAY?
Pardes gave me an appreciation for the transformative experience of people from all different Jewish backgrounds engaging deeply with Jewish texts. My time learning there continues to motivate my work as I try to help open up learning experiences for others.
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.