Parashat Shemot: A conspiracy of women
Posted on January 20, 2023
By Nechama Goldman Barash In this first instance of Pharaoh’s underestimation of women, he fails to recognize that women who bring life into the world are unworthy allies in facilitating violent death.
Making Base Home: 11 Lessons on Innovation
Posted on January 10, 2023
By Faith Leener – In 2014, my three best friends and I co-founded Base – a new type of Jewish community for ourselves and our millennial peers.
Gila Fine: Teaching Talmud with a Twist
Posted on January 5, 2023
Gila Fine’s interpretations of the Talmud are kind, inspiring, and relatable for modern women. Let’s hope the men are on board.
What Connects Hanukkah and the Rise of Israel’s Far Right
Posted on December 22, 2022
With the surging power of Itamar Ben-Gvir and Israel’s radical right shaking the foundations of religious Zionist identity, mine included, we need to heed the Hanukkah story’s stark warning about the menace of militant intolerance.
Gratitude and Hatzlacha to Rabbi Alex Israel
Posted on December 22, 2022
Today we share with you the bittersweet news that Rabbi Alex Israel will be leaving Pardes to take on an exciting, senior role with a new educational initiative. Alex’s 14 years at Pardes have been characterized by devotion and commitment. We are enormously grateful for his masterful teaching, his beautiful writing, and his inspiring educational Continue Reading »
The Day My Car Was Hijacked – Very Slowly
Posted on December 6, 2022
By Alex Israel. Last week I had the wildest encounter. My car was hijacked.
Nancy Pelosi and Rabban Gamliel: A Talmudic tale of succession
Posted on December 1, 2022
By Yaffa Epstein. Much like Speaker Pelosi, the Talmud tells us that Rabban Gamliel rules the house of study, with an iron fist, and with a desire for unity. However, Rabban Gamliel takes this desire a step too far.
Exiled from Our Souls
Posted on September 29, 2022
by Rabbi Brent Spodek. When the Spanish fleet conquered Mexico in the 16th century, Luis de Carvajal y de la Cueva was appointed governor of the New Kingdom of Leon. In his jurisdiction were the towns of Leon, Neuvo Almaden and Monterrey, and thousands upon thousands of acres of silver mines. He was, to put Continue Reading »
Once Every Seven Years: Dismissing Debt on Rosh Hashanah
Posted on September 21, 2022
The concept of Shemittah – the Jewish Sabbatical Year – includes among other things a provision to release people from debts owed to others. Though clearly a noble and moral sentiment, such a law can easily lead to problematic situations and even exploitation. Levi Cooper delves into one possible solution to this issue, provided by Continue Reading »
Synagogue Teshuva
Posted on September 19, 2022
As synagogues plan for a new year of programming and community building, now is the perfect time to reprioritize ways to better serve marginalized people.