The Pardes Center for Jewish Educators

Empowering Jewish Educators, Inspiring Jewish Learning

Total Graduates of PCJE Programming

300+

Graduates working in Jewish education

78%

Graduates in leadership roles

38

Educational institutions employing graduates

200+

Upcoming Opportunities

Welcome to the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators (PCJE)—your destination for advancing your skills, deepening your knowledge, and reimagining Jewish education. We offer bespoke professional development opportunities tailored to meet the needs of educators in every setting. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned professional, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Explore Our Programs

At PCJE, we offer a variety of programs tailored to support Jewish educators at every stage of their professional journey. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, curriculum tools, or opportunities for personal growth, there’s a program designed for you.

JEWISH EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP

Jewish Education Fellowship

A transformative, year-long fellowship for emerging Jewish educators, combining hands-on training with immersive Jewish learning in Jerusalem to prepare you for impactful leadership roles.
Learn More

PEDAGOGIC TRAINING FOR NEWER JEWISH STUDIES TEACHERS

JSITT: Jewish Studies In-Service Teacher Training Program

JSITT offers Jewish studies teachers formal pedagogical training through online mini-courses, optional mentorship, and a certificate of pedagogy to enhance classroom success.
Learn More

SENIOR EDUCATOR LEARNING FELLOWSHIP

SELF: Senior Educator Learning Fellowship

SELF is a 10-month professional development journey blending monthly online sessions with a fully subsidized two-week intensive in Jerusalem, designed to deepen the skills and vision of experienced congregational educators.
Learn More

MENTOR MATCHING PROGRAM

Mentor Matching Program

The Mentor Matching Program connects educators with experienced mentors in a fully virtual, flexible format to support curriculum design, pedagogy, and personalized professional growth.
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MAHLOKET MATTERS CURRICULUM

Mahloket Matters Curriculum

Mahloket Matters is a self-paced curriculum available worldwide, equipping educators with tools to teach constructive disagreement through Jewish texts, supported by optional virtual training from PCJE faculty.
Learn More

Your journey to becoming a transformative Jewish educator starts here. Whether you teach in schools, camps, or on campus, Pardes is your partner in professional growth.

Tailored Professional Development for Jewish Educators

At PCJE, we specialize in crafting unique learning experiences around these key areas of Jewish education:

Meaning Mining
Discover ways to help students uncover profound personal meaning in Jewish texts and traditions.

Tefilah / Spirituality Education
Cultivate spiritual growth and meaningful prayer practices.

Mahloket Matters Teach constructive disagreement rooted in Jewish wisdom.

Israel Education
Engage learners in thoughtful, nuanced conversations about Israel.

Pedagogy for Jewish Studies Teachers
Equip educators with cutting-edge methods to inspire a love of Jewish learning.

PCJE PROGRAMS

Whether you are interested in beginning your career as a Jewish educator, or you’re an institutional leader looking to develop your educators, PCJE has a wide variety of programs and resources available to you.

Are you a…

PCJE offers two distinct programs for aspiring educators: one tailored for those interested in a career as an experiential educator and another for day school teachers. These programs empower educators with the knowledge and skills to inspire future generations and foster a deep connection to their Jewish heritage.

The Pardes Teacher Fellowship is a fully funded, two-year teacher training program that aims to produce skilled and knowledgeable Jewish Studies educators to work in North American Jewish day schools.

Participants of the Pardes Teacher Fellowship will have the opportunity to work towards a Master of Jewish Education.

The Pardes Teacher Fellowship is a fully funded, two-year teacher training program that aims to produce skilled and knowledgeable Jewish Studies educators to work in North American Jewish day schools.

Participants of the Pardes Teacher Fellowship will have the opportunity to work towards a Master of Jewish Education. 

The Pardes Experiential Educators Program is a fully funded 10-month program that prepares educators and leaders to inspire a love for Judaism in camps, schools, campuses and communities across North America and Europe.

The Pardes Experiential Educators Program is a fully funded 10-month program that prepares educators and leaders to inspire a love for Judaism in camps, schools, campuses and communities across North America and Europe.

Fill out this form or contact Avi Spodek avi@pardes.org and we’ll get back to you soon!

PCJE provides ongoing professional development for Jewish educators through in-service learning opportunities, mentorship initiatives, and workshops. In addition to building their teaching skills, Jewish educators also have the opportunity to expand their own Jewish knowledge with Pardes Torah. 

The Jewish Studies In-Service Teacher Training program is designed for both Jewish studies teachers already in the classroom and those about to begin teaching, who have never had the opportunity for formal pedagogy training.

The Jewish Studies In-Service Teacher Training program is designed for both Jewish studies teachers already in the classroom and those about to begin teaching, who have never had the opportunity for formal pedagogy training.

The Mentor Matching Program provides participants with individualized virtual support, guidance and feedback on the development of a curricular unit and/or a professional project.

This process can include an exploration of the fundamentals of curriculum design, the sharing of resources and pedagogies unique to Jewish studies, access to planning templates, and more.

The Mentor Matching Program provides participants with individualized virtual support, guidance and feedback on the development of a curricular unit and/or a professional project.

This process can include an exploration of the fundamentals of curriculum design, the sharing of resources and pedagogies unique to Jewish studies, access to planning templates, and more.

The Jewish Educators Summer Workshop is a unique professional development opportunity that empowers Jewish educators to immerse themselves in Torah while preparing themselves for the upcoming year of teaching.

The Jewish Educators Summer Workshop is a unique professional development opportunity that empowers Jewish educators to immerse themselves in Torah while preparing themselves for the upcoming year of teaching.

Fill out this form or contact Avi Spodek avi@pardes.org and we’ll get back to you soon!

PCJE programs designed for seasoned educators provide advanced professional development and support, expanding their impact within their Jewish learning institutions.

The Senior Educator Learning Fellowship provides senior congregational school educators with ongoing Jewish learning and equips them with new approaches for engaging with real-world challenges using Jewish texts.

The Senior Educator Learning Fellowship provides senior congregational school educators with ongoing Jewish learning and equips them with new approaches for engaging with real-world challenges using Jewish texts.

Integrating Jewish text study with Social-Emotional Learning is vital for equipping students with cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal skills to navigate conflicts. 

PCJE offers a unique curriculum for high school and upper middle school students, utilizing Mahloket Matters materials. This curriculum comprises three adaptable units, complete with an educator’s guide, editable student workbook, and editable slides.

Integrating Jewish text study with Social-Emotional Learning is vital for equipping students with cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal skills to navigate conflicts. 

PCJE offers a unique curriculum for high school and upper middle school students, utilizing Mahloket Matters materials. This curriculum comprises three adaptable units, complete with an educator’s guide, editable student workbook, and editable slides.

The Jewish Educators Summer Workshop is a unique professional development opportunity that empowers Jewish educators to immerse themselves in Torah while preparing themselves for the upcoming year of teaching.

The Jewish Educators Summer Workshop is a unique professional development opportunity that empowers Jewish educators to immerse themselves in Torah while preparing themselves for the upcoming year of teaching.

The Mentor Matching Program provides participants with individualized virtual support, guidance and feedback on the development of a curricular unit and/or a professional project.

This process can include an exploration of the fundamentals of curriculum design, the sharing of resources and pedagogies unique to Jewish studies, access to planning templates and more.

The Mentor Matching Program provides participants with individualized virtual support, guidance and feedback on the development of a curricular unit and/or a professional project.

This process can include an exploration of the fundamentals of curriculum design, the sharing of resources and pedagogies unique to Jewish studies, access to planning templates and more.

Fill out this form or contact Avi Spodek avi@pardes.org and we’ll get back to you soon!

Who We Serve

Jewish Educators of All Backgrounds

Whether you’re leading a classroom, running a camp, or inspiring students on campus, PCJE is here for you. Our programs and mentorship opportunities are designed to support educators in diverse settings, helping you foster vibrant, engaged Jewish communities.

Why Choose PCJE?

Be a Leader in Jewish Education

For over 25 years, the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators has shaped the future of Jewish learning by preparing passionate leaders for diverse educational settings. Through a blend of rigorous study and innovative pedagogy, we empower educators to navigate contemporary challenges while remaining deeply rooted in tradition.

By the Numbers

300+

Graduates of PCJE Programming

78%

Graduates working in Jewish education

38

Graduates in leadership roles

200+

Educational institutions employing graduates

Find Our Alumni in These Institutions

MEET THE PCJE TEAM

Aviva Lauer
Director of PCJE
aviva@pardes.org.il

Aviva Lauer
Director of PCJE
aviva@pardes.org.il

Reuven Margrett
Associate Director, NA
reuven@pardes.org.il

Reuven Margrett
Associate Director, NA
reuven@pardes.org.il

Ilana Gleicher-Bloom
Experiential Education
ilanagb@pardes.org.il

Ilana Gleicher-Bloom
Experiential Education
ilanagb@pardes.org.il

Susan Yammer
Alumni Support
susany@pardes.org.il

Susan Yammer
Alumni Support
susany@pardes.org.il

Sefi Kraut
Mahloket Matters
sefik@pardes.org.il

Sefi Kraut
Mahloket Matters
sefik@pardes.org.il

Ilana Gleicher-Bloom
Experiential Education
ilanagb@pardes.org.il

Michael Emerson
Special Projects
michaele@pardes.org.il

Rahel Dweck
Mentorship
raheld@pardes.org.il

EDUCATOR RESOURCES

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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