The Pardes Experiential Educators Program

Bringing Jewish Learning to Life

Immerse Yourself in the Text

Immerse yourself in Jewish text study and Jewish life in Jerusalem while gaining professional skills

Train for Leadership

Make an impact wherever you go with valuable skills that can translate to a wide range of Jewish educational institutions.

Increase the Harmony

Bring the calm back to your spaces by developing skills that allow everyone to be heard and seen

“Who is wise? One who learns from everyone, as it is said ‘From all who taught me have I gained understanding'”

– Pirkei Avot 4:1

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

Educators and leaders who complete the program will have: 

  • Spent time in the Beit Midrash building the confidence to learn and teach Jewish texts
  • Interwoven Jewish text and experiences into meaningful learning experiences
  • Learned through action some of the best practices in experiential education
  • Developed skills to tackle challenging situations stemming from conflicting views
  • The tools they need to join leadership positions across the Jewish community

Graduates will earn a Certificate of Jewish Studies from Pardes, and be expected to work as a Jewish professional in North America or continue their learning by pursuing an MA in Jewish Education or Jewish Professional Leadership.

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Israel Education Track

New this year we’ve added a dedicated track for educators who are navigating conversations about Israel.

This track is guided by the principles of Mahloket Matters and equips educators with the skills needed to engage in challenging discussions including those around Israel. Educators will learn to encourage a constructive disagreement mindset among their students that will enable healthier and more meaningful conversations.

Brandeis University & PCJE

Jumpstart your career as a Jewish professional with Brandeis University’s Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program.

Pardes Experiential Educators Program students and alumni are eligible to receive a 20% discount on the online Master’s Certificate in Jewish Professional Leadership (complete in 8 months).

Brandeis - Hornstein - Educators - Pardes

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Tools for Tackling the Hard Questions

New this year, in partnership with Makom, we’ve added a dedicated track for educators who are navigating conversations about Israel. This track is guided by the principles of Mahloket Matters and equips educators with the skills needed to engage in challenging discussions including those around Israel. Educators will learn to encourage a constructive disagreement mindset among their students that will enable healthier and more meaningful conversations.

 

Subsidized costs to make your education work for you

  • Fully subsidized tuition to study at Pardes
  • Fully subsidized Hebrew Ulpan
  • $800 monthly living stipend while studying in Jerusalem

Program eligibility

The ideal candidate for the program will have the following qualifications:

  • A Bachelor of Arts degree
  • A passion for Jewish knowledge and living

Complete this form to learn more about the program and/or to begin your application process.

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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.