Summer Pardes Learning Seminar

Join Pardes in Jerusalem for five transformative days of Jewish learning, community, and exploration.

Dates: July 5–9, 2026
Location: Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem
Tuition: Sponsorship Level: $2,500 | Standard: $1,800 | Early bird 10% discount until February 15th
Includes: All sessions, materials, lunches, and select evening programs and tours

PRE-REGISTER NOW

The Summer Pardes Learning Seminar is an immersive, five-day experience designed for adults of all Jewish backgrounds who want to explore big questions, deepen their connection to Jewish text, and experience the energy of Jerusalem.

Guided by Pardes’s renowned faculty, you’ll study in havruta (paired learning) and group sessions that bring Torah to life through lively discussion and shared discovery. Each day offers a balance of intellectual depth, personal reflection, and community connection in the heart of Israel.

As a participant, you’re not only engaging in transformative learning—you’re standing with Pardes as a partner in keeping open, accessible Jewish learning thriving for generations to come.

This Year’s Theme:

Bible vs. Talmud – A Friendly Competition in Text and Tradition

For generations, the Bible and Talmud have been in dialogue—each shaping Jewish thought in distinct yet interconnected ways.This year’s seminar invites you to explore that dynamic conversation through two parallel learning tracks: one rooted in the narrative and moral sweep of the Bible, the other in the dialectical reasoning of the Talmud.
Over five days, participants will wrestle with enduring questions:

  • Which corpus has had greater influence on Jewish life?
  • Where is God more easily found—in story or in argument?
  • How do both continue to speak to the challenges of modern Jewish living?

The goal isn’t to choose a winner, but to discover the profound richness found in the interplay between the two.

What You’ll Experience

  • Immersive Learning – Study with top Pardes faculty who make Jewish texts come alive through dynamic teaching and conversation.
  • Havruta Study – Partner with fellow learners to unpack ideas and engage in genuine dialogue.
  • Community & Connection – Join a diverse group of thoughtful participants who share a love of learning and curiosity about the world.
  • Jerusalem as Classroom – Experience the city through guided outings and cultural programs that connect text to place.
  • Moments of Reflection – Step back from the pace of daily life to think deeply, renew your spirit, and find meaning through learning.
PRE-REGISTER NOW

Why the Summer Seminar

As calm returns to Israel, studying in Jerusalem takes on renewed meaning. The Summer Pardes Learning Seminar offers you space to learn, reflect, and reconnect in a city that embodies both resilience and renewal. Guided by Pardes’s values of open inquiry, deep learning, and shared community, you’ll explore timeless texts and find fresh hope in this moment of healing and new possibility—becoming part of Pardes’s ongoing mission to sustain open, accessible Jewish learning in the heart of Jerusalem.

Summer Seminar FAQs

Who is the Summer Seminar for?

The Summer Pardes Learning Seminar welcomes adults of all ages and Jewish backgrounds—whether you’ve studied before or are new to text learning. Participants include professionals, retirees, communal leaders, and seekers from around the world who share a love of ideas, community, discovery and believe in Pardes’s mission to keep open, accessible Jewish learning thriving.

The program combines rigorous learning, inspiring teaching, and meaningful connection in the heart of Jerusalem. Participants study with Pardes’s exceptional faculty, explore the city through curated experiences, and enjoy an atmosphere that is both intellectually engaging and personally renewing.

Dates: July 5–9, 2026
Location: The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem

Tuition covers all learning sessions, materials, lunch each day, and select evening programs and tours. It does not include airfare, accommodations, or other meals.
Tuition: $1,800 | Early Registration: $1,600 by March 15

Each day includes havruta (paired learning), faculty lectures, and group discussions, balanced with optional tours and evening programs.

Participants arrange their own accommodations. The neighborhoods closest to Pardes—Baka, the German Colony, Katamon, and Talpiot—are all within walking distance.
Jerusalem also offers a wide range of hotels, bed & breakfasts, and apartment rentals to suit every budget.

Below are suggestions to suit all budgets.

Bed & Breakfasts

An inexpensive resource is the wide array of bed & breakfast rooms; Baka Rentals and The Home Accommodation Association of Jerusalem are both good sources.

We often recommend Tami’s B&B:
7 Hananyah St., German Colony.
Tel: +972 2 5634657,
Cell: +972 547393592,
Fax: +972 2 5635348
Email: stone@shani.net.

You can also find apartments to rent short-term via Flathunting.

Little House

Many Seminar participants stay at one of the three inns of A Little House chain. They are situated in Baka, the German Colony and Rehavia.
Email melonit@o-niv.com, call +972-2-673-7944, or visit the website.

Luxury Apartment Rentals

Sweet Inn, a luxury apartment rental service, is happy to partner with Pardes.

You can find luxury rental options on their website. You can use the coupon code ‘PARDES’ to receive 10% off on all of their apartments in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

For any questions, contact Simon Ohnona.

Hotels

Jerusalem Prima Hotels (Multiple Locations)
Prima Kings, Prima Royale, Prima Palace, and Prima Park
Tel: +972-3-9533400

Ramada Jerusalem
Ze’ev Vilnay 6 Street Jerusalem, 91033, Israel
Tel: +972-2-6599950
Email: reservations@herzlhotel.com

Dan Boutique Hotel Jerusalem on Hebron Road (Talpiot)
Tel: +972-2-568-9999

Dan Panorama Hotel (Talbiyeh)
39 Keren Hayesod Street
Tel: +972-2-569-5695

Inbal Jerusalem Hotel (Talbiyeh/German Colony)
Liberty Bell Park
3 Jabotinsky Street
Tel. +972-2-675-6666

David Citadel Hotel (Downtown)
7 King David Street
Tel: +972-2-621-1111

Orient
Emek Refaim Street 3
Tel: +972-2-569-9090

All international participants are strongly encouraged to have travel and medical insurance. Pardes partners with Egert & Cohen, a trusted local provider, though you are welcome to use any plan that meets your needs.

Pardes complies fully with Israel’s Ministry of Health regulations and will communicate any updates before and during the program. If you take prescription medication, please bring an ample supply, as exact equivalents may not be available in Israel.

Yes. The Summer Seminar draws a diverse international cohort united by curiosity, openness, and respect. Every participant contributes to the rich tapestry of perspectives that makes the Pardes learning environment so distinctive.

Meet the Director of PLS: Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash

Nechama made aliyah from Philadelphia over 20 years ago after graduating from Stern College. She has studied at the Matan Institute’s Advanced Talmud and halakha programs, Bar-Ilan University and Nishmat’s Yoetzet Halacha program. Nechama is a certified bridal teacher and a sex educator through Yahel and the Eden Center.

Nechama teaches contemporary halakha and Talmud at Matan and Pardes, as well as Talmud and women and halakha in Torah V’Avodah (TVA). She is an active member of Beit Hillel and participates in interfaith dialogue through Roots, based in Gush Etzion, close to where she lives with her family.

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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