Pardes Learning Seminar

Delve Into Classical Texts: Transformative Learning for All

The Winter Online Seminar

January 19-21, 2025
A 3-day intergenerational learning experience from the comfort of your home.

The Summer In-Person Seminar

July 6-10, 2025
A 5-day intensive program at Pardes in Jerusalem, featuring renowned guest speakers and the world-class Pardes faculty. Experience key site visits in Israel and immerse yourself in the vibrant Pardes Beit Midrash and community.

Texts for Today Learning Series

Year-Round
A new and exclusive ongoing series throughout the year available to Pardes Learning Seminar alumni.

The Pardes Learning Seminar provides participants with Jewish learning opportunities throughout the year to engage with ancient texts and explore current issues, visit historical sites, and learn from Israel’s top educators.

Whether you prefer online study or immersing yourself in the vibrant landscape of Israel, the Pardes Learning Seminar caters to your preferences.

The Pardes Learning Seminar hosts three transformative learning programs throughout the year. Choose the one that fits your learning needs best, or join us for a year of Jewish text study with all three.

Program Details

2024 | 5784 Learning Seminar Details

Learn more about the various Pardes Learning Seminar offerings available this year. 

“Kol Haneshamah: Finding Our Voice in Prayer”
Jewish Prayer as a Bridge from History to Hope

Winter 2025 Online, January 19-21, 2025

The upcoming online Pardes Learning Seminar explores Jewish prayer as a powerful and transformative anchor in our post-October 7 world. As we grapple with anguish for the hostages in Gaza, a chilling rise in antisemitism, and a pervasive sense of vulnerability in Israel, prayer emerges as more than ritual—it is a lifeline connecting us to strength, history, and hope. Both individually and communally, prayer provides a structured space—whether through set liturgy or meditative reflection—to process grief and fear, creating moments of stability amidst uncertainty. Together, we will learn about the history, theology, and broader meaning of prayer in Jewish tradition and practice, regardless of individual beliefs. Over three days, participants will experience the best of Pardes’ unique teaching style, engaging with texts that invite them into timeless and relevant conversations. This seminar underscores our shared identity and a deep commitment to Jewish resilience, illuminating a path forward through the enduring strength of faith and unity.

Pricing Tiers:
Sponsor$500
Standard$360
Young/Community Professional$250
Student$150

Additional Information for the Winter Online Seminar

The Pardes Experience
Passionate Educators

The Pardes faculty’s depth of knowledge is rivaled only by their engaging teaching style and their ability to bring Judaism to life. They aim not only to teach compelling ideas, but also to give you the tools to enter personally into a conversation with your heritage.

Meaningful Jewish Study

Our renowned faculty bring together students from diverse learning backgrounds and create an educational environment that is accessible and empowering. Participants study in havruta pairs, partnering to help one another explore and gain ownership of the text. Sources are provided in their original language and in English translation.

Warm Community

Participants from around the world come together to create a cohort of passionate learners exploring Jewish themes that are challenging and inspiring. Through classes, touring and social events, participants have the opportunity to connect with peers and expand their personal networks.

Inspired Israel Experience

The combination of studying Jewish texts and ideas, together with exploring Israel, brings the classroom learning to life and allows you to see Israel in a whole new way.

Diverse and Welcoming

The Seminar is open to individuals of all Jewish educational backgrounds, from novice to expert.

Jews of all backgrounds who want to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Jewish tradition and texts are invited to apply. We welcome participants who have studied Jewish texts before, as well as those who have not previously encountered text study.

COVID-19: Pardes complies fully with Israel Healthy Ministry regulations.

For more information, contact Michael Emerson at michaele@pardes.org.il.

Never has freedom been so starkly defined, not just for an individual but for a nation as a whole. We do not find it hard to understand that as individuals we are confronted by moral choices…Choice is written into the human condition.” – Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l

This summer, the choice to stand with Israel and with Pardes is in your hands. We steadfastly maintain our belief in the power of Jewish learning, connecting as a community and showing solidarity with Israel.

Learn with our world-class faculty and guest speakers as we delve into the concepts of freedom and faith. We’ll explore how our commitments and choices have evolved since October 7th, and examine the impact these changes have had on our Jewish identities. Connect with new and veteran ‘Pardesniks’ from all over the world through havruta learning in the Beit Midrash, and over daily meals. Show your solidarity with Israel through volunteer opportunities and site visits to locations affected by October 7.

Your presence in our Jerusalem Beit Midrash this summer is more important than ever, and we warmly invite you to be part of this transformative program!

Additional Information for the Summer In-Person Seminar

The Pardes Experience
Passionate Educators

The Pardes faculty’s depth of knowledge is rivaled only by their engaging teaching style and their ability to bring Judaism to life. They aim not only to teach compelling ideas, but also to give you the tools to enter personally into a conversation with your heritage.

Meaningful Jewish Study

Our renowned faculty bring together students from diverse learning backgrounds and create an educational environment that is accessible and empowering. Participants study in havruta pairs, partnering to help one another explore and gain ownership of the text. Sources are provided in their original language and in English translation.

Warm Community

Participants from around the world come together to create a cohort of passionate learners exploring Jewish themes that are challenging and inspiring. Through classes, touring and social events, participants have the opportunity to connect with peers and expand their personal networks.

Inspired Israel Experience

The combination of studying Jewish texts and ideas, together with exploring Israel, brings the classroom learning to life and allows you to see Israel in a whole new way.

Diverse and Welcoming

The Seminar is open to individuals of all Jewish educational backgrounds, from novice to expert.

Jews of all backgrounds who want to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Jewish tradition and texts are invited to apply. We welcome participants who have studied Jewish texts before, as well as those who have not previously encountered text study.

COVID-19: Pardes complies fully with Israel Healthy Ministry regulations.

Tuition covers the cost of all sessions, materials, touring expenses, and meals during sessions. It does not cover airfare, hotel accommodations, and other meals.

Accommodations

Participants are expected to arrange for their own accommodations.

The neighborhoods closest to Pardes are Baka, German Colony, Katamon, Talpiot (possible walking distance). A bit further away from Pardes, and closer to downtown, are Rehavia, Talbiyeh, Nahlaot.

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

Travel Insurance

Pardes Learning Seminar participants are strongly encouraged to contact their health insurance company before traveling to Israel to learn about coverage while traveling abroad. For those interested in purchasing travel insurance, Pardes has a working relationship with a local insurance agent called Egert and Cohen, who offer “Harel” tourist insurance. Pardes students are not required to buy insurance from this company. There are many good travel insurance options available in your home country which you can contact before you travel.

If you do choose to use Egert & Cohen, please read the following details:

For participants up to age 49 

There is a special Egert & Cohen link for Pardes participants under the age of 49. Also note that there is an extra policy for coverage for worsening of pre-existing conditions for those under 49. Please contact Egert & Cohen to learn more. The cost of this Pardes student policy is not fixed, but is subject to change according to the Consumer Price Index. It is currently approximately NIS 7/day. The price is fixed on the date of purchase.

For participants above the age of 49

Participants above the age of 49 have the option to sign up for standard Tourist Insurance via Egert & Cohen. The cost and maximum number of days for the policy is based on your age and is fully explained on the website. Also to note that there is an extra policy for coverage for worsening of pre-existing conditions for those over 49 called the Gold Plan. The cost and maximum number of days for the policy is also according to age. The cost of this policy is not fixed, but is subject to change according to the Consumer Price Index. The price is fixed on the date of purchase.

Medication

Pardes suggests that participants bring an ample supply of any particular medication (prescriptions and over-the-counter items, which may be prescription in Israel) that are needed, as exact equivalents may not be available in Israel. To get US prescriptions filled in Israel one needs to get a replacement prescription from an Israeli doctor, which Pardes can help arrange. An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses may also a good idea to bring with you.

For more information, contact Michael Emerson at michaele@pardes.org.il.

Seminar alumni are invited to continue their Pardes Learning Seminar journey throughout the year by joining us for the exclusive invitation-only Texts for Today online series, featuring shiurim with our core Pardes faculty.

These 60-minute Zoom classes include havruta break-out rooms in study pairs and group discussion in an intimate learning environment.

Prospective Pardes Learning Seminar participants who would like a “taste” of the Seminar experience should reach out to Michael Emerson (michaele@pardes.org.il) to receive further information on upcoming Texts for Today sessions.

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.

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.

Media and Testimonials

Donshik-cropped

“…it is a luxury to learn in an atmosphere that empowers participants to seek knowledge and information that will enable them to make their own decisions about their spiritual and religious lives.”
– Dr. Stephen Donshik

Read more about Dr. Stephen Donshik’s PLS experience at eJP.

About the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies

The Pardes Learning Seminar is a program of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies (www.pardes.org.il). 

The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies is an open, inclusive, diverse and intellectually challenging Jewish learning community based in Jerusalem with programs worldwide. Pardes cultivates a life-long love of Jewish learning, the Jewish people and Israel. Pardes inspires engagement in Jewish life — as communal and spiritual leaders, educators and active participants.

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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