The Pardes Pre-Rabbinic Forum

A Program Within the Pardes Beit Midrash Program

Are you thinking about becoming a rabbi or exploring rabbinic ordination? The Pardes Pre-Rabbinic Forum is designed for students in the Beit Midrash Program* who want to explore a future in the rabbinate, no matter where they are on their journey. Whether you’re in the early stages of considering this path or preparing for rabbinical school, this program offers the guidance, mentorship, and practical tools you need to take your next steps confidently.

North American participants may be eligible for supplemental financial aid.

Who is the Pre-Rabbinic Forum for?

This program is exclusively for students in the Pardes Beit Midrash Program who are:

  • Considering or pursuing rabbinic ordination—whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea or you’re fully committed to applying to rabbinical school
  • Seeking mentorship, skill-building, and networking opportunities to clarify your path and prepare for the next steps in your rabbinic journey
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Program Highlights

Beit Midrash Sessions and Group Discussions

Reflect on what it means to be a rabbi and how to shape your vision for the rabbinate. Topics include:

  • The role and responsibilities of a rabbi
  • How to choose the right rabbinical school
  • What it means to serve as a rabbi today

Application Support

Get personalized guidance through the rabbinical school application process.

Hands-On Skills Development

Build essential rabbinic skills, including: 

  • Leading prayer services
  • Torah reading and teaching
  • Writing and delivering divrei Torah (sermons)

Monthly Meetings with Rabbinical School Representatives

Learn about different rabbinical programs and career paths directly from school representatives.

Personalized Mentorship

Receive mentorship from faculty member Rabbi Haim Shalom, member of three rabbinical associations, and former rabbinical school admissions professional.

Priority Access to Financial Support

Participants may qualify for supplemental funding for the Beit Midrash Program.

Networking with Pardesniks

Connect with Pardes alumni who have taken different rabbinic paths and gain valuable insights into the profession.

Ready to Learn More?

Want to explore if the Pre-Rabbinic Forum is right for you? Book a time to chat with Engagement Professional Carmella Rose, or apply to the Beit Midrash Program to begin your journey.

What is the Beit Midrash Program?

The Beit Midrash Program is Pardes’ flagship full-time learning experience in Jerusalem. Students of all backgrounds engage in deep, text-based learning—exploring Torah, Talmud, Halacha, and Jewish thought—through havruta (paired learning) and interactive classes.
The Pre-Rabbinic Forum is a special track within the Beit Midrash Program, offering additional support and resources for students considering or pursuing rabbinic ordination.

 

Why Pardes?

For over 50 years, Pardes has been a leader in preparing and inspiring Jewish leaders across the entire spectrum of Judaism. Our alumni include hundreds of rabbis serving in diverse roles—congregational leaders, educators, chaplains, and innovators in Jewish communal life—representing every denomination and stream of Jewish practice.

The Pre-Rabbinic Forum builds on this legacy, giving students the tools, guidance, and network they need to confidently take the next step toward the rabbinate while rooted in deep and meaningful Jewish learning.

 

Summer Program Virtual Open House

Sunday March 9th 2 pm Eastern / 11 am Pacific / 6pm GMT / 8pm Israel

Virtual Open House

Ask your questions about our Beit Midrash program

Sunday March 2nd @ 1 pm Eastern / 10 am Pacific / 7pm CET / 8pm IST

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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