Pardes Year/ Semester Program: Fall + Spring

Students leave Pardes with refined critical thinking, improved communication and interpersonal skills, and more nuanced and sensitive perspectives on Judaism, Israel and their own role in the world.

In addition to building the foundations for a lifetime of informed, passionate and self-directed Jewish involvement, Pardes provides opportunities to prepare for your professional ‘next steps’:

• Meetings with representatives of various graduate programs
• Weekly social action placements in a wide range of organizations
• Opportunities for peer leadership and support for grassroots community initiatives
• For those enrolled in or considering rabbinical school, there is no better way to prepare than to learn intensively with our faculty and students
• Access to a passionate network of over 6,000 Pardes alumni, including high-level professionals in a wide range of fields, such as: law, business, arts, medicine, government, education, Jewish communal innovation and leadership

Click here to read about how Pardes helped alumnus Derek Kwait land his dream job.

Click here for more reflections on the personal and professional value of the Pardes experience.

Two semesters of study are offered, with the vast majority of students invested in the full 9-month (Sept-May) experience. In addition, students are required to attend an Ulpan (intensive Hebrew course) in July or August. An exemption may be granted to students with a strong Hebrew background. Beginner level students undertake a free Masterclass in Biblical Hebrew from Aug 20-30 to set you up for success in starting your studies!

Students participate in seminar-style classes and havruta (partner study), and create a tailored program to reflect their interests. Classes include Talmud, Bible, Jewish Philosophy, Modern Jewish History, Spirituality, and much more.

-FALL SCHEDULE: Review our upcoming Fall semester schedule 
-SPRING SCHEDULE: Review the 2024 Spring semester schedule (subject to change)

Fall 2023 Course Descriptions 

Spring 2024 Course Descriptions (subject to change)

For the morning skill-building text intensives in Humash (Bible) and Mishna/Talmud (Rabbinics), multiple levels are offered in parallel, from introductory to advanced.

Part-time (20-29 hours/week) as well as hourly options are available.

There are many paths to Pardes. Here are a few of our incredible alumni sharing the journeys that led them to Pardes and the paths they have since taken.

Pardes is a place where I feel like I don’t have to leave a part of myself at the door when I enter. I can be fully and totally me, which can be rare in Jewish spaces.

-Shoshana Gottlieb (2020-22)

Pardes is where people find their path. Alumni go on to do great things and become movers and shakers in the Jewish world. Studying in a non-denominational Beit Midrash in Israel was an absolute dream come true.

-Jake Gillis (2020-21)

I felt warmly invited to explore Jewish ideas and practices, add my voice and learn from diverse perspectives. My time here has helped me to break the “text barrier” and access the richness of our tradition while gaining skills to help others do the same.

-Rebecca Schisler (2019-21)

Returning to the Beit Midrash after being online and on zoom for months (due to covid) was the most tremendous feeling. There’s nothing like a buzzing Pardes Beit Midrash. The energy is tangible, the kedusha (holiness) is all around you and the people are phenomenal. I’m so thankful for it.

-Joe Brophy (2019-21)

How hasn’t Pardes influenced my life? I’ve been able to swim in the sea of Gemara, burrow into the pages of my Tanach, and revisit and rethink my relationship with Halacha and Jewish practice. Pardes is my spiritual, physical home (it counts because I’m in the building over 10 hours a day sometimes), and the walls of the Beit Midrash have protected me in both my most lost and uplifted moments. Entering the Pardes has been a life changing experience. I haven’t chopped down any trees, although sometimes I do feel like I’m going mad, and I hope to leave like Rabbi Akiva. But would that I could stay in this orchard, forever.

– Amalia Leah Mark (2018-19)

Pardes is an open, co-ed and non-denominational institution educating Jewish students of all backgrounds.  No specific lifestyle or ritual commitment is expected of students, and we celebrate the wide range of ideologies, practices and traditions within the larger Jewish community and at Pardes in particular. Communal events follow traditional halakhic (Jewish law) guidelines in terms of Kashrut (kosher food) and Shabbat practice, with a diversity of prayer options.

• Applicants of all genders and Jewish backgrounds* are welcome to apply.
• No previous experience with Jewish text study is required; Pardes seeks applicants of all levels who are motivated to deepen their Jewish knowledge and strengthen their text skills.
• Candidates must have English language proficiency (speaking, reading & comprehension).
• We welcome students currently enrolled in, or having recently completed, a recognised Jewish conversion program but ask that you please connect with carmella@pardes.org.il before proceeding to discuss visa matters.* Pardes accepts students who are considered Jewish by matrilineal or patrilineal descent, or through conversion. Note that the State of Israel (for Visa purposes) and Masa Israel Journey (for grant purposes) may require varying types of “Proof of Judaism” documentation from residents of specific European countries.

The Pardes Year Program is open to Jews of all backgrounds and ages (post-college and beyond, with limited exceptions) who want to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Jewish tradition and texts. A B.A. from an accredited college or university is required, along with references from two individuals familiar with the applicant’s study skills and/or Jewish commitment as well as personal character. Typical recommenders include: supervisors, professors, rabbis or professionals at Jewish or other organizations with which you have been involved. Please do not submit recommendations from personal friends or relatives. Click here for the Recommendation Form.

In some cases, an interview may be required.

The Pardes Year Program tuition structure (for those studying 20 hours/week or more) reflects subsidies by generous donors.

2023-24:

• Full year: $5,900*
• Single semester: $3,900

*The actual cost of the Year Program, per student, is $25,000/year. Pardes’s tuition structure reflects generous donation-based subsidies for all full-time students. Additional financial aid is available to students for whom the subsidized tuition cost presents a barrier – see tab below. To contribute to Pardes to make such subsidies possible, click here.

Tuition covers classes as well as extracurricular activities such as Shabbat programs, extended trips (tiyulim), tours and special seminars. It does not cover housing, medical insurance, books, Hebrew ulpan fees or other living expenses.

For more information on student life, including estimated living costs, click here.

Those studying fewer than 20 hours/week are considered ‘hourly students’ and tuition is determined by the number of class hours per week. Acceptance to classes on this basis is subject to space and the approval of the teacher. Note that hourly fees cover classes only; hourly students are warmly invited to join tiyulim (trips) at an additional cost.

Contact registrar@pardes.org.il for more information.

Pardes offers financial assistance to students based on need and/or merit and tries to ensure that no qualified student is turned away for financial reasons. Grants and interest-free loans for tuition (students studying 20+ hrs/wk) and for living expenses (students studying 30+ hrs/wk only) are available to eligible applicants. Funds awarded for living expenses are disbursed to the students in the form of monthly stipends during the program.

Financial aid applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to earlier applications.

To apply, submit the Financial Aid Form. Candidates can apply for a specific grant or scholarship (see below) or for general financial aid. All applicants who are eligible for Masa funding (see below) must apply to Masa before submitting a financial aid application to Pardes.

Pardes is a qualified institution for the deferment of most U.S. Government student loans. Request a loan deferment form from your loan provider.

Masa Israel Journey Funding to Study at Pardes
Masa Israel Journey was established by the government of Israel and the Jewish Agency to enable Jewish young adults to participate in immersive programs in Israel. Masa offers either automatic grants or needs-based scholarships to eligible applicants. Click here for Masa’s current eligibility requirements.

Up to $5400 of the Masa award will be applied to Pardes tuition (leaving a tuition balance as low as $500 for the full year). Any remaining funds are paid out to the student in monthly installments during the program to assist with living expenses.

Applicants from outside North America should check the Masa website to determine the amount of the award for their country. Awards are limited in number and students are encouraged to apply early.

Pardes Tuition Grants
The following Pardes tuition grants are available to assist those in the categories below who are NOT eligible for funding through Masa Israel Journey or through the above fellowships:

50% off Year Program tuition:

• Israeli Citizens Permanently Residing in Israel

$2,000 off Year Program tuition:

• Current members of Limmud steering committees/leadership teams
• Current Moishe House residents, professional staff and active MHWOW hosts
• Base professionals and active Base community members
• Students at recognized rabbinical schools who are taking a sabbatical from their studies, and/or their spouses

The Werthan/Blum Scholarship (amounts vary)
Offered to graduating seniors and graduate students at Vanderbilt and Emory Universities.

The Russell Memorial Foundation Scholarship (amounts vary)
Offered to a student or graduate of the University of Florida (Gainesville) or the University of Miami.

Other Sources of Financial Aid
As Pardes’ financial resources are limited, Pardes students in need of financial assistance are encouraged to explore other sources of financial aid as well.

A range of scholarship opportunities are available to review on the Masa website

Pardes students usually rent apartments in Jerusalem. Pardes provides helpful housing resources to accepted students, including a listserve. Click here for help with housing in Jerusalem.

For more information about the program please contact Carmella