Mishnah Fellowship

The Mishnah Research Fellow will work together with Rabbi Rahel Berkovits on transcribing and organizing her 20 podcasts on the entire Tractate of Mishnah Rosh Hashanah in preparation for turning them into a book of commentary.

Rahel has been teaching Mishnah and Talmud at Pardes for over 20 years. She loves to study and analyze the literary structure of the Mishnah and peel back the many different layers of the text. The Mishnah was created and edited as one coherent work that not only presents a law system but also reveals the theology and philosophy of the early Rabbis. By taking the time to learn one tractate in its entirety Mishnah after Mishnah (without the voices of the Gemara breaking up the flow) one can uncover beautiful literary and linguistic structures and meta themes that run through the text.

The two major topics tractate Rosh Hashanah deals with are sanctifying the new moon (based on human sight) and the rituals of Shofar and prayer on Rosh Hashanah (linked to human hearing and voice). The tractate also discusses important topics still relevant in the modern day such as the relationship of the individual to the nation as a whole, the limits and scope of Rabbinic authority, and the role of human beings to be partners with God and each other in creating holiness in this world.

Come help Rahel turn her teachings, which evolved in the Pardes Classroom, into a clear commentary that people anywhere can enjoy.

For a taste of the podcast listen here.

Fellowship Structure

The fellow will work closely with Rahel in preparing the podcasts for publication. The fellow will help first and foremost with transcribing the podcasts into written texts as well as collecting sources, editing, and proofreading, in preparation for publication.

The Halakha Research Fellow is a full-time participant of the Pardes Year/Semester program, who has committed to a full year of study at Pardes.

Admissions are rolling, with financial aid priority given to earlier applicants.

Halakha Research Fellowship Requirements:

Required Skills
  • Transcribing skills
  • Intermediate level or above of Jewish content knowledge and understanding of Hebrew.
  • Transliteration skills
  • Superb attention to detail
  • Proven editing/proofreading experience
  • Strong organization capabilities
  • Ability to see the larger picture of a writing project
  • Capacity to meet deadlines
  • Collaborative working style
The Mishnah Research Fellow will:
  • Spend 5 hours/week working on the project, including meeting with the faculty advisor at night seder

The Halakha Research Fellow will receive:

  • A living expenses grant ranging from $200-$600/month (exact amount determined by financial need)
  • Highly subsidized Year Program tuition: $3,000 discount for those not eligible for Masa Israel Journey funding / $2,000 discount for those eligible for Masa funding

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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