Research Fellowships – The Tanakh Fellowship

The Tanakh Fellow will work together with Judy Klitsner on the organizing, researching and production of her commentary on the Bible, which will be part of a major online library. After consultations with Judy on general lines of thought for interpreting a particular biblical passage, the fellow will survey a wide array of commentary, both ancient and modern, highlighting sections that might be used in the commentary, or as necessary background. The Torah commentary will combine rigorous literary analysis with psychological and philosophical human insights that are relevant to a modern reader. The commentary will include intertextual comparisons (in Judy’s words, helping to expose the “vibrant conversation” that takes place between biblical passages).

Description of Faculty Research:

The commentary will be produced one biblical chapter at a time, at the rate of ten chapters per year. In addition to helping Judy organize and focus her efforts, the fellow will research a wide range of ancient and modern commentary on a given chapter. Results will either be included in the commentary or will serve as essential background.

Some, but not all, of the content of the proposed commentary exists in shiur form (Judy’s source materials and lecture notes). At times, the project will include transforming current materials into expository form, so that it can be included in the commentary.

Responsibilities of the Tanakh Research Fellow include:
  • Helping to organize and distill the scope and focus of the project.
  • Conducting weekly sessions with Judy, acting as a supportive, yet critical, havruta partner, helping the author crystallize ideas and helping her decide on the ideal boundaries of each textual exploration.
  • Researching ancient and modern commentary on a given chapter.
  • Listening to classes taught by Judy, in which ideas for the commentary are presented. After listening actively, the fellow will pose probing questions and offer constructive suggestions. At times, the fellow will be asked to transcribe parts of the recorded classes.
  • Reviewing Judy’s lecture notes and printed sources and transform them into expository form.
APPLY FOR A FELLOWSHIP

Supplemental fellowship applications will only be considered once a full Beit Midrash Program application has been received.

Fellowship deadline: March 16, 2025

Note: While acceptances to the Beit Midrash Program cohort are rolling until the deadline, some fellowships in high demand may be awarded only once the March deadline has passed.

Tanakh Research Fellowship Requirements:

Required Skills
  • Strong Hebrew skills, facility in deciphering the biblical text and its commentaries
  • Superb attention to detail
  • Writing and/or editing experience
  • Strong organization capabilities
  • Ability to see the larger picture of a writing project
  • Capacity to meet deadlines
  • Interest in literary readings of the Bible; sensitivity to, and appreciation of, literary nuance
  • Collaborative working style
The Tanakh Research Fellow will:
  • Meet weekly with the faculty advisor
  • Conduct independent research

The Tanakh Research Fellow will receive:

  • A living expenses grant ranging from $200-$600/month (exact amount determined by financial need)
  • Highly subsidized Beit Midrash 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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