“After my bar mitzvah I was not very connected to the Jewish community or to Jewish learning for many years. For a long time I believed that text study was too “heady” and didn’t contribute to the real personal growth and transformation that I was looking for. When I began to study Jewish texts, I often found it challenging to take a step back and find ways to apply their ancient messages in my life- in my outlook, my behavior, my relationships, etc. Although, this challenge still exists for me in many contexts, Pardes is providing me with the skills to integrate my learning into my life in a practical and influential way. For once in my life, I feel that I have a healthy and loving relationship with Torah that has brought forth meaning and change in my life. Being empowered and inspired by text in a way that allows me to be my best self has been a beautiful and priceless gift that Pardes has given me.”
Over the past nine years, Makai has worked in Various educational settings in the Minneapolis Jewish community. He worked in Jewish day school after school programs, Hebrew school for children with special needs, Jewish day camps, and preschools. He is now studying to receive his Masters in Jewish Education through JTS while in the Pardes Experiential Educator’s Program.
