“Since starting at Pardes and becoming part of the community, I have been blown away by the sheer volume and depth of meaningful moments, both in the Beit Midrash and outside of school with new friends.
“There are so many instances I could mention, but I’ll focus on the Conflict Resolution course I’m taking with Rabbi Daniel Roth. With every new class and guest speaker, I have become increasingly inspired by concept of the ‘Rodef Shalom’ – the pursuer of peace. In the back of my mind for some time now, I have been considering a career shift towards combining my media and communications experience and interest in conflict resolution to develop a peace building initiative. Until starting at Pardes, I was feeling isolated and even discouraged in thinking progress is possible and that any such initiative would be productive.
“I had a moment of clarity in class the other day listening to one of our guests talk about the interfaith dialogue and community building he facilitates. It made me tear up to hear the hope in his voice and to witness the tremendous amount of empathy he holds. In that moment I decided I want to pursue graduate studies in Conflict Resolution and take concrete steps towards becoming a ‘Rodef Shalom’ professionally, making use of my particular interests and training. Being a part of this class, I don’t feel so alone anymore in thinking this type of work is worthwhile. I am reminded daily of the teaching from Pirkei Avot, ‘It is not your responsibility to finish the work of perfecting the world, but you are not free to desist from it either.’ (Pirke Avot 2:21)”
Michelle graduated with a BS From Northwestern University in Communications. She started her career as a producer and entrepreneur in the film industry, launching and managing the first ever accelerator program for Film Producers. For the last 2 years she served as the Director of Communications for Manhattan Jewish Experience in NYC. She recently moved to Israel study Torah and explore her relationship with the land and Hashem!
