Religious Orientation

What is the religious outlook at Pardes?

Pardes is an open, non-denominational and non-coercive institution. While opportunities for participation in Jewish ritual are readily available, Pardes does not require any particular type of observance. Pardes provides a safe space to encounter and grapple with the classic texts and traditions of Judaism, including the halakhic (Jewish law) system, while maintaining one’s individual autonomy.

Do I have to keep kosher or be observant at Pardes?

No. You do not have to adhere to any specific type of observance to attend Pardes. We give you the educational tools to make your own choices at your own pace. All official Pardes activities are certified kosher. Shabbat is observed in public/communal spaces on Shabbatonim (Shabbat retreats).

What type of prayer services are offered at Pardes?

Prayer services at Pardes depend on the interests of each year’s student body. Students have initiated shacharit (morning prayers), minha (afternoon prayers) and ma’ariv (evening prayers) services. Options often include traditional/mechitza (separate seating for men and women), egalitarian, community/partnership, women’s services, alternative/creative prayer and meditation. All prayer services at Pardes are optional. Each prayer community has its own policy with regard to who will be counted towards a minyan (quorum) and who will receive honors.

Click here to read one student’s experience participating in the prayer services at Pardes.

What religious affiliations do the students have?

At Pardes there are students from all denominations, as well as those who consider themselves “post-denominational,” those who are unaffiliated, and those who do not wish to be defined at all. Pardes offers an open and welcoming environment for all kinds of Jews.

What religious affiliations do the faculty have?

The vast majority of Pardes faculty members live their lives in accordance with halakha (Jewish law). They affiliate with a range of communities and worldviews, and often differ from one another in their philosophical, spiritual, historical and pragmatic approaches to Judaism.

Click here to learn more about Pardes faculty members.

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.