Housing Help

Part of having a great summer or year at Pardes is having a good living experience in an apartment in Jerusalem. It can be challenging to find an apartment, especially from abroad, but you can do it! Below please find a few guidelines to help in your apartment search.

Housing Tips
  • Pardes is located in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Talpiot. If you want to live near Pardes, you will want to search for an apartment in Talpiot, Arnona, Mekor Haim, Baka, the German Colony, Katamon, Katamonim, or Rechavia/Talbiyah (a little farther away).
  • If you live with roommates in a furnished apartment, you can expect to pay $700-$900 per month, per person, or 2200 NIS – 2900 NIS, not including utilities (and again, with roommates). A one-bedroom will cost more, about 3200-4500 NIS. 
  • Before signing a lease and/or moving in with a roommate/s, it is important to be very clear about all the conditions of the rental: what the landlord is responsible for and what you are responsible for financially. If possible, ask for references (names of former tenants or roommates), people whom you can approach and ask about the apartment in general and the landlord/roommate in particular.
  • Clarify if the rent is to be paid in dollars or shekels and how it is to be paid. For example, will you have to physically go to the landlord’s bank branch on the first of every month? Will you need to have an Israeli bank account in order to do a direct deposit? Some landlords may require you to have an Israeli checkbook and give them post-dated checks for the year.
  • Note that apartments are described in the number of total rooms – not just the number of bedrooms.
  • The price of rent most likely will NOT include the monthly fee to the va’ad bayit (building upkeep committee), the yearly arnona (city property tax), or utilities.
  • Unfurnished could very well mean no refrigerator, oven or washer/dryer – clarify with the landlord.
  • Some landlords will ask you to pay 3-6 months rent up-front, in one lump sum.
  • Some landlords will require a security deposit (which will be around one month’s rent, returned to you at the end of the rental period if there are no damages).
  • If joining an apartment with roommates, consider asking about Shabbat observance, kashrut, rules about hospitality etc.
Apartment Hunting Resources

Apartment hunting resources:

  • The “pardes-housing-help” Google group – a private group for students who have been accepted to Pardes. If you are interested in an ad, be careful to contact the contact person listed in the body of the email and DON’T hit “reply.” Most people renting out their apartments do not have access to the group and their messages are posted by the moderator.

FACEBOOK RESOURCES (check the Hebrew groups with translation on!)

THESE APARTMENT GROUPS ARE SPECIFICALLY FOR THOSE KEEPING KOSHER AND SHABBAT

OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES

There are occasional scam listings so if it looks fishy, show it to someone else or move on. A reminder that a two room apartment only means one bedroom and so on. Most furnished apartments advertised on facebook are not by owners but through real estate agencies which require a fee. 

Temporary Housing

If you do not have a place to stay once you arrive in Israel, there are a few options for temporary housing (some much more expensive than others!).

  • airbnb.com
  • Mike’s House – a guest house in Katamonim, not far from Pardes. 300 NIS per night for a single room (only one available) and 350 NIS for a double room. https://www.mikeshouse.org/ or contact Mike directly at mhouse535@gmail.com 
  • NEW – Shir Hadash short-term rental. Sleeps up to 8 people, 1000 NIS per night. A “soft-landing” in Jerusalem if a group of students arrive without permanent housing:  The 3 bedroom Hospitality House is located close to the President’s House, Jerusalem Theater and the Hansen Design Center (all 5 minute walks), Emek Refaim and the First Station (10 minutes), and the Center of town (15 minutes). It also is roomy, clean and newly furnished, as well as possessing a large outdoor space. davidwarrenkramer@icloud.com
  • Beit Ben Yehuda is a guesthouse very close to Pardes with option of private or shared rooms; seebeit-ben-yehuda.org, possibility of discount for Pardes students; 02-673-0124 / info@beit-ben-yehuda.org
  • Baka Rentals is less than a ten-minute walk to Pardes and are fully furnished including sheets and towels. bakarentals.com / info@bakarentals.com / 054-763-1189
  • Little House in Bakah or Little House in the Colony (small hotels very close to Pardes): http://www.jerusalem-hotel.co.il/
  • Tami’s Bed & Breakfast (reservations recommended far in advance): tamisbnbjerusalem.wordpress.com
  • http://www.yedidya.org.il/apts.htm  Scroll down for “Offering a Place to Stay”
  • http://www.tripadvisor.com/
  • Israel Youth Hostel Association IYHA
Extra Costs and Other Things to Consider When Renting an Apartment
  • Arnona: The annual city property tax based on the size of the apartment can range from 3000-6000 NIS per year. It can be paid monthly or yearly. Some students are able to obtain an 80% discount but many are unsuccessful.
  • Va’ad Bayit: A monthly fee paid to your building’s committee of residents. This money covers general maintenance of the building and central heating if you have it.
  • Agent fee: If you find your apartment through an agent you will be charged an additional month’s rent as their payment. This is true, even if all the agent did was show you the apartment once, and you did not seek out their service but responded to an ad.
  • Furnishings – in some cases you may need to buy a desk, bed or closet. A great site for finding household furnishings and other second hand goods: https://www.yad2.co.il  or you can see giveaway facebook groups: למסירה הכל בחינם (‘all items free’) and also on Free Stuff JLM  
  • Washer and dryer: Most apartments don’t have dryers; you’ll need to buy a drying rack if the apartment does not have a window laundry line. Note that you can buy an electric, heated drying rack which cuts down on drying time.
  • Heat: Many apartments don’t have central heat. During the winter you will most likely need a space heater which, besides its own cost, will significantly raise your electricity bill.
  • Check if you’ll have to repaint the walls or professionally clean the apartment before leaving.
  • Hot water: Be aware of the source of your hot water. In newer buildings, water is solar heated, which cuts down on expenses and is environmentally friendly. If your water is solar heated, you will need to pre-heat it in the winter, on cloudy days and sometimes on summer mornings by flipping the “dud shemesh” switch.
  • MOLD is very common in Israel and you will be expected to take care of it yourself (as opposed to calling the landlord, though you can always ask…). Solutions: Leave windows open a crack, even in the winter, and use bleach to wipe down problem areas.
Concierge Service

Real Estate Agencies 

(Note that using an agent incurs an extra fee – usually one month’s rent)

The following list was compiled by a 2021-22 who had contact with all the following agencies. 

  • Zedek Group – contact Shlomo, +972 054-2030209
  • JBA Rentals contact Liroy +972 50-440-9999 
  • Realtor who is super is responsive in English: Levi Feld +972 52-956-5228
  • Abu Tor Realty has furnished and unfurnished apartments: , contact Yair +972 54-545-9575
  • There is an agency that has videos of all their properties:  +972 54-328-9822
  • Boutique Pro agency

In This Section

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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