Torah of Life’s Changes

How can Jewish wisdom help guide us
through major life transitions?

Rooted in Jewish texts and tradition, the Torah of Life’s Changes provides a supportive cohort-based learning experience for those in the process of a major transition. Alongside peers experiencing similar life changes, participants will find support and inspiration while receiving practical tools to help navigate life’s unexpected twists and challenges.

Applications for our Spring 2024 cohorts have closed.

From Entering the Unknown to
Crafting a New Story

Over the course of six sessions, participants engage in a deep exploration of Jewish teachings on such topics as radical dependence, connectedness, and identity shifts.

At the end of the program, participants will encapsulate their experiences by bringing it back to their own community through a capstone project. Examples include delivering a d’var Torah at a synagogue or writing an essay for a local newspaper.

Spring 2024 Cohorts

Mourners Minyan: Grappling with Grief

Online
Tuesdays, May 7 – June 18
(No session on June 11 due to Shavuot)
9:30-11:00 AM PDT / 12:30-2:00 PM EDT
5:30-7:00 PM BST / 7:30-9:00 PM IDT

This cohort is tailored for those experiencing the profound transition of the loss of a loved one. Providing a supportive environment for navigating the emotional, practical, and spiritual aspects of grief, together we will explore what it means to find strength and resilience in the face of loss.

L’dor V’dor: Embracing the Empty Nest

Online
Thursdays, May 9 – June 20
(No session on June 13 due to Shavuot)

9:30-11:00 AM PDT / 12:30-2:00 PM EDT
5:30-7:00 PM BST / 7:30-9:00 PM IDT

The unique chapter of empty nesting comes with a redefining of one’s identity beyond the roles of day-to-day parenthood. This cohort will be an opportunity for those navigating this major life transition to connect and learn from one another, exploring the potential for personal growth amidst these life changes.

Faculty

rabba shani gross

Rabba Shani Gross
Pardes North America Senior Director of Education

Rabba Shani Gross earned rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Maharat, is a Wexner Graduate Fellow/Davidson Scholar (Class ’29), and a fellow of Va’tichtov: a fellowship aimed at elevating Jewish women’s scholarship. Before joining Pardes, Shani was the Director of the Silicon Valley Beit Midrash. When not teaching Shani can often be found chasing after her three sons with her husband Chaim in Berkeley, California.

Professor Deborah Barer
Pardes North America Faculty

Professor Deborah Barer is Associate Professor of Ancient Judaism at Towson University, where she teaches in the Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies as well as the graduate program in Jewish Studies. Her research explores rabbinic approaches to decision-making and their application to modern life. Deborah is passionate about the ways that entering into conversation with classical sources can open up new perspectives on contemporary questions.

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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