Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies
Encyclopedia
Pardes is an institute of Jewish learning, focused on primary sources, that is open to post-college men and women. It was founded in 1972 and is located in the neighborhood of Talpiot
, Jerusalem.
Pardes offers various programs, including an MA track (partnered with Hebrew College) for Jewish Education. The dominant programs though do not offer a degree, but are Torah
lishma (learning for the sake of learning). The background level in the Pardes Beth midrash
ranges from elementary Hebrew to Semicha
(orthodox rabbinic ordination). The style of learning is a mix of chevruta (pair) studying and classroom learning.
Pardes also offers summer programs of two and three weeks.
The fundamental principle upon which Pardes operates is the belief that Torah is the inheritance of every Jew, regardless of where s/he falls on the belief or observance spectrum. Pardes, as an institution, posits that all Jews have a right to gain access to that inheritance, without restriction as to the circumstances under which this may be done. It is on this fundamental point that Pardes diverges from many other halachic (Jewish law-abiding) learning institutions for whom access to the texts hinges on a certain standard of religious behavior. This ideological position on the part of Pardes is not to be mistaken for pluralism. While Pardes welcomes its diverse student body, and encourages personal autonomy, the institution itself (along with the majority of the faculty) is fully committed to Halakha
(Jewish law).
Fulltime Pardes students range from the twenties to those in their fifties and older.
Pardes is a non-affiliated, one-of-a-kind institution, whose main objective is increased Jewish literacy through textual and experiential education.
Rabbi Daniel Landes
is the director and Rosh HaYeshiva, Dr. David I. Bernstein
the dean and Rabbi Meir Schweiger is responsible for the weekly podcasts.
Talpiot
Talpiot , is a neighborhood in southeast Jerusalem, Israel, established in 1922 by Zionist pioneers.-Etymology:The name Talpiot derives from a verse in Song of Songs 4:4 – "Thy neck is like the tower of David, built with turrets." According to rabbinic sources, Talpiot refers to the Temple...
, Jerusalem.
Pardes offers various programs, including an MA track (partnered with Hebrew College) for Jewish Education. The dominant programs though do not offer a degree, but are Torah
Torah
Torah- A scroll containing the first five books of the BibleThe Torah , is name given by Jews to the first five books of the bible—Genesis , Exodus , Leviticus , Numbers and Deuteronomy Torah- A scroll containing the first five books of the BibleThe Torah , is name given by Jews to the first five...
lishma (learning for the sake of learning). The background level in the Pardes Beth midrash
Beth midrash
Beth Midrash refers to a study hall, whether in a synagogue, yeshiva, kollel, or other building. It is distinct from a synagogue, although many synagogues are also used as batei midrash and vice versa....
ranges from elementary Hebrew to Semicha
Semicha
, also , or is derived from a Hebrew word which means to "rely on" or "to be authorized". It generally refers to the ordination of a rabbi within Judaism. In this sense it is the "transmission" of rabbinic authority to give advice or judgment in Jewish law...
(orthodox rabbinic ordination). The style of learning is a mix of chevruta (pair) studying and classroom learning.
Pardes also offers summer programs of two and three weeks.
The fundamental principle upon which Pardes operates is the belief that Torah is the inheritance of every Jew, regardless of where s/he falls on the belief or observance spectrum. Pardes, as an institution, posits that all Jews have a right to gain access to that inheritance, without restriction as to the circumstances under which this may be done. It is on this fundamental point that Pardes diverges from many other halachic (Jewish law-abiding) learning institutions for whom access to the texts hinges on a certain standard of religious behavior. This ideological position on the part of Pardes is not to be mistaken for pluralism. While Pardes welcomes its diverse student body, and encourages personal autonomy, the institution itself (along with the majority of the faculty) is fully committed to Halakha
Halakha
Halakha — also transliterated Halocho , or Halacha — is the collective body of Jewish law, including biblical law and later talmudic and rabbinic law, as well as customs and traditions.Judaism classically draws no distinction in its laws between religious and ostensibly non-religious life; Jewish...
(Jewish law).
Fulltime Pardes students range from the twenties to those in their fifties and older.
Pardes is a non-affiliated, one-of-a-kind institution, whose main objective is increased Jewish literacy through textual and experiential education.
Rabbi Daniel Landes
Daniel Landes
Rabbi Daniel Landes is the director and Rosh HaYeshiva of Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem and New York City.-External links:* http://www.pardes.org.il/ Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem and New York City...
is the director and Rosh HaYeshiva, Dr. David I. Bernstein
David I. Bernstein
Rabbi Dr. David I. Bernstein is the dean of The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem and New York City.-External links:* http://www.pardes.org.il/ Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem and New York City...
the dean and Rabbi Meir Schweiger is responsible for the weekly podcasts.
Partnerships
Pardes partners with many institutions including- Avi Chai is a sponsor for the Pardes Educators Program
- Hebrew CollegeHebrew CollegeHebrew College is an accredited college of Jewish studies in Newton Centre, near Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1921, Hebrew College is committed to Jewish scholarship in a transdenominational academic environment. The president of the college is Rabbi Daniel Lehmann...
- Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus LifeHillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus LifeHillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, working with thousands of college students globally...
- Jewish Agency for IsraelJewish Agency for IsraelThe Jewish Agency for Israel , also known as the Sochnut or JAFI, served as the organization in charge of immigration and absorption of Jews from the Diaspora into the state of Israel.-History:...
's Masa program