2015-16 Pardes Executive Learning Seminar
Our experience at Pardes was over the top; a wonderful combination of excitement, stimulation and kvelling over the passion and competence of our teachers. We met wonderful people, with whom we hope to remain in contact. In all, it was a joy for us to participate, and we hope to do so again. Joe Shafran, Cleveland, OH (PELS participant ‘11-’15)
Now in its 19th year, the Pardes Executive Learning Seminar brings together executives, professionals and community leaders who wish to study classical Jewish sources within the landscape of Israel. Participants grapple with ancient texts and current issues, visit historical sites and learn from the best educators in Israel.
Passionate
Educators
The Pardes faculty’s depth of knowledge is rivaled only by their engaging teaching style and their ability to bring Judaism to life. They aim not only to teach compelling ideas, but also to give you the tools to enter personally into a conversation with your heritage.
Meaningful
Jewish Study
Our renowned faculty bring together students from diverse learning backgrounds and create an educational environment that is accessible and empowering. Participants study in havruta pairs, partnering to help one another explore and gain ownership of the text. Sources are provided in their original language and in English translation.
Warm
Community
Participants from around the world come together to create a cohort of passionate learners exploring Jewish themes that are challenging and inspiring. Through classes, touring and social events, participants have the opportunity to connect with peers and expand their personal networks.
Inspired
Israel experience
The combination of studying Jewish texts and ideas, together with exploring Israel, brings the classroom learning to life and allows you to see Israel in a whole new way.
Winter
2015
The Golden Age of Tzfat
The city of Tzfat rose to fame in the 16th century as a center of Jewish mysticism (kabbalah). Many of the Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 came to settle in Tzfat, making it a global center for Jewish learning and a regional center for trade. This lasted for almost 200 years and became known as the Golden Age of Tzfat. Because of the many prominent kabbalists who settled there, the town became known as the City of Kabbalah. The kabbalists were drawn to Tzfat because of its
proximity to Meron, the burial site of Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai, who is traditionally known as the author of the Zohar. The rabbis who came to Tzfat include Isaac Luria, Moshe Cordovero, Yaakov Beirav, Joseph Karo, and Shlomo HaLevi Alkabetz. These scholars, individually and collectively, profoundly affected all areas of religious and spiritual life: mystical speculation, liturgy and poetry, legal practice and customs, Talmudic study and biblical exegesis. They made an indelible imprint that is felt even today.
Topics of Study • Should mysticism be the esoteric realm of the few? • Is there a place for spirituality in a legal code? • What makes Tzfat a holy city? • Are pilgrimages to cemeteries a form of idolatry? • How do we integrate art and poetry into our religious experience? Seminar Details December 27-31, 2015 Tuition: $1,500, including overnight trip to Tzfat (15% discount before October 1)
Summer 2016
Ruth and Esther: From Rags to Royalty
Ruth and Esther are two exceptional women whose stories are immortalized not only by their deeds, but by the canonization of books named after them in the Bible. They are, in fact, inverse images of each other. Ruth lives in the time of the Judges, before the monarchy in Israel. She leaves her Moabite homeland, family and belief system, to embrace the land, people and God of Israel. Her commitment and devotion to her new family, especially her mother-in-law, lead her to full integration into the Jewish people and she becomes the “Mother of Royalty” as the progenitor of King David and the Davidic line.
Esther lives in the period following the destruction of the first Temple and the loss of Jewish sovereignty. Bereft of her parents, she is raised by her uncle, Mordechai, but is forcefully taken to the king’s harem. She becomes Ahashverosh’s queen and is thrust into the limelight of Persian society. She is instrumental in saving the Jewish people from mass destruction and institutionalizing a holiday of joyous celebration. We will analyze these two narratives through rabbinic and scholarly commentaries. We will
explore the personalities, struggles and triumphs of Ruth and Esther, and see how the issues which they grappled with are still relevant today. Inspired by these two heroines, we will also tackle key questions surrounding the role of women in Jewish spiritual life. Topics of Study • What are the qualities that distinguish great people from average ones? • Is Jewish peoplehood inextricably linked with the land of Israel? • What can we learn from “outsiders”? • How does real power involve empowering others? • Where is God to be found? • Glass ceilings then & now: women as Jewish spiritual leaders Seminar Details July 3-7, 2016 Tuition: $1,400 (15% discount before January 1)
Registration and information
www.pardes.org.il/executive
USA: +1 212 447 4333
executive@pardes.org.il
Israel: + 972 2 673 5210
Programming, lunch, tours and some evening meals included. Flight arrangements should be made individually. See website for hotel recommendations.
The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies is an open, co-ed and non-denominational Jewish learning community, based in Jerusalem and with programs worldwide. Students encounter and grapple with classic texts and traditions of Judaism, while exploring their relevance to today’s most pressing issues. Pardes empowers students with the knowledge and tools to take ownership of their Jewish experience.