Pardes alumni are making an incredible impact on our world.
They are leading and creating organizations and businesses of all kinds, responding to humanitarian crises, writing novels, educating at all levels, creating works of art, and so much more! In celebration of Pardes’s 50th, we are highlighting 50 standout alumni whose accomplishments exemplify the rich texture of the Pardes community worldwide.
Rabbi Elie Kaunfer is President and CEO of the Hadar Institute, an institute of Jewish learning that he co-founded in 2006.
Elie has been named multiple times to Newsweek’s list of the top 50 rabbis in America. He is the author of Empowered Judaism: What Independent Minyanim Can Teach Us About Building Vibrant Jewish Communities (Jewish Lights, 2010).
He also received semikha (rabbinic ordination) from his long-time teacher and former Pardes Director, Rav Daniel Landes. Elie serves on the board of Natan and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, and on the advisory board of Upstart.
I remember learning with Marc Baker in the Beit Midrash one afternoon, and Rav Landes came to sit and learn with us. It felt like just the three of us in the room, and it was a powerful moment of Torah and experiencing mentorship.
Empowering others to learn Torah and lead davening.
Rabban Gamliel – From your perspective, what really happened the day you were deposed as head of the Beit Midrash?
Judy Klitsner opened my eyes to the literary approach to studying the Tanakh, and that has influenced the way I read all Jewish texts.
I love the used book store called Intellect on Rehov Yafo.
Celebrate Elie’s story — and help shape the next 50 years of Pardes alumni making an impact on the world.
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