Celebrating Michael Oren

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.

Meet Michael

Michael Oren is an American-born Israeli historian, best-selling author, Israeli politician, and media commentator, who focuses on Jewish and Israeli topics. He has advised several Israel and American Jewish NGOs, advancing the social, spiritual, and security needs of the Jewish people. Michael is a former Member of the Knesset, former Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and former Ambassador to the United States.

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What did you do for the first time at Pardes?

I actually sat in a Talmud shiur for more than two weeks.

What are you most proud of in your work?

The least acknowledged part: the articles, op-eds, and monographs on Israel and the Jewish people published in leading newspapers and journals, totaling 1,000 pages.

How does Pardes continue to affect you today?

Pardes provided me with an accepting and uplifting place where a person of limited Jewish knowledge could access our vast spiritual treasures.

If you could have any Shabbat guest, who would it be?

Moses. I’d ask him, “After decades of devoted service to our God and people, how do you deal with being denied entry into our Land?”

What does the jewish world need most right now?

Unity and strength.

What else would you like to share?

My daughter, Lia (Part-Time ’08), also attended Pardes, as have several of my former students. All had the same experience as I did more than forty years ago–openness, education, inspiration, and the thirst to know more.