The Mahloket Matters Israel

Educator Fellowship

How do we foster healthy, open conversations about Israel among people with deeply divergent perspectives? And how do we create spaces where those conversations are safe, productive, and truly meaningful?

Across North America, young Jews are feeling isolated and polarized. Many are unsure where they stand, hesitant to speak, and nervous about the repercussions of engaging. Their educators—whether teachers, camp counselors, Hillel professionals, or youth leaders—are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unprepared.

Even the strongest Israel curriculum can fall flat if educators lack the skills to facilitate conversations in a way that invites real engagement and deep understanding.

This fellowship reflects what Pardes does best: helping people lead complex conversations—especially about Israel—through a uniquely Jewish lens. While many programs focus on dialogue skills alone, Pardes adds something deeper: an approach shaped by Jewish text, tradition, and identity.

• Jewish text and tradition
  Core values like humility, curiosity, and complexity are grounded in Jewish texts. These sources model the kind of thinking and listening that open space for dialogue.
• The way we study

  Text study in havruta (pairs) invites disagreement and multiple interpretations, offering a chance to practice constructive mahloket in real time as deep engagement with the text sparks diverse perspectives and meaningful conversation.
• Jewish connection and identity

  This is more than a set of skills. Studying text and engaging across differences strengthens personal connection, builds community, and deepens Jewish peoplehood.

When it comes to conversations about Israel, this approach turns disagreement into an opportunity for growth and connection. Learning how to engage across differences with those who share history, values, and culture strengthens our sense of belonging and the fabric of Jewish life.

• Session count: 6–8 sessions per cohort (flexible based on group needs)
• Schedule:
  • Fall 2025 cohorts: Starting in November after the High Holidays
    Thanks to a grant from the JUF, our fall cohorts will exclusively serve Chicagoland Educators. If this applies to you, please apply here.
  • Spring 2026 cohorts
    Details are currently being finalized for these cohorts. Check back here or email mm@pardes.org for the latest information
  • Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 cohorts are in the works
• Frequency & Duration: 1 session per week, 90 minutes each
• Format: Fellowship meets virtually