This learning, especially at this time in our Jewish history, felt like a privilege and gift. To be learning Torah at Pardes, in Jerusalem, with some of the best minds in contemporary Torah thought, surrounded by a diverse and inspiring group of fellow students: Wow! I have no words! 

Yaela Orelowitz

South Africa

BMP ‘24-’25

I gained tremendously from the Winter Break Learning Intensive. I’m so grateful to have been back at Pardes, even though it was so quick, and I feel fueled up with light to bring back to my community. 

Participant

The Winter Break Learning Intensive gave me light, hope and healing. It helped me understand Hanukkah more intensely and helped me deal with the darkness that Israel is experiencing now. I live here so that was important. The conclusion to the program brought everything together beautifully. 

Craig Preston

Israel

Pardes’s mission of inclusivity is powerful and transformative, and seeps into every element of the learning experience. From the teachers’ guidance in the beit midrash, to community song circles, to the staff’s warm welcome – this place makes learning Torah so safe, expansive, and inclusive. It’s impossible not to fall in love!

Rabbi Lara Rodin

“This learning, especially at this time in our Jewish history, felt like a privilege and gift. To be learning Torah at Pardes, in Jerusalem, with some of the best minds in contemporary Torah thought, surrounded by a diverse and inspiring group of fellow students.”

Yaela Orelowitz

Johanesburg, South Africa

2024

“The Mahloket Matters fellowship opened my eyes to an idea that I’d been searching for and sensing for years – that many of our toughest disagreements unsolved problems are rooted not in ignorance or incompetence, but in different values and experiences, striving not for a right answer, but for a best answer.”

Miranda Bass

New York City, USA

2023