Studying in Israel

When I left the Pardes Institute last year, I had already made up my mind that I wanted to return to study this summer.  So here I am, back in the groove of exciting Jewish learning that leaves me in awe of the richness of this Executive Seminar.  This year's topic is Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi, the great individual responsible for the compilation of the Mishnah.  In essence, it is an opportunity to look at the secret of Jewish survival.  Today we dealt with the topic of Jews and Non-Jews:  the Diversity of Culture.  Tomorrow we will be discussing Maintaining Jewish Values in Changing Realities.  On Thursday, in addition to studying in the morning about the Oral and the Written Law, we will travel to Susya for a site visit of an ancient Talmudic village.  And then on Friday the course will conclude with a discussion of Differing Approaches to the Halachik Process.  It's true that the topics are engaging, but the method of studying in a chevrutah is a big part of the success of this program as well.  I truly appreciate the shul supporting my continued learning.  I just wish I could convince a handful of others from Tifereth Israel to join me next year.  There is something so reJEWvenating about learning with Torah scholars who are respective of pluralism and diversity.  Add being in Israel along with the mix....and it is truly a winning combination.