Texts of Destruction, Voices of Hope

The Menachem Begin Heritage Center and Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies invite you to a day of learning, memory, and meaning rooted in the powerful themes of Tisha B’Av.

Pardes faculty will offer a range of studies of our biblical and Talmudic texts, guiding us through the traditional stories of destruction and tragedy, to a message of hope.

The day will culminate with a special screening of Xueta Island, a powerful documentary uncovering the remarkable story of the Xuetas—descendants of Mallorca’s forced Jewish converts—and their enduring journey through persecution, identity, and reconnection with Jewish heritage.

Live at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, Jerusalem
Thursday July 23, 11:00–17:30

60 NIS general | 40 NIS student | 80 NIS at the door

11:00–12:00 PM

•  Yael Ziegler – Lamentations: The Poetics of National Tragedy
  

12:15–1:15 PM

• Rabbi Alex Israel – Book Burning, Book Reading: From Jeremiah to the Maharam and Back
• Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – From Prophecy to Interpretation: Finding Hope in the Book of Eicha

1:30–2:30 PM

• Rabbi Elhanan Miller – Jews and Power: A New Look at Talmudic Legends
• Aviva Wapner – Remembrance & Renewal: Rabbinic Responses to Traged

2:45–3:00 PM Memorial Service
In memory of Pardes teachers, students, and loved ones lost in war and terror

3:15-5:30 PM
Film and panel: Xueta Island