[First is the Crossroads-centered excerpt; below is the full article by Shirah Rosin, a 2006-07 Center volunteer.]

“…[F]or the past nine months, I have been volunteering as a weekly counselor for an organization called Crossroads, a center for at-risk teens here in Jerusalem. Crossroads acts as a place of connections. Teens can come together and build a support network regardless of their differences that may exist outside the center. My volunteering time has allowed me to engage with and give to a population often neglected.

“They have taught me how critical community is at the very core. Community is built around its members, mutual respect and responsibility. As members of the Jewish community we have the responsibility to ensure this respect takes place.”

Washington Jewish Week, 31 May 2007: “Let’s Create Space for All Jews,” by Shirah Rosin.

When I was 16 years old, I participated in a Jewish Federation of Greater Washington program called Ambassadors for Tolerance. The program brought together student leaders from different denominational youth groups. I was representing Bnei Akiva, an international modern Orthodox Zionistic youth movement.

For the first time, I sat and met with representatives of Reform and Conservative youth movements. They were people different from me in life practices, but as we began our discussions, it became apparent that there was one big thing that united us all–Judaism.

Ten years later, I am proud to say that I continue to be actively engaged in this conversation.

In September, I began my studies at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, a co-ed, nondenominational institute of Jewish Studies located in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Talpiot. I came to learn text in a serious and comprehensive way. At a time in my life where I am looking to begin planting roots in a community, I chose Pardes because it allowed me to get at the heart of my studies in an open and diverse framework. Diversity was a necessity for me as I began my year.

This year, I had the privilege and honor to serve as the Irving Weinstein Memorial Leadership Fellow at Pardes. Irving strongly embodied the ideas of unity and the celebration of diversity within Judaism. Instead of letting our differences divide us, he believed that our passions for a common tradition should unite us. For me, Pardes has been an example of this unity.

My learning here has been enhanced by the different opinions my teachers and fellow students bring to the table. It is here that a traditional perspective of text can meet new ideas allowing for the possibility of multiple truths and contradictions within Torah. These differences allow for more vibrant conversation and engaging classes.

As the Weinstein Fellow, I have also striven to foster community and give back to it. This has led me to take on leadership roles both within and outside the walls of Pardes. Within Pardes, I have worked closely with faculty members helping shape special programming. These relationships have provided me with mentors and role models as individuals who live genuine Torah values through action and speech.

Furthermore, for the past nine months, I have been volunteering as a weekly counselor for an organization called Crossroads, a center for at-risk teens here in Jerusalem. Crossroads acts as a place of connections. Teens can come together and build a support network regardless of their differences that may exist outside the center. My volunteering time has allowed me to engage with and give to a population often neglected.

They have taught me how critical community is at the very core. Community is built around its members, mutual respect and responsibility. As members of the Jewish community we have the responsibility to ensure this respect takes place.

My time at Pardes, sadly, has come to an end. I have grown in my learning, I have fostered friendships that will last a lifetime, and I have had a wonderful experience of living life in Jerusalem. Yet, it has been the Weinstein Fellowship that has prepared me to be a better leader in the Jewish community. I leave here conscious of the continual importance of creating a space where all Jews are welcomed and empowered.

It is this framework of communication, openness and mutual respect that allows us to remain one Jewish people. I hope you will join me.