Participant Feedback
I participated with my Pardes Educator Program students (training to be text teachers for North American Jewish day schools) in a spiritual retreat that Aryeh Ben David ran for the group. I found the program to be immensely effective both on a professional and a personal level. Aryeh is passionate about the need to produce educators who not only know text and pedagogy, but who can help their students to become whole human beings. I have personally learned a great deal from him and feel he has an enormous gift to give to students, teachers, and teacher trainers.
~ Dr. Susan Wall, Director, Pardes Educators Program
Since I became observant at age 18, I’d always approached Judaism from an intellectual perspective, putting most of my energy into learning Jewish texts. Three years ago, wanting a vacation alone, I signed up for a spiritual retreat led by Aryeh Ben David. It was a powerful experience that unlocked parts of myself I hadn’t known were there. Aryeh brings a unique mix of compassion, spirituality and humor that made everyone feel safe. Three years later, I keep stones I picked up in the desert on that retreat on my desk as a reminder of where I want to be going spiritually.
~ Linda Gradstein
Aryeh’s approach to text study and spirituality has deeply impacted both my life and my work. He has inspired me to ask myself and my students the real and deep questions that lead to personal and religious growth. Aryeh has developed an approach to learning and personal exploration that can work for any person in any setting – I have used his approach in the high school classroom, in adult education, in leadership training seminars, and at my own dinner table. In contrast to our fast-paced culture of technology and personal disconnectedness, Aryeh has offered me an invaluable model for reflective living grounded in my community in the language and values of my tradition.
~ Rabbi Marc Baker
Head of School
GANN Academy, Walthan MA
Aryeh has a unique ability to reach college students. “Reach” isn’t a strong enough word. He moves them, transforms them. Whether using texts or ideas about spirituality, Aryeh is able to cut through the cynicism and moral relativism that pervades the thought of young adults today. He demonstrates how our ancient tradition provides deep meaning in today’s world. What makes his educational approach so extraordinary is that he makes the students themselves work though their doubts and malaise, thereby making their new commitments to Jewish life long-lasting.
~ David Abramowitz
Executive Director
Jewish Leadership Institute
My experience on Aryeh Ben David’s spiritual retreat was one of the most powerful and transformational in my life thus far. With a combination of text study, and Aryeh’s total commitment to translate its meaning into personal spiritual enlightenment, his session helped me and our group find our inner voice.
~ David Lonner
Co-head of Motion Pictures
William Morris Agency
To be Jewish is a lifetime learning process. For years I’ve studied with many teachers, rabbis, etc. I may have accumulated knowledge about Judaism, but it didn’t always sink in. Now, after sessions of eating, smelling, breathing, observing, hearing, and learning - in short, experiencing Judaism with Aryeh Ben David, I know what being Jewish should be for me. It’s a WOW revelation. You’ll love it.
~ Haim Makovsky
Men’s group of Neve Daniel