Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Pardes from Jerusalem

What was Korach really fighting for? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Raphael Polisuk explore Parshat Korach. They revisit Korach’s rebellion not just as a political protest, but as a sincere—and dangerous—desire for closeness to God. Drawing connections to Nadav and Avihu, incense offerings, and divine fire, the episode challenges listeners to consider whether spiritual closeness is always a blessing—or sometimes too powerful to survive. Featuring Rabbi Raphael Polisuk – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

Why did the generation of miracles still fear the land ahead? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Shlach and the story of the spies. They examine the conflicting accounts, debate who bears responsibility for the mission’s failure, and ask why fear overtook a generation that witnessed miracles. The conversation reflects on leadership, memory, and what it takes to move forward in uncertain times. Featuring Rabbi Michael Hattin – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

What does Pesach teach us about freedom, growth, and responsibility? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Dr. Irving (Yitz) Greenberg for a special conversation on Parshat Tzav, the sacrificial system, and the deeper messages of Pesach. They explore how Judaism's vision of life, covenant, and moral progress plays out through laws like kashrut and the evolution of sacrifice. Drawing from Rabbi Greenberg’s new book The Triumph of Life, they examine how Torah guides us toward a future where life, dignity, and ethical living prevail. Featuring Rabbi Dr. Irving (Yitz) Greenberg – Senior Fellow, Hadar Institute Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

How are we able to live in the past, future and present all at the same time? Aviva Lauer, Director of the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators, joined Zvi to discuss Devarim and Moshe's opening speech for the final book of the Tanakh. Aviva shares how, if read carefully, we could learn from Moshe's speech exactly how we could simultaneously manage to live in the past, present, and future, and how this ability is so essential for us in this day and age. Read this week's parsha here. Credits: Aviva Lauer and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield - Pardes Faculty

In this week’s episode, Zvi is joined by Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy for an exploration of Matot and Massei, discussing the challenging tale of the tribes who chose not to settle in the land of Israel. Meesh offers us different interpretations for the motivation guiding the tribes' decision to not cross the Jordan and helps us in understanding Moshe's response. With these interpretations in mind, we look to modern Jewish life, discussing how it is possible for Jews who have chosen to live in Israel and those who have not to find a shared framework in building a modern Jewish identity. Read this week’s parsha here. Credits: Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield - Pardes Faculty

In this week’s episode, Zvi is joined by Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash in an exploration of Parshat Pinchas and the story of the Daughters of Zelophehad. Zvi and Nechama discuss the transformative role of the Daughters of Zelophehad in creating a space for women’s voices, and seeking justice and their rightful place in the Land of Israel. Nechama also shares with us who she sees as contemporary Daughters of Zelophehad and how they have inspired her. Read this week’s parsha here. Additional Resources * Sifrei Bamidbar 133 Credits: Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield - Pardes Faculty

In what ways might we find deeper meaning to our parsha through an examination of the haftarah? In this week's podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Amirit Rosen to discuss one of the wildest stories of the Torah, containing a talking donkey and a wizard. Together, they expand the story through an analysis of the parsha's haftarah, the prophecies of Micah, exploring how Micah's message of comfort and challenge to the Jewish people could be considered both an interpretation and corrective to the blessings of Bilaam. Credits: Rabbi Amirit Rosen and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield - Pardes Faculty  

How is it possible for a relationship to be strengthened through conflict? In this week's podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Brent Spodek, Pardes North America faculty member and host of Good Jewish Lover. Together, they discuss the Rabbini Derash and it's description of how healthy conflict can actually build and enhance a loving relationship. Brent shares his personal and professional wisdom with us all, exploring how we can engage with one another in both an honest and caring way at the same time. Peace and passion can indeed co-exist. Credits: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Brent Spodek - Pardes Faculty

How we can have hard conversations that lead to growth and renewed relationship, as opposed to anger and distance? In this week's Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Pardes Faculty member Sefi Kraut, one of Pardes's lead educators for Mahloket Matters. The Mahloket Matters methodology combines social psychology with the rich Jewish textual tradition of deeply engaging with conflicting opinions in order to learn. This curriculum helps provide learners with the motivation to better engage constructively with those with whom they disagree, thereby improving civil discourse. Mahloket Matters reframes what previously felt hostile and threatening as an opportunity for connection and change. Join Zvi and Sefi for an exploration the narrative of this week's Torah portion, Korach, through the lens of constructive conflict. Credits: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Sefi Kraut - Pardes Faculty

How can we connect with the Godliness within ourselves? In this week's Parsha Podcast, our host, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield, is joined by Pardes faculty member Yischa Smith to discuss the failure of the spies sent ahead of the tribes of Israel. Together, we will examine how their failure reflects the inability of the Jewish people to trust the Godliness within themselves. What are the potential conflicts that may be found between trusting the authentic self and the authority of a transcendent Being? Credits: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith - Pardes Faculty  

Imagine being on a journey filled with excitement and hope, only to have it quickly derailed. That's exactly what happens in this week's parsha. What causes this sudden shift, and what can we learn from it? In this week's Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Michael Hattin for a deep dive into Parshat Beha'alotecha. Together, we will explore the transitions and unexpected turns in this week's parsha and discuss the importance of staying true to our values and mission while organizing as communities and as a nation.  

What threats and opportunities can their be found in the concept of vows as presented through Judaism? In this week’s Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Daniel Reifman for an exploration of this week’s parsha. Together, we will explore the power of vows as an avenue for building a more individualized and fulfilling spiritual life. On the flipside, we will also examine why the Sages had many hesitations about vows, and how they can be problematic. At the conclusion of this episode, we discuss the need for Jewish communities to innovate new standards and behaviors in order to respond to the many challenges facing us. Credits: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Daniel Reifman – Pardes Faculty  

Can pluralism and individuality enhance our sense of a shared framework and obligation to one another? In this week’s Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Jonathan Leener, Pardes North America Faculty Associate, for an exploration of this week's parsha. Together, we will learn how this text, which describes in great detail how the Jewish people organized themselves in the desert, is in fact the ideal parsha for us to prepare ourselves for the receiving of the Torah on Shavuot. Credits: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Jonathan Leener - Pardes Faculty

What can the cycle of giving teach us about our relationship with the Divine? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Leon Morris to explore the opening of Sefer Vayikra (Leviticus) and the relevance of the ancient sacrificial system for modern Jewish life. Together, they delve into the idea of korbanot (sacrifices) as a form of gift-giving to God, examining themes of gratitude, relationship, and community. Their discussion offers timely reflections as we prepare for the upcoming book of Vayikra. FeaturingRabbi Leon Morris – President, PardesZvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

How do the restrictions and limitations of the Sabbatical and Jubilee years shape our understanding of power, ownership, and social responsibility? In this week’s Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Elchanan Miller for an exploration of the relevance of these ideas from the perspective of a modern Israel struggling to build a society where members feel may strong and empowered on the one hand, but also bound by values and responsibilities toward one another on the other. Join us for an exploration of this week’s parsha and gain wisdom that can help guide and inspire us in our lives today. Credits: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Elchanan Miller – Pardes Faculty

How do build a community that is both coherent and inclusive? In this week's Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash for a discussion on the tragic episode of the blasphemer, and how the search for inclusion can include the pain of being left out. Together we will examine Moshe's role as a leader and think about own leadership today through the eyes of inclusion. Join us for an exploration of this week's parsha and gain wisdom that can help guide and inspire us in our lives today. Credits: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash - Pardes Faculty    

How do we balance a sense of reverence and our desire for closeness with the Divine? In this week's episode of the Pardes Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash for a discussion on boundaries and intimacy in our relationships with God and others. Join them for an exploration of this week's parsha and gain wisdom that can help guide and inspire us in our lives today. Credits: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash - Pardes Faculty  

How do we make sense of Divine reward and punishment in our complex world? In this week's episode of the Pardes Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Dean Emeritus Dr. David I. Bernstein for a discussion on theodicy, free will, and living in an uncertain and unjust world. Join them for an exploration of this week's parsha and gain wisdom that can help guide and inspire us in our lives today. Credits: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Dr. David I. Bernstein - Pardes Faculty

Is there a reason behind the laws of keeping kosher? Join Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Elisha Ancselovits as they tackle this question, exploring the various explanations for these laws and unpacking Rabbi Elisha's personal theory. Credits: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits - Pardes Faculty  

Passover is all about telling the story of the Exodus, but that wasn't always the case. How did the central ritual of Passover shift over time from the paschal sacrifice to the ritual of storytelling? In this special episode of the Pardes Parsha Podcast, join Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Daniel Reifman on a journey of discovering the meaning of Passover in Jewish history and in our lives today. Credits: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Daniel Reifman - Pardes Faculty  

So much of Sefer Vayikra (the Book of Leviticus) is steeped in concepts that are foreign to us today - the temple cult, the offering of sacrifices - that it's de rigueur to assume we won't understand or care very much about this set of Torah portions. But Elisha Ancselovits, in a havruta of guiding questions from Aviva Lauer, gives us a whole new take on why the Korban Shlamim - the peace offering - is actually a practice that we can and do still fulfill today in slightly different cultural ways. Credits: Aviva Lauer and Rabbi Dr. Elisha Anscelovits - Pardes Faculty  

The Sanctuary's washbasin came from mirrors donated by the Israelite women. Yet, Rashi's comment raises some doubts that Moses had regarding the propriety of using these mirrors, items that are generally used for feminine beautification. This opens a discussion of the place of sexuality in the Tabernacle. Credits: Rabbi Alex Israel and Rabbi Elhanan Miller - Pardes Faculty

Are we too judgmental towards Ahron? Join Rabbi Brent Spodek and Professor Ziva Hassenfeld in an exploration of the weekly parsha as they examine the tragic life of Moses's brother Ahron. Credits: Rabbi Brent Spodek and Professor Ziva Hassenfeld - Pardes North America Faculty

Rabbi Elisha Anscelovitz and Yiscah Smith discuss the historical roots of Purim as an agricultural holiday while drawing from the Hasidic masters to help us find deeper meaning to the holiday. Credits - Rabbi Elisha Anscelovitz and Yiscah Smith - Pardes Faculty  

Why does the Torah spend so much time repeating the Mishkan’s details? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk explore Parshat Pekudei and its surprising focus on repetition and detail. They unpack the final verses of Sefer Shemot, showing that Torah isn’t just divine instruction but a living, doable path woven into daily life. Featuring: Rabbi Rafael Polisuk – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

This podcast is in memory of Arlene Ruby Harel z”l upon the occasion of her first yahrzeit. Arlene’s welcoming, free-spirited nature, warmth, authenticity, candor, humor and openness is missed deeply by all of us who were privileged to work with her, connect with her, and learn from her wisdom. In this week's episode, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Daniel Reifman discuss the building of the Tabernacle and having a relationship with God and how it affects our relationship with one another. Credits: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Daniel Reifman - Pardes Faculty  

Parshat Mishpatim tells us that we should distance ourselves from lying. Join Pardes faculty members Yiscah Smith and Rabbi Dr. Howard Markose for an exploration of why human beings lie, similarities between the Torah and Hammurabi's Code, and Divine compassion. Credits: Rabbi Dr. Howard Markose and Yiscah Smith - Pardes Faculty

In Yitro, we see Moses learn that it takes more to be a public religious leader than simply being a person of faith. How does Moses learn to be a person who has experienced faith on a personal level bring it out and share it with others? Join Brent and Ziva as they explore the deeper values and ideas of this week's Torah portion. Credits: Rabbi Brent Spodek and Professor Ziva R. Hassenfeld - Pardes North America Faculty

In this week's parsha podcast, Rabbis Amirit Rosen and Elisha Anscelovitz discuss Shirat Hayam, the Song of the Sea, and the importance of taking pauses in life. Credits: Rabbi Amirit Rosen and Rabbi Elisha Anscelovits - Pardes Faculty

Alex Israel and Sefi Kraut discuss the concept of the New Moon and the notion of time: the freedom to take control of our own time, the calendar as a nation-building tool, the challenge of procrastination, and the gift of spiritual renewal. Credits: Rabbi Alex Israel and Sefi Kraut - Pardes Faculty  

The parsha opens with the names of God, and that sets the stage for the revelation which comes through the plagues. This podcast touches how this dynamic expresses a deeper layer in the whole relationship between Creator and creation as it asks - what's in a name? Credits: Rabbi Mike Feuer - Pardes Faculty  

Join Rabbi Brent Spodek and Professor Ziva Hassenfeld as they discuss the first parsha of Shemot and explore the topic of Miriam the Prophetess as a young girl. Credits: Professor Ziva R. Hassenfeld and Rabbi Brent Spodek

Meesh Hammer-Kossoy and Nechama Goldman Barash talk about contrasts in the parsha, control or lack thereof in our lives, and the power of a blessing. Credits: Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash - Pardes Faculty

During a holiday where there is both darkness and light, where we retreat indoors and shine brightly from the windowsill, go on a journey with Pardes North America to find meaning in the discord within our tradition. Night 8 - One Candle, Then Another, Then Another Featuring Rabbi Brent Spodek Transitioning into a new month and praying for renewal and growth, bright as a fully lit Hanukiah. Music Credits: Klezmer by Crowander is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

During a holiday where there is both darkness and light, where we retreat indoors and shine brightly from the windowsill, go on a journey with Pardes North America to find meaning in the discord within our tradition. Night 7* - Deborah and Judith: How Our Heroines Harmonize Across a Millennium Featuring Aviva Lauer Who was Judith and what does she have to do with Hanukah? And if we listen closely, might we hear her harmonize along with Deborah the Prophetess, who sang her own song a thousand years earlier than Judith did?   *This podcast is being published before the 7th night of Hanukah in order to allow you to listen to it before Shabbat. Music Credits: Klezmer by Crowander is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

How do we create a Jewish community that honors different perspectives? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Ilana Gleicher-Bloom explore Parshat Vayakhel and its vision of community. They discuss how Moshe transforms Bnei Yisrael from a fragmented group into a unified Kehilah through the shared mission of building the Mishkan. Drawing on insights from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, they examine the tension between pluralism and ideological divides—both in the Torah and in today's Jewish world—and ask what it takes to build a true, inclusive community. Featuring Ilana Gleicher-Bloom – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

During a holiday where there is both darkness and light, where we retreat indoors and shine brightly from the windowsill, go on a journey with Pardes North America to find meaning in the discord within our tradition. Night 6 - "More is More" vs. "Less is More" Featuring Rabbi Jonathan Leener This d’var Torah explores the different methods of dealing with evil in the world through the teachings of the Ishbitzer Rebbe.   Music Credits: Klezmer by Crowander is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

During a holiday where there is both darkness and light, where we retreat indoors and shine brightly from the windowsill, go on a journey with Pardes North America to find meaning in the discord within our tradition. Night 5 - The Window or the Table: Spreading Light to Eradicate Hate Featuring Rabba Shani Gross Learn how the Talmudic sages wrestle with the question of how to balance the deep yearning to live proudly as Jews with the very real threat trying to live openly as a religious minority can pose.   Music Credits: Klezmer by Crowander is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

During a holiday where there is both darkness and light, where we retreat indoors and shine brightly from the windowsill, go on a journey with Pardes North America to find meaning in the discord within our tradition. Night 4 - The Light of Hanukah: Let's Light Up the Streets! Featuring Rabba Yaffa Epstein, Senior Scholar and Educator in Residence at the Jewish Education Project Learn how an obscure Halacha about the placement of the Hanukiah can help us repair our broken world.   Music Credits: Klezmer by Crowander is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

How do we connect the story of Yosef to Hanukah? Join Yiscah Smith and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield in an exploration of Yosef's journey from a dreamer to an interpreter. In a parsha where we see Yosef hiding himself, what can we learn about bringing our own light out into the world? Credits: Yiscah Smith and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield - Pardes Faculty  

During a holiday where there is both darkness and light, where we retreat indoors and shine brightly from the windowsill, go on a journey with Pardes North America to find meaning in the discord within our tradition. Night 3 - "More is More" vs. "Less is More" Featuring Rabbi Leon Morris The Rabbis debated the precise way of performing the mitzvah of Hanukkah candles in ways that leave a treasure trove of symbolic meaning in its wake.   Music Credits: Klezmer by Crowander is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

During a holiday where there is both darkness and light, where we retreat indoors and shine brightly from the windowsill, go on a journey with Pardes North America to find meaning in the discord within our tradition. Night 2 - Rediscovering the Minimalism of Hanukah Featuring Professor Ziva R. Hassenfeld Learning how to reclaim the simplicity of the mitzvah of lighting the Hanukkah candles.   Music Credits: Klezmer by Crowander is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

During a holiday where there is both darkness and light, where we retreat indoors and shine brightly from the windowsill, go on a journey with Pardes North America to find meaning in the discord within our tradition. Night 1 - Forgetfulness that Leads to Blessed Discord Featuring Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy Rav Hutner suggests that the Greek campaign to make us forget Torah succeeded, and that we are better off for it.   Music Credits: Klezmer by Crowander is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

In this week's parsha, we learn the story of Yosef and Potiphar's wife, and the events leading up to Yoseph's imprisonment. Just what happened between Yosef and Potiphar's wife? Did Yosef desire her, and if so, did he actually give in to that temptation? Credits: Rabbi Brent Spodek and Professor Ziva Hassenfeld - Pardes North America Faculty  

Yaakov returns from Lavan's house to meet Esav, and he is petrified. Esav is coming with 400 men. Is he seething with hatred and violence, or has he possibly missed his brother and is instead coming to welcome him. The parsha is filled with ambiguity. Aviva and Alex discuss the nuances of the biblical and rabbinic personalities of Yaakov and Esav as they apply these paradigms to the topic of antisemitism in our own day and age. Credits: Rabbi Alex Israel and Aviva Lauer - Pardes Faculty  

How can we understand the setting of this week's parsha? What is this place that Ya'akov comes to, and why at nighttime? Rabbi Leon Morris and Rabbi Daniel Reifman discuss the journey the journeys and travails of Ya'akov in this week's parsha podcast. Credits: Rabbi Leon Morris, Pardes President, and Rabbi Daniel Reifman, Pardes Faculty.  

Can true growth come from mistakes? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Ki Tisa and the dramatic episode of the Golden Calf. They examine why the Israelites fell so quickly after Sinai, the connection between the Mishkan and their spiritual crisis, and how this moment reshaped their relationship with God. Featuring Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

Credits: Judy Klitsner and Rabbi Elchanan Miller – Pardes Faculty  

Parashat Chayei Sarah and Preparing for Thanksgiving.   Credits: Tovah Leah Nachmani and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty  

Are we blinded by our reading of the text? When we read about characters that are often portrayed negatively, such as Ishmael, are we truly giving them a chance? And what about our heroes? Are we allowing figures, such as Abraham, to be fully complex figures, both positive and negative? Credits: Rabbi Brent Spodek and Professor Ziva Hassenfeld – Pardes North America Faculty