Pardes from Jerusalem

Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies

Pardes from Jerusalem features a weekly discussion using Torah, Talmud and other Jewish texts to explain themes from the weekly Torah portion. The Pardes faculty is featured each week. For more information about all Pardes programs and events visit www.pardes.org.il.

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353 episodes
Updated Sunday

Episodes353

Newest first

Jun 3, 2025 · 37 min
Naso 5785: Torah in Real Life
Is tzara’at a spiritual punishment or a contagious disease? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Elisha Anscelovits dive into Parshat Naso to explore how Torah meets real life. With tzara’at as their starting point,
May 25, 2025 · 45 min
Shavuot 5785: Joining the Covenant
What does it really mean to join the Jewish people? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Brent Spodek explore the themes of Shavuot through the lens of Megillat Ruth and Jewish conversion. They examine what it means to join the Jewish people—n...
May 18, 2025 · 36 min
Behar-Behukotai 5785: Resetting Society
Can ancient agricultural laws inspire modern spiritual renewal? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore the radical social and spiritual vision behind Parshat Behar-Behukotai. From Shemitah to Yovel,
May 11, 2025 · 58 min
Emor 5785: Modeling Holiness
Why are the kohanim held to a higher standard of holiness? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Irving (Yitz) Greenberg explore Parshat Emor through the lens of the priestly role as a model for a future redeemed world.
May 4, 2025 · 42 min
Acharei Mot 5785: The Weight of Sin
What does it mean to carry sin as a burden? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris delve into Parshat Acharei Mot and its detailed description of the Yom Kippur ritual, focusing on the symbolism of the scapegoat.
Apr 27, 2025 · 34 min
Tazria-Metzora 5785: Cycles of Renewal
How do life’s transitions invite spiritual renewal? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore the cycles of tumah (impurity) and taharah (purity) in Tazria-Metzora. They discuss how life experiences like birth,
Apr 20, 2025 · 39 min
Shemini 5785: Finding Meaning in Loss
Can legacy and memory transform the pain of loss into purpose? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash reflect on the tragedy of Nadav and Avihu in Parshat Shemini, exploring how the loss of Aaron’s sons on the Mishkan’s...
Apr 6, 2025 · 46 min
Tzav 5785: Pesach and the Covenant of Life
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,
Mar 31, 2025 · 36 min
Vayikra 5785: Gift and Sacrifice
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 m...
Mar 24, 2025 · 34 min
Pekudei 5785: Living Torah
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.
Mar 17, 2025 · 35 min
Vayakhel 5785: Building a Diverse Mishkan
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 ...
Mar 10, 2025 · 40 min
Ki Tisa 5785: From Failure to Renewal
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,
Mar 3, 2025 · 36 min
Purim 5785: Understanding Amalek
What does the Torah actually mean by ‘wiping out Amalek’? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Elisha Anscelovits explore the Torah’s commandment to wipe out Amalek, examining its historical, practical, and ethical dimensions.
Feb 23, 2025 · 39 min
Terumah 5785: Building Sacred Space
This week's episode is in memory of Beth Wasserman z"l and sponsored by her nephew and his family. - Why does God command a physical space if God is everywhere? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Brent Spodek explore Parshat Terumah,
Feb 17, 2025 · 35 min
Mishpatim 5785: Law, Justice, and Compassion
This podcast is sponsored in memory of Morris L. Kramer, a beloved friend and an ohev Yisrael - How does the Torah balance law with compassion? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore Parshat Mishpatim,
Feb 9, 2025 · 31 min
Yitro 5785: Choosing Torah
What does Yitro teach us about choosing Torah instead of receiving it by force? - Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Yitro, highlighting the contrast between Amalek’s hostility and Yitro’s embrace of the Jewish people.
Feb 3, 2025 · 32 min
Beshalach 5785: Triumph and Uncertainty
Can we celebrate victory while holding onto pain? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Beshalach, focusing on the tension between triumph and uncertainty. They discuss Shirat HaYam as both a song of vict...
Jan 26, 2025 · 31 min
Bo 5785: The Power of Listening
How can memory both guide and hinder us? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rachel Goldberg-Polin explore Parshat Bo through the lens of memory, mahloket (disagreement), and the importance of constructive conflict.
Jan 19, 2025 · 36 min
VaEra 5785: The Power of Mahloket
This week’s podcast is sponsored in memory of Dr. Jack Jaffe, Yaakov Zev ben Elchanon. Doctor, community leader, and fervent Zionist. Sponsored by his children, Ari and Marlyn, Reva and Sheldon, Leah and Simon, and Ezra and Marla,
Jan 12, 2025 · 32 min
Shemot 5785: Rediscovering the Divine
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith explore Parshat Shemot, the beginning of the Book of Exodus, focusing on the spiritual and physical challenges of the Jewish people's exile in Egypt. They discuss the transition from individual to commu...