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

Jan 5, 2025 · 26 min
Vayechi 5785: Jacob’s Final Words
Are Jacob’s final words blessings, prophecies, or something else entirely? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash delve into Parshat Vayechi, focusing on Jacob's final blessings to his sons.
Dec 29, 2024 · 30 min
Vayigash 5785: Forgiveness and Family – test
How does Yosef’s strategy with his brothers reveal his true intentions? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman discuss Yosef’s reunion with his brothers in Parshat Vayigash. They explore Judah’s role in repairing family bonds,...
Dec 22, 2024 · 31 min
Miketz 5784: From Prison to Power
How does Yosef’s ability to interpret dreams reflect his growth as a leader? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy delve into Parshat Miketz, exploring Yosef's extraordinary journey from the prison to Pharaoh's court.
Dec 15, 2024 · 33 min
Vayeshev 5785: Sibling Rivalry
Could the animosity between Yosef and his brothers have been avoided through different choices? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Ilana Gleicher-Bloom delve into the complex family dynamics of Yaakov, Yosef, and his brothers in Parshat Vayeshev.
Dec 8, 2024 · 30 min
Vayishlach 5785: Wrestling with the Divine
What can Yaakov's struggle teach us about the complexities of identity and faith? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin delve into Yaakov’s dramatic encounter with the mysterious "Ish" in Parshat Vayishlach.
Dec 2, 2024 · 29 min
Vayetze 5785: Finding the Makom
How does the Torah guide us to create sacred spaces in moments of transition and uncertainty? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk explore Yaakov’s profound journey in Parshat Vayetze. Together,
Nov 24, 2024 · 34 min
Toldot 5785: Brothers in Balance
What do Yitzchak’s blessings teach us about the balance of power between Yaakov and Esav? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits to unpack the intricate dynamics between Yaakov and Esav in Parshat Toldot.
Nov 17, 2024 · 32 min
Chayei Sarah 5785: Chesed and Devotion
Why are "supporting characters" so vital in Torah narratives? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Chayei Sarah, focusing on the remarkable qualities of Rivka and Eliezer.
Nov 12, 2024 · 39 min
Vayera 5785: Justice and Mercy
Why might kindness be perceived as weakness, and what does Avraham’s response teach us? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris examine Avraham’s moral decisions in Parshat Vayera, focusing on the qualities that led to the downfall of...
Nov 4, 2024 · 34 min
Lech Lecha 5785: Light in the Darkness
What can Avraham’s journey teach us about finding inner light when surrounded by uncertainty? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Nechama Goldman Barash to delve into Parshat Lech Lecha. They discuss the complex dynamics between Sarai and ...
Oct 28, 2024 · 31 min
Noach 5785: Navigating Stormy Waters
How can we remain hopeful amid life’s turbulent “floodwaters”? - In this week’s Parshat Noach episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Yiscah Smith to explore the relevance of Noah’s story and how, even amid overwhelming turmoil,
Oct 20, 2024 · 39 min
Beresheit 5785: Beginnings and Fractures
This week’s podcast is sponsored by Simonne Abadee in celebration of the beginning of our creation, the new year, and a new reading of our Torah, offering the chance to engage anew in our learning. Ten years ago,
Oct 13, 2024 · 27 min
Sukkot 5785: Vulnerability and Joy
How can embracing vulnerability lead to a deeper sense of joy during Sukkot? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy delve into the paradox of Sukkot, exploring how vulnerability and joy are deeply intertwined in the festi...
Oct 6, 2024 · 28 min
Yom Kippur 5785: Forgiveness and Growth
What role does vulnerability play in the Yom Kippur process of teshuvah? - In this Yom Kippur-focused episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits explore how to approach this sacred day following a year marked by deep pain and loss.
Sep 30, 2024 · 39 min
Rosh Hashana 5785: Renewal in Challenging Times
This Rosh Hashana podcast is sponsored by Ricki and Dr. David I. Bernstein in memory of Ricki’s parents, Beatrice and Murray Kirschblat z”l, survivors of Auschwitz and Buchenwald, respectively. Beatrice and Murray were each the sole survivors of large ...
Sep 22, 2024 · 32 min
Nitzavim – Vayelich 5784: Empowering Leadership
How do words of encouragement shape Joshua’s leadership and the future of the Jewish people? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer explore Parshat Vayelech, focusing on the leadership transition from Moshe to Yehoshua.
Sep 15, 2024 · 32 min
Ki Tavo 5784: Collective Responsibility
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Raphael Polisuk delve into the covenant ceremony at Har Grizim and Har Eval in Parshat Ki Tavo. They explore how this moment of blessings and curses establishes a collective responsibility among the Jewish peo...
Sep 8, 2024 · 34 min
Ki Teitzei 5784: Compassion and Limits
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore the mitzvah of Shiluach HaKen (sending away the mother bird) in Parshat Ki Teitzei. They discuss how this seemingly small commandment reflects deeper values of compassion and limits on c...
Sep 1, 2024 · 33 min
Shoftim 5784: Righteous Leadership
How does the Torah guide us in creating balanced and just leadership? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Nechama Goldman Barash explore Parshat Shoftim, delving into the Torah's vision for leadership and governance.
Aug 25, 2024 · 35 min
Re’eh 5784: Kashrut and Spiritual Clarity
How do our perceptions, whether clear or confused, impact our understanding of Torah and our relationships? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Brent Chaim Spodek explore Parshat Re'eh, focusing on the intriguing and often perplexing laws of ...