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

Aug 21, 2024 · 35 min
Ekev 5784: The Light in Every Mitzvah
How can a single word in the Torah guide us toward deeper spiritual understanding? - In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yizcah Smith dive into Parshat Ekev, exploring the profound spiritual insights hidden within the word "Ekev.
Aug 11, 2024 · 28 min
V’etchanan 5784: A Legacy of Fire and Hope
Why does Moshe mix harsh rebuke with a profound sense of hope in his final speech? - In this episode, Tzvi Hirschfield and Tovah Leah Nachmani delve into Parashat Va'etchanan and into the complex layers of Moshe’s final message,
Aug 4, 2024 · 33 min
Devarim 5784: Facing Giants
What can a giant teach us about overcoming obstacles and building a better society? - In this episode, Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Haim Shalom delve into the Parsha of Devarim, highlighting the significance of Moshe's speeches as the Jewish people stan...
Jul 28, 2024 · 37 min
Matot Masei 5784: Choosing the East
What happens when a collective seeks fulfillment outside the promised land? - In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris delve into the intriguing narrative of the two and a half tribes—Reuven, Gad,
Jul 21, 2024 · 31 min
Pinchas 5784: Passion and Faith
What drives someone to take extreme action in the name of faith? - In this week's episode Rabbi Dr. Howard Markose and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield unravel the gripping narrative of Parsha Pinchas. Join them as they dive into a tale where zealotry clashes wi...
Jul 13, 2024 · 38 min
Balak 5784: Finding Identity in Solitude
How do we navigate the complexities of being a unique people while integrating into the modern world? - In this week’s episode, Rabbi Avi Spodek and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield delve into Parsha Balak, highlighting the themes of identity, isolation,
Jul 7, 2024 · 34 min
Chukat 5784: The Paradox of the Red Heifer
Why does a ritual meant to purify others render the priest impure? - In this week’s episode, join Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash and Dr. Daniel Reifman as they delve into the perplexing ritual of the red heifer,
Jun 29, 2024 · 37 min
Korach 5784: Leadership and Rebellion
How do we navigate leadership challenges and personal ambition in times of crisis? - In this week’s episode, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer delve into Parsha Korach, exploring leadership and rebellion within the context of the Jewish people's j...
Jun 23, 2024 · 31 min
Shlach 5784: Unexpected Twists
What do you do when reality falls short of high expectations? - In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy delve into the Parsha of Shlach, highlighting the challenges and disappointments faced by the Jewish people on th...
Jun 16, 2024 · 36 min
Beha’alotcha 5784: Trumpets and Transitions
How do ancient trumpets teach us about modern journeys and transitions? - In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk delve into Parshat Behalotcha, highlighting the themes of journey and transition within the Torah portion.
Jun 9, 2024 · 32 min
Naso 5784: Counting on Each Other
How does our unique role strengthen the Jewish communities? - In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hatton delve into Parshat Naso, highlighting the importance of each person's contributions to the community.
Jun 3, 2024 · 36 min
Bamidbar 5784: Embracing the Wilderness
How does the Jewish people's journey through the desert shape our approach to Torah? - In this week’s episode, Rabbi Leon Morris and Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield explore the theme of openness in Torah study, using the wilderness in the Midbar as a metaphor ...
May 26, 2024 · 39 min
Bechukotai 5784: Between Philosophy and Spirituality
Can we approach the Torah as a rational guide for living wisely while allowing space for genuine emotional and spiritual experiences? - In this week's episode, Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield delve into the concept of reward and...
May 20, 2024 · 32 min
Behar 5784: Feet on the Ground, Eyes on the Mountain
Why is Mount Sinai mentioned in connection with the laws of Shmitta (Sabbatical year) and Yovel (Jubilee year)? - In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rachel Friedrichs delve into the profound significance of this week's Torah ...
May 13, 2024 · 35 min
Emor 5784: The Perfection Paradox
How do we approach texts in our traditions that seem to discriminate against or exclude certain groups of people? - In this thought-provoking discussion, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Haim Shalom wrestle with the disqualification of kohanim (priests...
May 6, 2024 · 37 min
Kedoshim 5784: Empathy in a Divided World
In a world rife with conflict and oversimplified narratives about "the other," how can we embody true holiness by cultivating empathy, humility, and deeper human connection? - Rabbi Brent Spodek joins our host Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week for a tho...
May 1, 2024 · 41 min
Acharei Mot 5784: A People Apart
How can the Jewish people maintain a sense of unity and connection as a nation despite geographical separation and divergent experiences between the Diaspora and Israel? In this week's episode, Rabba Shani Gross joins us from afar for a discussion on ...
Apr 21, 2024 · 42 min
Pesach 5784: Unearthing Personal Freedom
Can we transform the "bread of affliction" into the "bread of redemption" this Passover?" - Yiscah Smith returns this week with a call for us to see ourselves ("l'rot atzmo") as leaving spiritual enslavement each Passover.
Apr 17, 2024 · 32 min
Metzora 5784: Transforming Curses into Blessings
Can we uncover hidden blessings, even from within painful experiences? Join us this week as we delve into the profound purification rituals surrounding the mysterious affliction of tzara'at (often translated as "leprosy") in the weekly Torah portion of...
Apr 11, 2024 · 32 min
Tazria 5784: Reimagining Ritual Purity
How do we navigate the tension between devotion to mitzvot and the pursuit of understanding their significance in our lives? - In this week's parsha, we explore the seemingly archaic ritual purity laws. Rabbi Michael Hattin joins the discussion to hig...