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

Apr 4, 2024 · 32 min
Shemini 5784: Going Beyond Our Mistakes
In this week’s episode, we navigate the complexities of failure and growth in the aftermath of pivotal moments in the Tanakh. - Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy draws a parallel between the incidents of the Golden Calf and the death of Aaron’s sons,
Mar 28, 2024 · 39 min
Tzav 5784: Kindling the Spirit
Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash joins us this week for an investigation of the eternal flame that burned upon the altar. - Contemplating the balance between the passion of the burning fire and the steadfastness of its daily lighting,
Mar 19, 2024 · 26 min
Vayikra/Purim 5784: For God or King?
Join Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week as he delves deep into the rich theological tapestry of Purim alongside Rafael Polisuk. Together, they explore the intricate messages woven into the fabric of the holiday and the profound challenges encountered by t...
Mar 14, 2024 · 29 min
Pekudei 5784: Constructing Connection
In what way does the Mishkan (Tabernacle) serve as a metaphor for organizing one's relationship with God, oneself, and others? - This week, we're joined by Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman for a discussion of the meticulous detailing of the construction of th...
Mar 7, 2024 · 30 min
Vayakhel 5784: Gathering With Intention
What is it that makes us join together with different groups? - Over the past two parshiot, we've seen two gatherings, one in which the people gathered to create the Golden Calf, and another in which they gathered to build the Mishkan.
Feb 25, 2024 · 36 min
Ki Tisa 5784: The Inevitable Collapse
Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash joins us to share her take on this week's parsha, and the infamous story of the Golden Calf. We'll discuss how this event can serve as an example of the inevitable moments of collapse and the repair that follows in all r...
Feb 18, 2024 · 30 min
Tetzave 5784: The Biblical Fashion Show
Do the clothes we wear define us? - Rabbi Daniel Reifman joins our host Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week for a discussion on the priestly vestments as described in this week's parsha in precise detail. Does the Torah teach us to create such an intricat...
Feb 11, 2024 · 30 min
Terumah 5784: God Everywhere, Yet Somewhere?
Can we find value in tangible expressions or experiences of spirituality, even if they challenge our rational view of the world? - Pardes President Rabbi Leon Morris joins us this week to explore the challenges raised by the commandment to build a por...
Feb 8, 2024 · 33 min
Mishpatim 5784: Toward a Healthy Society
This week's parsha is primarily concerned with laws meant to order and structure our interactions and society, including a prohibition against cursing judges and the king. In light of this prohibition, Sefi Kraut, Pardes Director of Mahloket Matters,
Jan 31, 2024 · 29 min
Yitro 5783: Thinking Outside Ourselves
What is our responsibility to the rest of the world, and how might that impact the image that we want to project to humanity at large? - Tovah Leah Nachmani joins us in the studio this week to discuss Yitro,
Jan 25, 2024 · 31 min
Beshalach 5784: Choosing Faith
Dive on in as Yiscah Smith joins Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield to discuss the story of the Red Sea, reminding us that we had to first jump into the water before it would split. - Can we view faith as a concious choice, rather than a reaction? If so,
Jan 18, 2024 · 25 min
Bo 5784: Building a Shared Future
On the cusp of leaving Egypt, the children of Israel are told that they must remember the Exodus. For over 2,000 years, this commandment to remember the past has helped the Jewish people remain connected to their history as a people. Yet,
Jan 11, 2024 · 31 min
Va’era 5784: Cultivating Hope, Awaiting Salvation
How may we be redeemed when we feel as if our spirits have been crushed? - Rabbi Leon Morris joins us this week to discuss the idea of kotzer ruach, a crushed soul, and how Moshe faced resistance from those who could not believe that redemption was at...
Jan 3, 2024 · 42 min
Shemot 5784: Moshe’s Moral Development
This week, we begin the book of Shemot and are introduced to Moshe. Yet, by the time Moshe takes up the mantle of leadership, he’s already in his later years, and his developmental years are practically skipped over. - Rabbi Dr.
Dec 26, 2023 · 28 min
Vayehi 5784: An Inherited Meritocracy?
When thinking of traditional inheritance, we often think of the firstborn as being the main heir, and in many ways the Torah confirms this, yet throughout the book of Bereishit we see the script being flipped,
Dec 18, 2023 · 27 min
Vayigash 5784: Overcoming Pain as a Family
Can the pains of the past be overcome, opening the way for relationships to heal and be redefined? - In this week's parsha, we witness the emotional reunion between the sons of Israel, with Yosef revealing himself to the brothers who had once thrown h...
Dec 12, 2023 · 29 min
Miketz 5784: Being Seen for Who We Are
What might Yosef's story, so full of pain yet hope, teach us about maintaining our own faith during difficult times? - During these challenging times, many feel themselves torn between a desire to stand firmly in their Jewish identities and values and...
Dec 6, 2023 · 32 min
Vayeshev 5784: Growth and Responsibility
What can the mitzvah of yibum, Levirate marriage, teach us about making difficult decisions and personal growth? - In this week's episode of Pardes from Jerusalem, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman unpack the complicated family dynami...
Nov 30, 2023 · 31 min
Vayishlach 5784: Faith in Humanity vs. Survival
What can a fraught meeting between brothers teach us about our own instincts? The events of October 7 shattered the worldview for many of us, and can cause us to approach how we understand the Torah differently. In this week’s episode,
Nov 21, 2023 · 30 min
Vayetze 5784: Moving Forward Through Darkness
What might Ya'akov’s nocturnal revelation teach us about how to approach darkness? - As we continue to pray for the safe return of the hostages and yearn for better days ahead, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr.