A Shot of Torah Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies

Laws of Government 12: Never Tell a Lie?

Are politicians permitted to avoid telling the truth? Perhaps lying for the sake of peace is permitted, or is even recommended? What are our expectations for truth-telling from our leaders?



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As Israel strives to form a new government, elected leaders jockey for position, and the people pine for stability – Levi Cooper explores aspects of government from the perspective of Jewish Law. A timely new podcast series with the Maggid of Melbourne. TO THE BEIT MIDRASH!



Credits

Rabbi Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty and A Shot of Torah Podcast Host

Adam Titcher - Executive Producer

Kickstart your Torah routine with Pardes Daily!

For the month of Elul, traditionally a time when Jews prepare for the upcoming new year, Pardes Daily will be offering three Rosh Hashanah themed daily learning tracks featuring beloved Pardes Faculty. After 10-20 minute podcasts a day, 5 days a week, for the four weeks of Elul you will complete one of the following areas of study:



* Mishnah Rosh Hashanah with Rav Rahel Berkovits

* Talmud with Rabbi Zvi Hirshfield (Chapters 3 & 4 of Tractate Rosh Hashanah)

* Tanakh/Bible with Rabbi Michael Hattin (Book of Jonah)



Whether you’re learning on your own, with a havruta, or with friends and family, be a part of this incredible community of online learners. Learn more by visiting www.pardes.org.il/pardesdaily.

The Mystery of the Book of Life

In 1817 a slender – almost forgotten – volume was published in the famous Hasidic town of Mezhibuz. The sixteenth-century work was entitled Sefer Ha-Hayim (The Book of Life) and had been penned by Rabbi Hayim ben Betzalel of Friedberg while he was in quarantine during the plague of 1578.



Join the Maggid of Melbourne as he ponders what triggered the 1817 edition.



Could it be related to the First Cholera Pandemic?



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Credits

Rabbi Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty and A Shot of Torah Podcast Host

Adam Titcher - Executive Producer

A Shot of Torah: *Coronavirus Special*

Fasting during a pandemic

Should we fast on 17th Tammuz as a plague rages around us? Levi shares how he dealt with this question in his community in Zur Hadassa.



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Credits

Rabbi Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty and A Shot of Torah Podcast Host

Adam Titcher - Executive Producer

Korah and Spiritual Spaces

What did Korah really want? Levi Cooper looks at the notion of sacred spaces, drawing a lesson that is relevant as we continue to battle Covid-19.



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Credits

Rabbi Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty and A Shot of Torah Podcast Host

Adam Titcher - Executive Producer

Laws of Government 11: Agreements under false pretences

This podcast is sponsored by Dr. Jonah R. Schrag in honor of his daughter Sarah.

Sarah attended the Year Program in 2014-2015 and fondly remembers the inspirational teachings of Levi Cooper. 

What about a promise made under false pretences? Is there any reason to think that even such an agreement should be honoured? Perhaps the Gibeonites (Joshua, chapter 9) or King Saul (II Samuel, chapter 21) might have something to say about this…



Subscribe to the Hasidic Lore Newsletter



As Israel strives to form a new government, elected leaders jockey for position, and the people pine for stability – Levi Cooper explores aspects of government from the perspective of Jewish Law. A timely new podcast series with the Maggid of Melbourne. TO THE BEIT MIDRASH!



Credits

Rabbi Levi Cooper - Pardes Faculty and A Shot of Torah Podcast Host

Adam Titcher - Executive Producer