Pardes from Jerusalem

Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies
  • 4.8 (194)
  • JUDAISM
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 6D AGO

    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, the connection between the Mishkan and their spiritual crisis, and how this moment reshaped their relationship with God. Featuring Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

    40 min

  2. MAR 3

    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. As Purim approaches, they discuss how these themes shape our understanding of justice, deterrence, and moral responsibility today. Featuring: Rabbi Dr. Elisha Anscelovits – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

    36 min

  3. FEB 23

    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, diving into the meaning behind the Mishkan and its relevance today. They discuss the tension between tradition and innovation, the need for both structure and spiritual seeking, and how sacred spaces—physical or internal—help us connect to the divine. Featuring: Rabbi Brent Spodek – Pardes North American Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

    39 min

  4. FEB 17

    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, examining its legal framework and ethical dilemmas. They discuss how Jewish tradition navigates justice, responsibility, and moral complexity, with a focus on the Torah’s nuanced approach to abortion. The conversation highlights the balance between valuing life, acknowledging human struggle, and fostering compassion. Featuring Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

    35 min

  5. FEB 9

    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. They discuss Yitro’s journey as an outsider who willingly joins Israel, offering a model for choosing Torah rather than receiving it by force. The conversation explores obligation, free will, and how we cultivate a personal connection to Torah. Featuring Rabbi Michael Hattin – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

    31 min

  6. FEB 3

    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 victory and a reminder of the fragility of history, reflecting on how the Jewish people struggled to embrace freedom even after crossing the sea. Featuring Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy – Rosh Bet Midrash, Pardes Institute Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

    32 min

  7. JAN 26

    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. They discuss how memory can either ground or entrap us, the art of listening as a transformative tool, and how Jewish tradition values diverse perspectives. This episode uses Pardes’ Mahloket Matters methodology to navigate complex disagreements, offering valuable tools for constructive dialogue. Learn more about Mahloket Matters.

    31 min

  8. JAN 19

    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, as well as his 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Can difficult conversations foster growth? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer examine Parshat Vaera through the lens of conflict, focusing on the ongoing mahloket (dispute) between God and Pharaoh. They explore Moshe's role as an emissary, the dynamics of hardening hearts, and how God’s approach to Pharaoh models lessons for engaging in difficult conversations. With connections to contemporary struggles, they emphasize the importance of seeing the bigger picture and humanizing our opponents. This episode uses Pardes' Mahloket Matters methodology to navigate complex disagreements, offering valuable tools for constructive dialogue. Learn more about Mahloket Matters.

    36 min
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    4.8
    out of 5
    194 Ratings

    About

    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.

    Information

    • Creator
      Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies
    • Years Active
      2005 - 2025
    • Episodes
      301
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 755796
    • Show Website
      Pardes from Jerusalem

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