Pardes From Jerusalem

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 festival. They discuss how the temporary nature of the sukkah highlights the fragility of life and how embracing that fragility can lead to a deeper connection with God and greater joy. Through poetry and classical texts, they uncover the spiritual richness that comes from living in the balance of uncertainty and divine protection. Featuring: Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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. They discuss the challenges of asking for forgiveness in the shadow of such suffering and offer guidance on shifting from anger to gratitude. Through thoughtful conversation, they offer insights into how we can navigate fear and find meaning in the rituals of Yom Kippur. Featuring: Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancsalovits – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 families which perished in the Shoah. Their resilience and courage in building a family after such loss is a powerful testament to their strength. May the Torah we explore today serve as a blessing to their memory. How can we find hope and renewal during a challenging Rosh Hashanah season? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Brent Spodek discuss the deep challenges of approaching Rosh Hashanah after a particularly difficult year. They explore how the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and covenant can help us navigate our feelings of despair, frustration, and anger. Through classical sources and personal reflections, they offer pathways for reconnecting with our tradition, our community, and ourselves during the High Holidays. Featuring: Rabbi Brent

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. Join them and dive into the significance of the repeated phrase "chazak ve’amatz" (be strong and brave) and how Moshe and God empower Yehoshua to step into his new role. Listen as they discuss the importance of cultivating a culture of encouragement (firgun) within communities and how it impacts both leadership and personal growth. Featuring: Aviva Lauer – Pardes Chief Education Officer Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 people and its significance as they enter the land. Through classic commentaries, they examine the challenges of building a shared moral framework and the relevance of this covenant in today's Jewish world. Featuring: Rabbi Raphael Polisuk – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 consumption. Through classical commentaries, they examine how this mitzvah helps cultivate sensitivity, balancing kindness towards animals and ethical behavior towards others, and how these values intersect with our current moral struggles. Featuring: Rabbi Michael Hattin – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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. They discuss the various models of leadership presented in the parsha—from judges to kings—and how these roles are meant to balance power and ensure justice. Drawing on historical examples and contemporary challenges, they reflect on the timeless struggle to achieve righteous leadership, the dangers of corruption, and the enduring hope for leaders who inspire rather than command. Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 kashrut. They delve into the deeper meanings behind these dietary laws, particularly the curious differences between similar verses in the different Parshiot.  Drawing on teachings from the Maggid of Mesritch and Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, they discuss how our perceptions—whether clear or confused—affect our spiritual understanding and relationships with others. They challenge us to reflect on their own views and to strive for a more compassionate and discerning outlook on themselves and the world.

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." They discuss how the rabbis and sages have drawn out layers of meaning from this one word, uncovering its significance in both ancient and modern contexts. The conversation delves into the importance of intention and mindfulness in fulfilling mitzvot, highlighting how even the most routine commandments offer opportunities for profound connection with the Divine. Through thoughtful analysis, they provide listeners with tools to bring light and meaning into their everyday spiritual practices.   Yizcah Smith – Pardes Faculty Tzvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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, where deep love for the people intertwines with stern rebukes. They explore how Moshe uses the powerful imagery of fire at Mount Sinai, the retelling of the Ten Commandments, and the enduring words of the Shema Yisrael to create a narrative that is both cautionary and hopeful. Through their discussion, they uncover how Moshe's words serve not only as warnings but as a timeless guide for resilience, responsibility, and enduring hope. Tovah Leah Nachmani – Pardes Faculty Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 stand on the brink of entering the land of Canaan. They discuss the fascinating detail of Og, the giant king, and what his story teaches us about overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Their conversation focuses on the importance of internal resilience and the dangers of both underestimating and overestimating challenges. They also examine modern applications of these lessons, focusing on the critical need for unity and the creation of a coherent, connected society in Israel and the diaspora. Rabbi Haim Shalom – Pardes Faculty Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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, and half of Menashe—who choose to settle outside the land of Canaan after the Israelite conquests. They discuss the implications of their decision, Moshe's reaction, and the broader themes of individual fulfillment versus communal responsibility. Through thoughtful analysis and modern applications, they emphasize the importance of maintaining a strong, interconnected Jewish identity regardless of geographic location. Rabbi Leon Morris – Pardes Faculty Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 with idolatry and explore the bold and controversial actions of Pinchas amidst the Israelites' turmoil. Their conversation also examines modern applications of these lessons, focusing on the tension between individual passion and communal responsibility. Rabbi Dr. Howard Markose – Pardes Faculty Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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, and the perception of the Jewish people by outsiders. They discuss the narrative of Bilaam's blessings and curses, emphasizing the concept of being a "nation that dwells alone." The conversation examines the modern implications of these lessons, focusing on the balance between maintaining a unique identity and integrating into the broader world, the political isolation of Israel, and the challenges faced by Jews globally. Credits: Rabbi Avi Spodek – Pardes Faculty Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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, emphasizing the paradox where the act of purifying others renders the priest impure. They examines the distinctions between rational and irrational laws in Jewish tradition, exploring how these concepts have been understood and interpreted throughout history.  Credits: Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash – Pardes Faculty Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 journey through the desert. They discuss the motivations behind Korach's uprising, the dynamics of leadership as portrayed in the Torah, and the harsh consequences faced by the rebels. Together they examine modern applications of these lessons, focusing on individuality, collective responsibility, and the importance of choosing wise counsel. Credits: Aviva Lauer – Pardes Faculty Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 the brink of entering the Promised Land. They discuss the mission of the spies, the people's reaction to their report, and the consequences of their lack of faith. They explore how high expectations can clash with reality and what lessons we can draw for our own lives. Credits: Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy – Pardes Faculty Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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. They discuss the creation and use of silver trumpets to signal movements and gatherings, emphasizing the deeper metaphysical and spiritual meanings behind these sounds. Credits: Rabbi Rafael Polisuk – Pardes Faculty Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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. They discuss how the counting of the Jewish people and repetitive sacrifices emphasize individual roles while promoting communal unity. The conversation also examines modern applications of these lessons, focusing on individuality and collective responsibility.

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 for the mindset required. Drawing from the Midrash and personal experiences, they explore the concept of being "hefker" or ownerless, and allowing Torah to guide us without preconceived notions. Credits: Rabbi Leon Morris and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty