//podcastplus.net/feed/pardes-from-jerusalem~72fcd1cb 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. Wed, 13 May 2026 18:00:11 +0000 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD5198302693.mp3?updated=1753008148 What defines Jewish belonging—land, Torah, or loyalty?In this episode, Parshat Matot-Masei sparks a rich conversation between Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash about the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and Menashe who ask to settle east of the Jordan River. They explore Moshe’s sharp challenge to their request, the shifting language from “ahuzah” (holding) to “nachalah” (inheritance), and what it means to belong to the Jewish people. The discussion expands to contemporary dilemmas of collective responsibility—from Israel-Diaspora relations to the burden of reserve duty in today’s IDF. Sun, 20 Jul 2025 10:37:00 +0000 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD5198302693.mp3?updated=1753008148 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD5504913994.mp3?updated=1752400310 What if Moshe couldn’t see that the people had already grown up?In this episode, Parshat Pinchas takes center stage as Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer delve into the powerful juxtaposition of two pivotal moments in Bamidbar 27: the bold legal claim of the daughters of Tzlofchad and the appointment of Yehoshua as Moshe’s successor. They explore rabbinic expansions from Avot de-Rabbi Natan, the challenge of seeing people as they are today—not as they were—and the evolving nature of Torah leadership and inheritance. Their discussion raises timely questions about authority, growth, and meeting learners where they truly are. Sun, 13 Jul 2025 09:11:00 +0000 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD5504913994.mp3?updated=1752400310 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD3310608943.mp3?updated=1751785527 Is Bilaam a villain—or a mirror?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Mike Feuer dive into Parshat Balak to explore the figure of Bilaam—an outsider prophet with powerful words and a dangerous gaze. They discuss what makes Bilaam a spiritual counterpoint to Avraham, why God turns his curses into blessings, and how ayin tova (a good eye) can transform how we see the world. Sun, 06 Jul 2025 06:56:00 +0000 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD3310608943.mp3?updated=1751785527 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD2992273098.mp3?updated=1751302482 What did Moshe get wrong—and why was the consequence so severe?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Tovah Leah Nachmani explore Parshat Chukat against the backdrop of Israel’s war with Iran. They reflect on the mysterious sin of Moshe at Mei Merivah and what it means to sanctify God in moments of pressure and uncertainty. Through ancient stories and modern realities, they examine the balance between faith and human action, asking how we recognize divine presence in a world shaped by trauma, responsibility, and courage.FeaturingTovah Leah Nachmani – Pardes FacultyZvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:48:00 +0000 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD2992273098.mp3?updated=1751302482 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD1228079709.mp3?updated=1751222294 What was Korach really fighting for?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Raphael Polisuk explore Parshat Korach. They revisit Korach’s rebellion not just as a political protest, but as a sincere—and dangerous—desire for closeness to God. Drawing connections to Nadav and Avihu, incense offerings, and divine fire, the episode challenges listeners to consider whether spiritual closeness is always a blessing—or sometimes too powerful to survive.FeaturingRabbi Raphael Polisuk – Pardes FacultyZvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem Sun, 22 Jun 2025 08:37:07 +0000 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD1228079709.mp3?updated=1751222294 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD1311328767.mp3?updated=1751222295 Why did the generation of miracles still fear the land ahead?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Shlach and the story of the spies. They examine the conflicting accounts, debate who bears responsibility for the mission’s failure, and ask why fear overtook a generation that witnessed miracles. The conversation reflects on leadership, memory, and what it takes to move forward in uncertain times.FeaturingRabbi Michael Hattin – Pardes FacultyZvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem Sun, 15 Jun 2025 11:43:39 +0000 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD1311328767.mp3?updated=1751222295 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD1821595357.mp3?updated=1751222295 What does it mean to carry holiness with us?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris explore Parshat Behaalotcha and the two cryptic verses about the Ark of the Covenant’s journey. They dive into why these verses are set apart in the Torah, how they became the definition of what makes a sacred book, and what it means to “save Torah from the fire.” The conversation reveals a vision of Torah as a living, moving force that journeys with us and invites constant re-engagement.FeaturingRabbi Leon Morris – President of Pardes InstituteZvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem Sun, 08 Jun 2025 07:18:59 +0000 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD1821595357.mp3?updated=1751222295 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD3698523991.mp3?updated=1751222295 Is tzara’at a spiritual punishment or a contagious disease?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Elisha Anscelovits dive into Parshat Naso to explore how Torah meets real life. With tzara’at as their starting point, they challenge mystical interpretations and make a bold case for a Torah rooted in lived experience, honesty, and connection to God—not escape from reality, but deeper engagement with it.FeaturingRabbi Dr. Elisha Anscelovits – Pardes FacultyZvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem Tue, 03 Jun 2025 08:12:10 +0000 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD3698523991.mp3?updated=1751222295 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD3458336435.mp3?updated=1751222296 What does it really mean to join the Jewish people?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Brent Spodek explore the themes of Shavuot through the lens of Megillat Ruth and Jewish conversion. They examine what it means to join the Jewish people—not just through ritual or belief, but through commitment to community, chesed, and a life of purpose.FeaturingRabbi Brent Spodek – Pardes North American FacultyZvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem Sun, 25 May 2025 11:52:51 +0000 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD3458336435.mp3?updated=1751222296 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD9434254146.mp3?updated=1751222297 Can ancient agricultural laws inspire modern spiritual renewal?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore the radical social and spiritual vision behind Parshat Behar-Behukotai. From Shemitah to Yovel, they unpack how the Torah’s sabbatical and Jubilee laws challenge us to reimagine ownership, economic inequality, and time itself.FeaturingRabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy – Pardes Faculty and Rosh Beit MidrashZvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem Sun, 18 May 2025 12:45:10 +0000 https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DPARD9434254146.mp3?updated=1751222297