Join Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and guests each week for a thoughtful and engaging podcast discussion of the weekly Torah portion. Each week, Zvi will be joined by a guest for a deep dive into the text, unraveling the wisdom nestled within each Torah portion, exploring its timeless relevance, and uncovering contemporary insights. Whether you’re a seasoned Torah scholar, an inquisitive seeker of knowledge, or simply someone looking for inspiration and wisdom, Pardes from Jerusalem provides you wit ...
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This is the main library of all podcasts published by the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. All podcasts belong to separate channels, as well.
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Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper, the Maggid of Melbourne, invites us to join him on an exploration of a wide array of Jewish ideas and their relevance in our contemporary Jewish lives. The Maggid of Melbourne features both written and podcast series, each taking an in-depth look at a different Jewish topic. Whether you are interested in the laws of government according to halakha or learning about the spiritual practices of the Hasidic masters, you are sure to find inspiration with the Maggid of Melbo ...
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Mishpatim 5785: Law, Justice, and Compassion
35:26
35:26
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35:26This podcast is sponsored in memory of Morris L. Kramer, a beloved friend and an ohev YisraelHow 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, responsib…
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Mishpatim 5785: Law, Justice, and Compassion
35:26
35:26
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35:26This 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 … Read the rest The post Mishpatim 5785: Law, Justice, and Compassion first appeared on Elmad Onli…
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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 rath…
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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 … Read the rest The post Yitro 5785: Choosing Torah first appeared on Elmad Online…
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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 … Read the rest The post Beshalach 5785: Triumph and Uncertainty first appeared on Elmad Onli…
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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 embra…
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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 … Read the rest The post Bo 5785: The Power of Listening first appeared on Elmad Online …
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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…
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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 … Read the rest The post VaEra 5785: The Power of Mahloket first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue re…
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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, Z…
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In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith explore Parshat Shemot, the beginning of the Book of Exodus, focusing on the spiritual and physical challenges of the Jewish people’s exile in Egypt. They discuss the transition from individual to communal … Read the rest The post Shemot 5785: Rediscovering the Divine first appeared on Elmad Online …
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In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith explore Parshat Shemot, the beginning of the Book of Exodus, focusing on the spiritual and physical challenges of the Jewish people's exile in Egypt. They discuss the transition from individual to communal identity, the dangers of spiritual complacency, and Moses’ transformative journey to leadershi…
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Are Jacob’s final words blessings, prophecies, or something else entirely? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash delve into Parshat Vayechi, focusing on Jacob’s final blessings to his sons. They explore the complex nature of these “blessings,” … Read the rest The post Vayechi 5785: Jacob’s Final Words first appeared o…
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Are Jacob’s final words blessings, prophecies, or something else entirely?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash delve into Parshat Vayechi, focusing on Jacob's final blessings to his sons. They explore the complex nature of these "blessings," their poetic and cryptic language, and their implications for family dynamic…
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Vayigash 5785: Forgiveness and Family – test
30:27
30:27
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30:27How does Yosef’s strategy with his brothers reveal his true intentions? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman discuss Yosef’s reunion with his brothers in Parshat Vayigash. They explore Judah’s role in repairing family bonds, Yosef’s intentions, … Read the rest The post Vayigash 5785: Forgiveness and Family – test first appe…
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Vayigash 5785: Forgiveness and Family – test
30:27
30:27
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30:27How does Yosef’s strategy with his brothers reveal his true intentions?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman discuss Yosef’s reunion with his brothers in Parshat Vayigash. They explore Judah’s role in repairing family bonds, Yosef’s intentions, and the enduring lessons of forgiveness and reconciliation.Featuring:Rabbi Dr. Da…
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How does Yosef’s ability to interpret dreams reflect his growth as a leader? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy delve into Parshat Miketz, exploring Yosef’s extraordinary journey from the prison to Pharaoh’s court. They discuss the … Read the rest The post Miketz 5784: From Prison to Power first appeared on Elmad Onl…
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How does Yosef’s ability to interpret dreams reflect his growth as a leader?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy delve into Parshat Miketz, exploring Yosef's extraordinary journey from the prison to Pharaoh's court. They discuss the transformative power of trust (bitachon) and effort (hishtadlus), how Yosef’s interpret…
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Could the animosity between Yosef and his brothers have been avoided through different choices?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Ilana Gleicher-Bloom delve into the complex family dynamics of Yaakov, Yosef, and his brothers in Parshat Vayeshev. They explore how favoritism, communication breakdowns, and perceived inevitabilities lead to choices w…
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Could the animosity between Yosef and his brothers have been avoided through different choices? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Ilana Gleicher-Bloom delve into the complex family dynamics of Yaakov, Yosef, and his brothers in Parshat Vayeshev. They explore how … Read the rest The post Vayeshev 5785: Sibling Rivalry first appeared on Elmad Onli…
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Vayishlach 5785: Wrestling with the Divine
30:18
30:18
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30:18What can Yaakov’s struggle teach us about the complexities of identity and faith? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin delve into Yaakov’s dramatic encounter with the mysterious “Ish” in Parshat Vayishlach. They explore themes of personal transformation, … Read the rest The post Vayishlach 5785: Wrestling with the Divine first …
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Vayishlach 5785: Wrestling with the Divine
30:18
30:18
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30:18What can Yaakov's struggle teach us about the complexities of identity and faith?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin delve into Yaakov’s dramatic encounter with the mysterious "Ish" in Parshat Vayishlach. They explore themes of personal transformation, the meaning of Yaakov's name change to Yisrael, and how this pivotal moment…
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How does the Torah guide us to create sacred spaces in moments of transition and uncertainty?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk explore Yaakov’s profound journey in Parshat Vayetze. Together, they delve into Yaakov's encounter with the "Makom"—a sacred space where the displaced patriarch begins to find his grounding. Through …
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How does the Torah guide us to create sacred spaces in moments of transition and uncertainty? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk explore Yaakov’s profound journey in Parshat Vayetze. Together, they delve into Yaakov’s encounter with the … Read the rest The post Vayetze 5785: Finding the Makom first appeared on Elmad Online Le…
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What do Yitzchak’s blessings teach us about the balance of power between Yaakov and Esav?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits to unpack the intricate dynamics between Yaakov and Esav in Parshat Toldot. They explore the meaning behind Yitzchak’s blessings, the cycles of conflict and cooperation, and what these i…
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What do Yitzchak’s blessings teach us about the balance of power between Yaakov and Esav? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits to unpack the intricate dynamics between Yaakov and Esav in Parshat Toldot. They … Read the rest The post Toldot 5785: Brothers in Balance first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Conti…
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Why are "supporting characters" so vital in Torah narratives?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Chayei Sarah, focusing on the remarkable qualities of Rivka and Eliezer. Rivka’s extraordinary acts of chesed (kindness) and Eliezer’s unwavering dedication to Avraham’s mission offer profound lessons about…
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Why are “supporting characters” so vital in Torah narratives? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Chayei Sarah, focusing on the remarkable qualities of Rivka and Eliezer. Rivka’s extraordinary acts of chesed (kindness) and Eliezer’s … Read the rest The post Chayei Sarah 5785: Chesed and Devotion first …
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Why might kindness be perceived as weakness, and what does Avraham’s response teach us?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris examine Avraham’s moral decisions in Parshat Vayera, focusing on the qualities that led to the downfall of Sodom and Gomorrah. They discuss the values of compassion, justice, and community, exploring how thes…
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Why might kindness be perceived as weakness, and what does Avraham’s response teach us? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris examine Avraham’s moral decisions in Parshat Vayera, focusing on the qualities that led to the downfall of … Read the rest The post Vayera 5785: Justice and Mercy first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Con…
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What can Avraham’s journey teach us about finding inner light when surrounded by uncertainty?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Nechama Goldman Barash to delve into Parshat Lech Lecha. They discuss the complex dynamics between Sarai and Hagar, exploring themes of oppression, empathy, and power. Nechama reflects on Avraham’s journey as he…
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What can Avraham’s journey teach us about finding inner light when surrounded by uncertainty? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Nechama Goldman Barash to delve into Parshat Lech Lecha. They discuss the complex dynamics between Sarai and … Read the rest The post Lech Lecha 5785: Light in the Darkness first appeared on Elmad Online Learni…
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How can we remain hopeful amid life’s turbulent “floodwaters”?In this week’s Parshat Noach episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Yiscah Smith to explore the relevance of Noah’s story and how, even amid overwhelming turmoil, one can find an “ark” of inner strength and faith. Drawing on the wisdom of Hasidic teachings, they discuss how prayer and dee…
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How can we remain hopeful amid life’s turbulent “floodwaters”? In this week’s Parshat Noach episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Yiscah Smith to explore the relevance of Noah’s story and how, even amid overwhelming turmoil, one can find an “ark” … Read the rest The post Noach 5785: Navigating Stormy Waters first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. …
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This week’s podcast is sponsored by Simonne Abadee in celebration of the beginning of our creation, the new year, and a new reading of our Torah, offering the chance to engage anew in our learning. Ten years ago, Simonne came … Read the rest The post Beresheit 5785: Beginnings and Fractures first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading …
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This week’s podcast is sponsored by Simonne Abadee in celebration of the beginning of our creation, the new year, and a new reading of our Torah, offering the chance to engage anew in our learning.Ten years ago, Simonne came to Pardes and immersed herself in Torah learning. Through this, a whole new world of life opened up to her. She has chosen to…
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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. … Read the rest The post Sukkot 5785: Vulnerability and Joy first appeared on Elmad Online Learn…
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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 embr…
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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. … Read the rest The post Yom Kippur 5785: Forgiveness and Growth first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.…
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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 o…
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Rosh Hashana 5785: Renewal in Challenging Times
38:42
38:42
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38:42This 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 … Read the rest The post Rosh Hashana 5785: Renewal in Challenging Times first appeared o…
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Rosh Hashana 5785: Renewal in Challenging Times
38:42
38:42
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38:42This 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…
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Nitzavim – Vayelich 5784: Empowering Leadership
31:33
31:33
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31:33How 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 … Read the rest The post Nitzavim – Vayelich 5784: Empowering Leadership first appeared on Elmad…
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Nitzavim – Vayelich 5784: Empowering Leadership
31:33
31:33
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31:33How 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…
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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 … Read the rest The post Ki Tavo 5784: Collective Responsibility first appeared on Elmad Online Learn…
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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 ch…
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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. … Read the rest The post Ki Teitzei 5784: Compassion and Limits first appeared on Elma…
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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 sensitiv…
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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 … Read the rest The post Shoftim 5784: Righteous Leadership first appeared on Elmad On…
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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 p…
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