Pardes from Jerusalem

Parashat Ki Tisa 5782: The Inherent Value of the Individual Description: Cultivating a Healthy Self-Esteem through the Parsha in the midst of the growing crisis of loneliness, lack of self-worth and alienation from a sense of one's own being. You do matter --- but how, why and when? Download the Source Sheet Exodus 30:11-13 / Exodus 30:15 / Deuteronomy 7:7 / Zohar I, 216b Please let us know your c...

Parashat Tetzaveh 5782: The Golden Altar of Incense Description: While the Mizbach Hazahav or Golden Altar occupies a central place within the space and ritual of the Mishkan or Tabernacle, it is not mentioned at all in last week's description of all of the other vessels. In fact, it is not mentioned until the very conclusion of our parasha of Tetzaveh! Why did the Torah leave it for the end? Down...

Parashat Terumah 5782: Stop the Clocks or Hang the Flags? How Moderns Create Jewish Space Description: This podcast takes us on a roller-coaster of a trip from the tabernacle in the desert to 19th century ultra-orthodoxy in Hungary to 20th century American reform temples to Hebrew departments in general universities today. All to answer the questions - How do we create holy space? How do we create...

Parashat Mishpatim 5782: God and Government Description: Is our public discourse too aggressive? Are our public institutions vulnerable to attack? In this class, Alex Israel addresses a verse (22:27) in Parashat Mishpatim which warns of attacks on Government figures. Why does the Torah prohibit this and what is the relationship between God and the powers of Law? Download the Source Sheet Exodus 22...

Parashat Yitro 5782: Is the Idolatry a Relevant Category for Contemporary Life Description: In this week's podcast, Rabbi Mike Uram tackles Parashat Yitro noting that the first of the 10 Commandments is one that prohibits idolatry. Is this a relevant issue today? Mike explores what made the Torah and the Rabbis so afraid of idol worship and looks at some classical and contemporary sources to devel...

Parashat Beshalach 5782: A Taste of Something Rare Description: The story of the manna in the wilderness occupies a significant place in the larger desert narrative. A great many verses are devoted to the role of manna in the survival of the Israelites – both here in Beshalach, as well as in Numbers and Deuteronomy. Manna, through the lenses of generations of interpreters, is about training to be...

Parashat Bo 5782: Locusts That Last a Lifetime Description: In this week's Torah portion of Bo, God rains down upon Egypt the last three plagues. One of these three is the plague of locusts. Learn along with PCJE Director, Aviva Lauer, to explore how this plague might have lasted just a few days in Egypt, but possibly affected the Israelites down the line for an entire generation. Download the Sou...

This podcast is sponsored by Drs Amy Fox Griffel and Martin I Griffel in memory of her mother, Sally Fox, Sima Bat Moshe v Michla on the occasion of her yahrtzeit. Parashat Vaera 5782: The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart Description: God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart is one of the most difficult theological problems in the Torah. Don't humans always have full control of their destinies? Listen to ho...

Parashat Shemot 5782 - The Power of Sisterly Love Description: Why isn't Miriam named in this week's parsha, despite the fact that her leadership is equated to that of Moshe and Aaron? She is teaching Moshe (and us) what brotherhood, leadership, prophecy and redemption are all about. Download the Source Sheet Shemot 1 | Shemot 2 Please let us know your comments and thoughts about the podcast, writ...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 48: The Conclusion A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material from one podcast to the next, preferably in a havruta learning dynamic. However, the podcasts will also be accessible and meaningful to listeners who do not prepare ahead of time. For more information about this podcast series or to get...

Parashat VaYechi 5782 - The Blessings of Rebuke Description: There are things we have to hear and there are things we have to say. What enables us to receive words of critique with an open heart? What critical tips can we learn for our lives about the art of Rebuking others from the legacy Yaakov imparts to his sons before he dies? What in fact are Yaakov's dying wish, his last will, and testament...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 47: The Census Podcast Overview: The book concludes with David's ill-considered census, the ensuing plague and the building of an altar to God. (Samuel II 24:1-25) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material from one podcast to the next, preferably in a havruta learning dynami...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 46: David's Mighty Men Podcast Overview: David's final words are followed by a list of his mighty warriors. (Samuel II 23:1-39) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material from one podcast to the next, preferably in a havruta learning dynamic. However, the podcasts will also b...

Parashat Vayigash 5782 - Yoseph's Legacy to Every Jew: Forgiveness Description: There are moments that change the world. There is such a transformative moment in this week's parasha. It happened when Yoseph finally revealed his identity to his brothers. Download the Source Sheet Genesis 44:18 Genesis 44:20 Genesis 45:4-8 Genesis 50:16-18 Please let us know your comments and thoughts about the podc...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 45: The Song of Triumph Podcast Overview: An epic poem of triumph reminds us of David's trust in God. (Samuel II 22:1-51) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material from one podcast to the next, preferably in a havruta learning dynamic. However, the podcasts will also be acce...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 44: David's Legacy: Pledges Kept and Giants Defeated Podcast Overview: The final four chapters of the book provide us with a retrospect of David and his reign. (Samuel II 21:1-22) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material from one podcast to the next, preferably in a havruta...

This podcast is sponsored by Rabbi Shalom and Shana Kantor on the occasion of their son Noam's bar mitzvah. Mazal tov! Parashat Miketz 5782 - Pharaoh's Dreams and Their Fascinating Interpretation Description: Pharaoh's dream of seven cows and seven stalks of grain has fascinated sages, Torah commentators, and Hasidic rabbis. What is the significance of dreams in the Torah, and can the gentile king...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 43: Sheva ben Bichri's Rebellion Podcast Overview: David returns to Jerusalem but a new rebellion now breaks out. (Samuel II 20:1-26) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material from one podcast to the next, preferably in a havruta learning dynamic. However, the podcasts will...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 42: The Aftermath Podcast Overview: The news of Avshalom's death reaches David. Shattered by the report, he begins to make his way back to Jerusalem. (Samuel II 18:19-19:44) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material from one podcast to the next, preferably in a havruta learn...

Parashat Vayeshev 5782 - Why is Joseph Known as Joseph the Tzaddik? Description: A Conversation About Potiphar's Wife Through the Lens of Non-Consent - In this podcast, Pardes faculty members Alex Israel and Nechama Goldman Barash discuss the complex story of Joseph and Potiphar's Wife as a springboard for broader discussions about sexuality, morality and consent. Please let us know your comments...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 41: Avshalom's Defeat Podcast Overview: David's fortunes turn, as Avshalom's men are defeated in battle. (Samuel II 17:1-18:18) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material from one podcast to the next, preferably in a havruta learning dynamic. However, the podcasts will also b...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 40: Avshalom Ascendant Podcast Overview: Avshalom triumphantly enters Jerusalem. There will be no turning back. (Samuel II 16:1-23) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material from one podcast to the next, preferably in a havruta learning dynamic. However, the podcasts will al...

Parashat Vayishlach 5782 - Cyclical History Description: Does History repeat itself? Nachmanides thinks it does! He reads the entire standoff between Jacob and Esau as a paradigm of future events - Isael and Rome, Judaism and Christianity. What are we to make of this? Listen to this podcast. This podcast is sponsored by Tova and Joel Weinberg in memory of our loving and dear friend Karen Shapira z...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 39: David's Exile from Jerusalem Podcast Overview: Avshalom rebels against his father David and the kingdom threatens to unravel. (Samuel II 15:1-37) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material from one podcast to the next, preferably in a havruta learning dynamic. However, th...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 38: Avshalom Rehabilitated Podcast Overview: Through the agency of Yoav and the parable of the wise woman of Tekoa, David is convinced to allow Avshalom to return to Jerusalem. But the resolution is a far way off. (Samuel II 14:1-33) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material...