Pardes from Jerusalem

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. Featuring Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-K...

Why are the kohanim held to a higher standard of holiness? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Irving (Yitz) Greenberg explore Parshat Emor through the lens of the priestly role as a model for a future redeemed world. Drawing on Greenberg’s vision of covenantal responsibility and his recent book The Triumph of Life, they discuss how the kohanim serve as symbols of life, integrity, and h...

What does it mean to carry sin as a burden? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris delve into Parshat Acharei Mot and its detailed description of the Yom Kippur ritual, focusing on the symbolism of the scapegoat. They explore how sin is portrayed as a burden we carry—and how the Torah’s use of transference offers both psychological and spiritual models for letting go. Featuring Rab...

How do life’s transitions invite spiritual renewal? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore the cycles of tumah (impurity) and taharah (purity) in Tazria-Metzora. They discuss how life experiences like birth, intimacy, and death naturally create distance—and how Torah invites us to return with renewal and deeper connection, both with God and with each other. Fe...

Can legacy and memory transform the pain of loss into purpose? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash reflect on the tragedy of Nadav and Avihu in Parshat Shemini, exploring how the loss of Aaron’s sons on the Mishkan’s inaugural day challenges our assumptions about divine justice, holiness, and grief. Featuring Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hir...

What does Pesach teach us about freedom, growth, and responsibility? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Dr. Irving (Yitz) Greenberg for a special conversation on Parshat Tzav, the sacrificial system, and the deeper messages of Pesach. They explore how Judaism's vision of life, covenant, and moral progress plays out through laws like kashrut and the evolution of sacrifice. Drawing...

What can the cycle of giving teach us about our relationship with the Divine? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Leon Morris to explore the opening of Sefer Vayikra (Leviticus) and the relevance of the ancient sacrificial system for modern Jewish life. Together, they delve into the idea of korbanot (sacrifices) as a form of gift-giving to God, examining themes of gratitude, relati...

Why does the Torah spend so much time repeating the Mishkan’s details? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk explore Parshat Pekudei and its surprising focus on repetition and detail. They unpack the final verses of Sefer Shemot, showing that Torah isn’t just divine instruction but a living, doable path woven into daily life. Featuring: Rabbi Rafael Polisuk – Pardes Faculty Zvi...

How do we create a Jewish community that honors different perspectives? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Ilana Gleicher-Bloom explore Parshat Vayakhel and its vision of community. They discuss how Moshe transforms Bnei Yisrael from a fragmented group into a unified Kehilah through the shared mission of building the Mishkan. Drawing on insights from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, they examine the tensio...

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 – Pard...

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 Ansc...

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 s...

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...

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 e...

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...

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’...

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 V...

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 leadership. Featuring Yiscah Smith – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hir...

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 dynamics and tribal destinies. The discussion also refle...

How 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. Daniel Reifman – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield –...

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 interpretations highlight his personal growth, and the pro...

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 with profound consequences. Reflecting on Yosef’s...

What 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 reflects the collective struggle and destiny of...

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 this narrative, they examine themes of divine pre...

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 interactions reveal about power, resource sharing,...