Pardes from Jerusalem

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...

Parashat Vayetze 5782 - Ya'acov and the Stone Upon the Well Description: After securing the blessings, Ya'acov must flee the wrath of his brother Esav. Arriving at Charan, he encounters the shepherds and their flocks, and when he sees Rachel his cousin, he single-handedly rolls off the giant stone that sits upon the well in order to water her sheep. What might be the significance of his superhuman...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 37: The Rape of Tamar Podcast Overview: The consequences of David's crime now begin to play themselves out, with great destructive effect. (Samuel II 12:24-13:39) 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...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 36: David and Batsheva Part 2: The Punishment Podcast Overview: Natan the prophet pronounces God's harsh judgment against David. (Samuel II 11:16-12:23) 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,...

Parashat Toldot 5782 - But I Didn’t Do Anything Wrong Description: The podcast examines the different strategies that rabbis and others have used to lessen the moral issues of Jacob tricking Esau to get the birthright and tricking his father to get the blessing. It compares the post-biblical approach of excusing with the biblical approach of accusing. Verses: Genesis 25:23, Genesis 25:29-34, Genes...

The Book of Samuel II Crises & Kings Episode 35: David and Batsheva Part 1: The Crime Podcast Overview: David's glorious ascent is abruptly derailed by a crime that redefines him and his kingdom. (Samuel II 11:1-15) 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 h...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 34: David's Victories Podcast Overview: David secures the realm by defeating all of the surrounding kingdoms that threaten it. He also keeps his pledge. (Samuel II 8:1-10:19) 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 lear...

Parashat Chaye Sarah 5782 - Rivka: The Original Influencer Description: In Parashat Chaye Sarah, Avraham sends his servant Eliezer on a mission to find a spouse for his son Yitzchak. Avraham doesn't offer much in the way of criteria, but Eliezer devises a test of character to find a spouse worthy of Yitzchak. As we witness the encounter between Eliezer and Rivka, the reader notices many similariti...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 33: David's Desire to Build the Temple Podcast Overview: With his kingdom becoming secure, David expresses his wish to finally build the Temple. God, however, has other plans. (Samuel II 7:1-29) 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, preferab...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 32: The Ark of the Covenant is Brought to Jerusalem Podcast Overview: Having established Jerusalem as his new capital, David relocates the ark to it. (Samuel II 6:1-23) 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 d...

Parashat VaYera 5782: Human Sacrifice - Problematic or Profound? Description: Why would Avraham's 10th and final test be to participate in a cruel and despicable act of human sacrifice which blended him with the polythe,istic and immoral world that surrounded him? Is Avraham a madman or a hero? In what way does the test of the Akeda require us to rethink the way we serve God today? Is sacrifice go...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 31: Jerusalem, David's City Podcast Overview: In his first act as king over all of Israel, David conquers Jerusalem and makes it his capital. (Samuel II 5:1-25) 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 dynamic....

The Book of Samuel II Episode 30: The Fall of the House of Shaul Podcast Overview: The last difficult obstacles to David becoming king are unexpectedly removed, even as David takes no active role. (Samuel II 3:2-4:12) 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...

This podcast is sponsored by Suzana and Alan Caro in honor of Rav Meir Schweiger, a master teacher who held up the tradition as a mirror to us to live an ethical and rich life of meaning. Parashat Lech Lecha 5782: Go To Yourself - Lech Lecha: Heeding the Still Small Voice Within Description: Cultivating the spiritual practice of Lech Lecha: moving away from one sense of self - the finite, ego-base...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 29: The Struggle Over Succession Podcast Overview: Shaul is dead but David will not become king over all of Israel immediately. (Samuel II 2:1-3:1) 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...

The Book of Samuel II Episode 28: David Receives the Tragic News Podcast Overview: Through an unlikely source, word reaches David that Shaul is dead and David laments. (Samuel II 1:1-27) 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. Howe...

This podcast is sponsored by Pardes Year Program alumnus Jason Gusdorf & Family in celebration of his new album, After the Seventh, inspired by his time at Pardes. After the Seventh will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, and at jasongusdorf.hearnow.com on November 5th, 2021. Stay tuned after the episode to hear a brief message from Jason. Parashat Noach 5782: The Good Enough Hero Description:...

In this podcast, we will look at a series of midrashim that reflect on the irrationality of God's desire to create human beings and the enormous potential for connection and engagement with the Divine that exists inside of this very flawed creature known as Adam. Download the Source Sheet Source Sheet features Genesis 1:26-27 | Genesis 6:5-6. Please let us know your comments and thoughts about the...