Pardes from Jerusalem

The Book of Samuel I Episode 13: Retrospect for Shmuel Podcast Overview: Shmuel, old and tired, officially hands over power to the king. But will the king be able to live up to the example of Shmuel's lifetime of selfless leadership and integrity? (Samuel I 12:1 - 25) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary mat...

Moses hands over the reins of power to Joshua. "HE shall command him in the eyes of the nation." What did Moses instruct Joshua? What critical message needed to be communicated during the transition of power. And how did that conversation affect Joshua and the nation? Download Source Sheet  If you enjoy the Pardes from Jerusalem podcast series, you're sure to enjoy the Pardes Learning Seminar whic...

The Book of Samuel I Episode 12: In Those Days there was a King in Israel Podcast Overview: Although Saul is officially king, he will not win the people's confidence until he can act like one. The defat of the Ammonites will be his moment. (Samuel I 11:1 - 15) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material fr...

The Book of Samuel I Episode 11: A Tentative Coronation Podcast Overview: Saul is offered three curious signs to indicate that he has been chosen. But they are not random. (Samuel I 10:1 - 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 chavruta learning dynami...

Parshat Balak is highly unusual. On the one hand, it does not contain even a single mitzvah. On the other hand, it describes events that are supernatural and strange. Perhaps the most peculiar occurrence in the parasha concerns Bilam's talking donkey, who engages in a heated conversation with the seer as he makes his way to Moav in order to curse the people of Israel. In this podcast, we will cons...

The Book of Samuel I Episode 10: In Search of Donkeys Podcast Overview: The appointment of Israel's first king implausibly begins with Saul's fruitless search for lost donkeys. It ends with Saul instead discovering kingship. (Samuel I 9:1 - 27) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material from one podcast t...

The Book of Samuel I Episode 9: The King's Law Podcast Overview: Monarchy as an institution has great potential but also carries great risks. In this podcast, we begin to consider both. (Samuel I 8:10 - 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 chavruta l...

Parashat Chukat marks many transitions, not the least of which is the end of an era in leadership. This podcast explores the sin of Moshe at the waters of Meriva and offers insight into the critical lesson that real leaders fail. Download Source Sheet  If you enjoy the Pardes from Jerusalem podcast series, you're sure to enjoy the Pardes Learning Seminar which is exclusively online this summer! Se...

The Book of Samuel I Episode 8: The Clamor for a King Podcast Overview: With Shmuel's career-ending, the elders and the people demand that he appoint a king. But Shmuel is reluctant. A close reading of Deuteronomy 16 - 17 reveals why. (Samuel I 8:1 - 9) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material from one...

The Book of Samuel I Episode 7: The Ideal Judge Podcast Overview: The old corrupt order has been swept away. Shmuel now emerges as a true judge in Israel, highlighting what real religious/political leadership can accomplish. (Samuel I 6:19-7:17) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare the primary material from one podcast...

The Book of Samuel I Episode 6: The Philistines Chastened Podcast Overview: The pagan Philistines believe that by capturing the ark, they have prevailed against the God of Israel. But He soon makes it clear that while His ways are subtle, His power is unmatched. (Samuel I 5:1 - 6:18) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listeners are encouraged to independently prepare...

In this podcast, we will look at the controversy of Korah which was not for the sake of heaven but for his own private interests and the ongoing disagreements between the sages Hillel and Shamai which were considered to be for the sake of heaven. Download Source Sheet  If you enjoy the Pardes from Jerusalem podcast series, you're sure to enjoy the Pardes Learning Seminar which is exclusively onlin...

The Book of Samuel I Episode 5: The Israelite Defeated Podcast Overview: Initially defeated in battle by the Philistines, the Israelites bring the ark of the covenant to the fray. But its mere presence will not grant them victory. The Philistines prevail, the ark is taken captive and Shilo is destroyed. (Samuel I 4:1 - 4:22) Download Source Sheet A special note to the listener: In general, listene...

Critical thinking is the hallmark of our tradition. Overly critical thinking that leads to pessimism, on the other hand, can lead us down a path of demoralization and destruction. What was the failed leadership of the leaders who were sent to scout out the Promised Land? What did it take - and will it take - to get the Israelites back on the right path? How may a good heart and a non-naive optimis...

The Book of Samuel I Episode 4: Shmuel's Coming of Age Podcast Overview: Eli the high priest is young Shmuel's mentor and guide. But now the word of God comes to Shmuel directly, sidelining old and blind Eli in the process. This moment, that marks the end of Eli's tenure as religious leader of Israel, is painful as well as poignant for both of them. (Samuel I 3:1 - 3:21) Download Source Sheet  A s...

The Book of Samuel I Episode 3: The Crimes of the Priests Podcast Overview: Chana's piety stands in direct contrast to the officiating priests at Shilo, Chofni and Pinchas the sons of Eli. These two abuse their power and exalted position, desecrating God's service and victimizing the people of Israel. In consequence, doom is pronounced upon the house of Eli by God. (Samuel I 2:11 - 2:36) Download...

How does one rise to the occasion and do what needs to be done? How does one know when to lovingly detach from a situation because you have done what you can do? A Rashi that is deceptively unremarkable yields some helpful insights. Sources: Avot 2:5, Bamidbar 8:2-3, Devarim 22:2 Download Source Sheet  If you enjoy the Pardes from Jerusalem podcast series, you're sure to enjoy the Pardes Learning...

The Book of Samuel I Episode 2: Chana's Triumph Podcast Overview: Our book begins by introducing us to the fraught family dynamics of Elkana and his two wives, Penina and Chana. Chana, childless and desperate, teaches us about hope and devotion. Her tearful vow at Shilo becomes the template in our tradition for sincerity. God will answer her prayers. (Samuel I 1:1 - 2:10) Download Source Sheet  A...

The Book of Samuel I Episode 1: Introduction – The Backdrop of the Book of Judges Podcast Overview: In order to appreciate the opening chapters of the book of Samuel, we must first consider the backdrop of the book of Judges. Understanding this context will help us appreciate the challenges that the people of Israel face, as Sefer Shmuel begins. **Please note there are no source materials for this...

Parashat Naso contains a variety of topics, including the Birkat Kohanim, the priestly blessing. While at first glance, the life of a Kohen, priest, is a life of glamour and elite status, when one delves a bit deeper into the Birkat Kohanim, the true nature of the Kohen's life of service begins to emerge. Sources: Deuteronomy 18:1-5, Leviticus 9:22, Numbers 6:22-27 Download Source Sheet  If you en...

Parashat Bamidbar is always read around Shavuot time. What is the connection? And what is the eternal message that emerges from the long census and mapping that fills our parasha? The answer is connected to the flags. Sources: Bamidbar 2:1-2 / Megilla 31b Download Source Sheet  If you enjoy the Pardes from Jerusalem podcast series, you're sure to enjoy the Pardes Learning Seminar which is exclusiv...

What is the connection between the three mitzvot of Shmittah, Yovel and Reebeet in Parashat Behar and tranquility of the heart? How important is letting go, relaxing one's grip and releasing in cultivating this sought after and yearned for the inner state of well-being? Sources: Proverbs 17:1, Leviticus 25:2, Sanhedrin 106b Download Source Sheet  Please let us know your comments and thoughts about...

The opening line of our Parasha has been interpreted as a key to effective and sensitive education. We shall study several readings of this verse to extract some useful and thought-provoking guidelines as to how we might all become more effective communicators of Torah. Sources: Vayikra 21:1 Download Source Sheet Please let us know your comments and thoughts about the podcast, write to us at elmad...

This was originally posted on Authentic Jewish Living with Yiscah Smith. From Yiscah: "The first ordained female Orthodox rabbi post-shoah. A voice of change that the world needs to hear. Her calling brings spiritual awareness to others, encouragement and passionate scholarship with compassion and care." Production by Rabbi Adam Titcher, Director of Digital Media