Best Drisha Institute Podcasts (2025)

1
What Have They Done to My Holiday, or Rosh HaShanah Through the Ages 1:01:59

1+ y ago1:01:59

1:01:59

This Stanley Rudoff Memorial High Holidays Lecture, taught by Dr. James Kugel, is sponsored by the extended Rudoff family in memory of Stanley Rudoff z'''l. It was originally recorded on 09/09/2007.By Drisha Institute

1
Yonah vs. God: A Prophetic Polemic? 1:15:07

1+ y ago1:15:07

1:15:07

This Stanley Rudoff Memorial High Holidays Lecture, taught by Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom, is sponsored by the extended Rudoff family in memory of Stanley Rudoff z'''l. It was originally recorded on 10/09/2016.By Drisha Institute

1
The Prophet Who Stole Chanukah: The Biblical Roots of a Rabbinic Holiday 1:06:26

1+ y ago1:06:26

1:06:26

This Renee and Alexander Bohm Memorial Lecture, taught by Rabbi menachem Leibtag, is sponsored by Elissa Shay Ordan and Daniel J. Ordan in honor of their grandparents, Renee and Alexander Bohm z"l. It was originally recorded on 12/15/2014.By Drisha Institute

1
Yom Kippur or the Challenge of Authenticity 1:04:48

1+ y ago1:04:48

1:04:48

This Stanley Rudoff Memorial High Holidays Lecture, taught by Dr. Shmuel Wygoda, is sponsored by the extended Rudoff family in memory of Stanley Rudoff z'''l. It was originally recorded on 10/01/2014.By Drisha Institute

1
5773 Thoughts on the Parashah: Vayishlach with Rabbi David Silber 6:19

1+ y ago6:19

6:19

Thoughts on the Parashah is a series of shortform remarks on the weekly Torah portion, presented by a range of speakers. This episode was originally recorded on 11/27/2012By Drisha Institute

1
5773 Thoughts on the Parashah: Ha’azinu with Rabbi David Silber 5:43

1+ y ago5:43

5:43

Thoughts on the Parashah is a series of shortform remarks on the weekly Torah portion, presented by a range of speakers. This episode was originally recorded on 09/27/2012By Drisha Institute

1
5772 Thoughts on the Parashah: Tazria-Metzora with Gila Hoch 10:48

1+ y ago10:48

10:48

Thoughts on the Parashah is a series of shortform remarks on the weekly Torah portion, presented by a range of speakers. This episode was originally recorded on 04/24/2012.By Drisha Institute

1
5772 Thoughts on the Parashah: Vayikra with Rabbi Jeffrey Fox 4:19

1+ y ago4:19

4:19

Thoughts on the Parashah is a series of shortform remarks on the weekly Torah portion, presented by a range of speakers. This episode was originally recorded on 03/20/2012By Drisha Institute

1
5772 Thoughts on the Parashah: Vayakhel-Pekudei with Dr. Jesse Abelman 3:44

1+ y ago3:44

3:44

Thoughts on the Parashah is a series of shortform remarks on the weekly Torah portion, presented by a range of speakers.By Drisha Institute

1
5772 Thoughts on the Parashah: Terumah with Dr. Aaron Koller 5:09

1+ y ago5:09

5:09

Thoughts on the Parashah is a series of shortform remarks on the weekly Torah portion, presented by a range of speakers. This episode was originally recorded on 02/14/2012By Drisha Institute

1
5772 Thoughts on the Parashah: Yitro with Gila Hoch 9:18

1+ y ago9:18

9:18

Thoughts on the Parashah is a series of shortform remarks on the weekly Torah portion, presented by a range of speakers. This episode was originally recorded on 01/24/2012By Drisha Institute

1
5772 Thoughts on the Parashah: Vayechi with Rabba Wendy Amsellem 7:07

1+ y ago7:07

7:07

Thoughts on the Parashah is a series of shortform remarks on the weekly Torah portion, presented by a range of speakers.By Drisha Institute

1
5772 Thoguhts on the Parashah: Vayeishev with Rabbi Ben Skydell 8:39

1+ y ago8:39

8:39

Thoughts on the Parashah is a series of shortform remarks on the weekly Torah portion, presented by a range of speakers. This episode was originally recorded on 12/08/2011By Drisha Institute

1
5772 Thoughts on the Parashah: Vayishlach with Rabbi Dr. David Flatto 8:18

1+ y ago8:18

8:18

Thoughts on the Parashah is a series of shortform remarks on the weekly Torah portion, presented by a range of speakers. This episode was originally recorded on 11/28/2011By Drisha Institute

1
5772 Thoughts on the Parashah: Vayeira with Rabbi Dr. Yitzhak Berger 4:42

1+ y ago4:42

4:42

Thoughts on the Parashah is a series of shortform remarks on the weekly Torah portion, presented by a range of speakers. This episode was originally recorded on 11/02/2011.By Drisha Institute

1
Chanukkah 5784: ”Hanukkah: Holiday of Homebodies” (3/3) with Rabbanit Leah Sarna 1:00:50

1+ y ago1:00:50

1:00:50

More than any other holiday, Hanukkah is all about the home. The Jewish people, with our long history of exile and displacement, has a complicated relationship with the space and rootedness we associate with "home." Our study of the laws of Hanukkah candle lighting will shed some light on a uniquely Jewish vision of homemaking.…

1
Chanukkah 5784: ”Hanukkah: Holiday of Homebodies” (2/3) with Rabbanit Leah Sarna 1:02:45

1+ y ago1:02:45

1:02:45

More than any other holiday, Hanukkah is all about the home. The Jewish people, with our long history of exile and displacement, has a complicated relationship with the space and rootedness we associate with "home." Our study of the laws of Hanukkah candle lighting will shed some light on a uniquely Jewish vision of homemaking.…

1
Chanukkah 5784: ”Hanukkah: Holiday of Homebodies” (1/3) with Rabbanit Leah Sarna 1:05:08

1+ y ago1:05:08

1:05:08

More than any other holiday, Hanukkah is all about the home. The Jewish people, with our long history of exile and displacement, has a complicated relationship with the space and rootedness we associate with "home." Our study of the laws of Hanukkah candle lighting will shed some light on a uniquely Jewish vision of homemaking.…

1
Sukkot 5784: ”Sukkot: The Paradigm of Universal Torah Ideals” (3/3) with Rabbi Jonathan Ziring 57:55

1+ y ago57:55

57:55

Often in Elul, Sukkot is forgotten. We focus on the High Holidays but forget that Sukkot comes immediately after. There are several unique rules that characterize the laws of Sukkot, such as mere discomfort exempting one from living in the Sukkah and the heightened requirements for beauty in the Arba Minim. We will explore whether these laws are un…

1
Sukkot 5784: ”Sukkot: The Paradigm of Universal Torah Ideals” (2/3) with Rabbi Jonathan Ziring 55:10

1+ y ago55:10

55:10

Often in Elul, Sukkot is forgotten. We focus on the High Holidays but forget that Sukkot comes immediately after. There are several unique rules that characterize the laws of Sukkot, such as mere discomfort exempting one from living in the Sukkah and the heightened requirements for beauty in the Arba Minim. We will explore whether these laws are un…

1
Yom Kippur 5784: ”Symbolism and Significance: Examining the Yom Kippur Service Avodah” (2/2) with Sarah Gordon 1:01:19

1+ y ago1:01:19

1:01:19

In this course, we will explore the Yom Kippur service of the Kohen Gadol, a significant but sometimes enigmatic aspect of the liturgy. By delving into the significance and symbolism behind key elements of the service, we will confront many of the fundamental questions of Yom Kippur, such as whether atonement can happen without repentance, the infl…

1
High Holidays 5784: ”Why are You Sleeping? Piyyutim of Awakening to the Yamim Noraim” (2/2) with Rabbanit Victoria Sutton 58:04

1+ y ago58:04

58:04

Session 2: Open the Gates Rosh HaShanah, through Yom Kippur, are viewed as a time when the Gates of Rahamim, Mercy, are particularly receptive - an Et shaareh ratson. We will look at several central piyytim that develop this theme, and that introduce the Shofar and prayers of the day.By Drisha Institute

1
Rosh HaShanah 5784: ”The Periphery of Redemption: The Torah Readings of Rosh haShannah ” (2/2) with Rabba Wendy Amsellem 1:03:17

1+ y ago1:03:17

1:03:17

How can we know what God wants of us? In Genesis 16, Sarai, Avram, and Hagar all struggle to understand their roles in God's covenant. Their interactions and their mistakes lay the groundwork for Genesis 21, the powerful Torah reading of the first day of Rosh haShannah. We will do a close reading of both of these biblical texts and utilize rabbinic…

1
Yom Kippur 5784: ”Symbolism and Significance: Examining the Yom Kippur Service Avodah” (1/2) with Sarah Gordon 1:00:10

1+ y ago1:00:10

1:00:10

In this course, we will explore the Yom Kippur service of the Kohen Gadol, a significant but sometimes enigmatic aspect of the liturgy. By delving into the significance and symbolism behind key elements of the service, we will confront many of the fundamental questions of Yom Kippur, such as whether atonement can happen without repentance, the infl…

1
High Holidays 5784: ”Why are You Sleeping? Piyyutim of Awakening to the Yamim Noraim” (1/2) with Rabbanit Victoria Sutton 1:03:44

1+ y ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Session 1: Wake Up Throughout the month of Elul, Jewish communities rise early for Selihot, whose words and melodies serve to awaken us to teshuva (repentance) and Seliha (forgiveness). We will study the text and themes of several Selihot piyyutim together, including the opening piyyut "Ben Adam Mah Lekha Nirdam" ("Human Being, Why do you Slumber?"…

1
Rosh HaShanah 5784: ”Maternal Sacrifice and the Birthing of the World” (2/3) with Rabbanit Leah Sarna 1:00:26

1+ y ago1:00:26

1:00:26

Our Rosh Hashana liturgy is full of stories of mothers who sacrifice. Hagar and Hannah sacrifice their sons. Sarah and Em Sisra's sons are sacrificed by others. Rachel is sacrificed for her child. This course will explore these stories of maternal sacrifice and raise questions about the role of maternal sacrifice in creation. Specifically, is it ne…

1
Rosh HaShanah 5784: ”Maternal Sacrifice and the Birthing of the World” (1/3) with Rabbanit Leah Sarna 54:38

1+ y ago54:38

54:38

Our Rosh Hashana liturgy is full of stories of mothers who sacrifice. Hagar and Hannah sacrifice their sons. Sarah and Em Sisra's sons are sacrificed by others. Rachel is sacrificed for her child. This course will explore these stories of maternal sacrifice and raise questions about the role of maternal sacrifice in creation. Specifically, is it ne…

1
Sukkot 5784: ”Sukkot: The Paradigm of Universal Torah Ideals” (1/3) with Rabbi Jonathan Ziring 43:38

1+ y ago43:38

43:38

Often in Elul, Sukkot is forgotten. We focus on the High Holidays but forget that Sukkot comes immediately after. There are several unique rules that characterize the laws of Sukkot, such as mere discomfort exempting one from living in the Sukkah and the heightened requirements for beauty in the Arba Minim. We will explore whether these laws are un…

1
High Holidays 5784: ”Prayers and Melodies of the High Holiday Services” with Rabbi David Silber and Rabbi Jon Kelsen 1:08:10

1+ y ago1:08:10

1:08:10

The Yamim Noraim prayers have their own distinctive nusach, as well as many melodies which are sung in various communities. In this three part series, we will listen to and reflect upon selected niggunim and songs, exploring how the music reflects an understanding of the liturgy.By Drisha Institute

1
Rosh HaShanah 5784: ”The Periphery of Redemption: The Torah Readings of Rosh haShannah ” (1/2) with Rabba Wendy Amsellem 1:00:58

1+ y ago1:00:58

1:00:58

How can we know what God wants of us? In Genesis 16, Sarai, Avram, and Hagar all struggle to understand their roles in God's covenant. Their interactions and their mistakes lay the groundwork for Genesis 21, the powerful Torah reading of the first day of Rosh haShannah. We will do a close reading of both of these biblical texts and utilize rabbinic…

1
Tisha B’Av 5783 : ”Understanding Lamentations” (2/2) with Dr. Adele Berlin 58:21

1+ y ago58:21

58:21

In this series, we will conduct a close reading of the text of Lamentations. We will focus on the poetry, the significance of Jerusalem's destruction and the ways it is shown, the use of gender in the book, and the ideas of mourning, exile, and return.By Drisha Institute

1
Tisha B’Av 5783 : ”Understanding Lamentations” (1/2) with Dr. Adele Berlin 1:07:06

1+ y ago1:07:06

1:07:06

In this series, we will conduct a close reading of the text of Lamentations. We will focus on the poetry, the significance of Jerusalem's destruction and the ways it is shown, the use of gender in the book, and the ideas of mourning, exile, and returnBy Drisha Institute

1
Shavuot 5783: ”613 Mitzvot in Rhyme: The Tradition of Azharot” with Rabbanit Victoria Sutton 1:09:25

1+ y ago1:09:25

1:09:25

Dating back to the time of the Geonim, scholars and poets composed Azharot, poetic enumerations of the mitzvot. They were traditionally read in communities on Shavuot, a custom that continues today in some Sephardic communities. We will explore this fascinating liturgical phenomenon and their mixed reception throughout the ages. Focusing on the Azh…

1
Yom Kippur 5783: ”The Avodah” with Rabbi David Silber 1:21:48

1+ y ago1:21:48

1:21:48

One of the Highlights of the Yom Kippur service is the reenactment of the service of the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur. We will take a close look at this central part of the Yom Kippur service and how it reflects the core themes of the day.By Drisha Institute

1
Rosh HaShanah 5783: ”The Visitation of Sarah in Midrash and Piyyut” with Dr. Tzvi Novick 1:02:23

1+ y ago1:02:23

1:02:23

On the first day of Rosh ha-Shanah we read of how God “visited” or “took note” of Sarah” (Gen 21:1). In this session we will examine an interrelated set of texts in midrash and early piyyut that reflect and expand on this event. These texts will offer subtle insight into the rabbis’ understanding of the Bible, their own narrative aesthetics (i.e., …

1
Rosh HaShanah 5783: ”Malkhiyot, Zikhronot, and Shoferot: Structure and Meaning” with Dr. Chanan Gafni 1:01:14

1+ y ago1:01:14

1:01:14

The Mishnah in Tractate Rosh Hashanah tells of three blessings unique to the Rosh Hashanah service: מלכויות (malkhiyot, or “kingship”), זיכרונות (zikhronot, or “remembrances”), שופרות (shoferot, the shofar and its sounding). But the order of those blessings is the subject of much debate among the Tannaim and Amoraim. How does the text that we find …

1
Rosh HaShanah 5783: ”Isaiah’s Prophecies of Consolation: The Movement from Tisha Ba’av to Rosh Hashana” with Dr. Yael Ziegler 1:11:33

1+ y ago1:11:33

1:11:33

By Drisha Institute

1
High Holidyas 5783: ”Ripples of Repentance: Spiritual Dimensions of Tashlikh” (2/2) with Rav Matthew Nitzanim 55:47

1+ y ago55:47

55:47

As the new year begins, Jews around the world make their way down to the water. As we gaze upon the river or pond before us, what are we meant to see? In this course, we'll take a deep dive into Tashlikh, exploring the texts that serve as the basis for the (relatively late) emergence of the ritual. We will look at Tashlikh through three spiritual l…

1
High Holidyas 5783: ”Ripples of Repentance: Spiritual Dimensions of Tashlikh” (1/2) with Rav Matthew Nitzanim 55:47

1+ y ago55:47

55:47

As the new year begins, Jews around the world make their way down to the water. As we gaze upon the river or pond before us, what are we meant to see? In this course, we'll take a deep dive into Tashlikh, exploring the texts that serve as the basis for the (relatively late) emergence of the ritual. We will look at Tashlikh through three spiritual l…

1
High Holidays 5783: ”LeDavid: A Song of Doubt” (2/2) with Dr. Benjamin Sommer 1:10:16

1+ y ago1:10:16

1:10:16

Join Dr. Benjamin Sommer to take a close look (in English and Hebrew) at the text recited during Elul and Tishrei, Psalm 27, to see what this text tells us about a mature Jewish faith.By Drisha Institute

1
High Holidays 5783: ”LeDavid: A Song of Doubt” (1/2) with Dr. Benjamin Sommer 1:08:30

1+ y ago1:08:30

1:08:30

Join Dr. Benjamin Sommer to take a close look (in English and Hebrew) at the text recited during Elul and Tishrei, Psalm 27, to see what this text tells us about a mature Jewish faith.By Drisha Institute

1
High Holidays 5783: ”Fear of God at the Nexus of Divine and Human Kingship ”(2/2) with Levi Morrow 56:26

1+ y ago56:26

56:26

Fear of God takes a central place in the High Holiday liturgy. Three times a day for over a week we ask God, “O Lord, instill fear of You in all Your creations.” Yet fear is an emotion we often regard very negatively. Why should we actively ask for fear? Isn’t fear a function of lowliness and oppression?The Jewish tradition is rife with answers to …

1
High Holidays 5783: ”Fear of God at the Nexus of Divine and Human Kingship” (1/2) with Levi Morrow 1:03:17

1+ y ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Fear of God takes a central place in the High Holiday liturgy. Three times a day for over a week we ask God, “O Lord, instill fear of You in all Your creations.” Yet fear is an emotion we often regard very negatively. Why should we actively ask for fear? Isn’t fear a function of lowliness and oppression? The Jewish tradition is rife with answers to…

1
Rosh HaShanah 5783: ”The Prayers of Rosh Hashana — Divine Judgment” with Rabbi David Silber 1:17:13

1+ y ago1:17:13

1:17:13

Rabbi David Silber presents a careful examination of core elements of the Rosh Hashana service.By Drisha Institute

1
Rosh HaShanah 5783: ”The Prayers of Rosh Hashana — Enthronement and Petition” with Rabbi David Silber 1:16:32

1+ y ago1:16:32

1:16:32

Rabbi David Silber presents a careful examination of core elements of the Rosh Hashana service.By Drisha Institute

1
High Holidays 5783: ”The Torah and Haftarah Readings of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur” (3/3) with Rabbi David Silber 1:12:21

1+ y ago1:12:21

1:12:21

Join Rabbi David Silber for an analysis of the readings chosen for the High Holidays. We will reflect, in particular, on how these readings help us to uncover some of the major themes of each holiday.By Drisha Institute

1
High Holidays 5783: ”The Torah and Haftarah Readings of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur” (2/3) with Rabbi David Silber 1:13:15

1+ y ago1:13:15

1:13:15

Join Rabbi David Silber for an analysis of the readings chosen for the High Holidays. We will reflect, in particular, on how these readings help us to uncover some of the major themes of each holiday.By Drisha Institute

1
High Holidays 5783: ”The Torah and Haftarah Readings of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur” (1/3) with Rabbi David Silber 1:13:36

1+ y ago1:13:36

1:13:36

Join Rabbi David Silber for an analysis of the readings chosen for the High Holidays. We will reflect, in particular, on how these readings help us to uncover some of the major themes of each holiday.By Drisha Institute

1
High Holidays 5783: ”Teshuva, Tefillah, and Tzedaka in the Age of Social Media — Crowdfunding and Defining ”The Poor of Your City” in a Globalized World (Tzedaka)” with Rabbi Jonathan Ziring 52:52

1+ y ago52:52

52:52

Rabbi Jonathan Ziring will present a three-part exploration of how the three classical processes of redemption have been altered, for better and worse, by the prevalence of social media.By Drisha Institute

1
High Holidays 5783: ”Teshuva, Tefillah, and Tzedaka in the Age of Social Media — Praying for Those We Do Not Know (Tefillah)” with Rabbi Jonathan Ziring 52:52

1+ y ago52:52

52:52

Rabbi Jonathan Ziring will present a three-part exploration of how the three classical processes of redemption have been altered, for better and worse, by the prevalence of social mediaBy Drisha Institute

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