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Join Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and guests each week for a thoughtful and engaging podcast discussion of the weekly Torah portion. Each week, Zvi will be joined by a guest for a deep dive into the text, unraveling the wisdom nestled within each Torah portion, exploring its timeless relevance, and uncovering contemporary insights. Whether you’re a seasoned Torah scholar, an inquisitive seeker of knowledge, or simply someone looking for inspiration and wisdom, Pardes from Jerusalem provides you wit ...
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This is the main library of all podcasts published by the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. All podcasts belong to separate channels, as well.
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Rabbi Dr. Levi Cooper, the Maggid of Melbourne, invites us to join him on an exploration of a wide array of Jewish ideas and their relevance in our contemporary Jewish lives. The Maggid of Melbourne features both written and podcast series, each taking an in-depth look at a different Jewish topic. Whether you are interested in the laws of government according to halakha or learning about the spiritual practices of the Hasidic masters, you are sure to find inspiration with the Maggid of Melbo ...
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What happens when a collective seeks fulfillment outside the promised land?In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris delve into the intriguing narrative of the two and a half tribes—Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe—who choose to settle outside the land of Canaan after the Israelite conquests. They discuss the implications of the…
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What happens when a collective seeks fulfillment outside the promised land? In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris delve into the intriguing narrative of the two and a half tribes—Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe—who choose to … Read the rest The post Matot Masei 5784: Choosing the East first appeared on Elmad Online Learning…
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What drives someone to take extreme action in the name of faith? In this week’s episode Rabbi Dr. Howard Markose and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield unravel the gripping narrative of Parsha Pinchas. Join them as they dive into a tale where … Read the rest The post Pinchas 5784: Passion and Faith first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Pinch…
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What drives someone to take extreme action in the name of faith?In this week's episode Rabbi Dr. Howard Markose and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield unravel the gripping narrative of Parsha Pinchas. Join them as they dive into a tale where zealotry clashes with idolatry and explore the bold and controversial actions of Pinchas amidst the Israelites' turmoil. …
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How do we navigate the complexities of being a unique people while integrating into the modern world? In this week’s episode, Rabbi Avi Spodek and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield delve into Parsha Balak, highlighting the themes of identity, isolation, and the … Read the rest The post Balak 5784: Finding Identity in Solitude first appeared on Elmad Online Lea…
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How do we navigate the complexities of being a unique people while integrating into the modern world?In this week’s episode, Rabbi Avi Spodek and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield delve into Parsha Balak, highlighting the themes of identity, isolation, and the perception of the Jewish people by outsiders. They discuss the narrative of Bilaam's blessings and cu…
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Chukat 5784: The Paradox of the Red Heifer
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Why does a ritual meant to purify others render the priest impure? In this week’s episode, join Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash and Dr. Daniel Reifman as they delve into the perplexing ritual of the red heifer, emphasizing the paradox where … Read the rest The post Chukat 5784: The Paradox of the Red Heifer first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. …
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Chukat 5784: The Paradox of the Red Heifer
33:54
33:54
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Why does a ritual meant to purify others render the priest impure?In this week’s episode, join Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash and Dr. Daniel Reifman as they delve into the perplexing ritual of the red heifer, emphasizing the paradox where the act of purifying others renders the priest impure. They examines the distinctions between rational and irr…
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How do we navigate leadership challenges and personal ambition in times of crisis?In this week’s episode, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer delve into Parsha Korach, exploring leadership and rebellion within the context of the Jewish people's journey through the desert. They discuss the motivations behind Korach's uprising, the dynamics of lead…
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How do we navigate leadership challenges and personal ambition in times of crisis? In this week’s episode, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer delve into Parsha Korach, exploring leadership and rebellion within the context of the Jewish people’s journey through … Read the rest The post Korach 5784: Leadership and Rebellion first appeared on Elmad…
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What do you do when reality falls short of high expectations? In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy delve into the Parsha of Shlach, highlighting the challenges and disappointments faced by the Jewish people on the … Read the rest The post Shlach 5784: Unexpected Twists first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Co…
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What do you do when reality falls short of high expectations?In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy delve into the Parsha of Shlach, highlighting the challenges and disappointments faced by the Jewish people on the brink of entering the Promised Land. They discuss the mission of the spies, the people's reaction to…
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Beha’alotcha 5784: Trumpets and Transitions
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How do ancient trumpets teach us about modern journeys and transitions? In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk delve into Parshat Behalotcha, highlighting the themes of journey and transition within the Torah portion. They discuss the creation … Read the rest The post Beha’alotcha 5784: Trumpets and Transitions first appea…
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Beha’alotcha 5784: Trumpets and Transitions
36:25
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How do ancient trumpets teach us about modern journeys and transitions?In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk delve into Parshat Behalotcha, highlighting the themes of journey and transition within the Torah portion. They discuss the creation and use of silver trumpets to signal movements and gatherings, emphasizing the de…
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How does our unique role strengthen the Jewish communities? In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hatton delve into Parshat Naso, highlighting the importance of each person’s contributions to the community. They discuss how the counting of the … Read the rest The post Naso 5784: Counting on Each Other first appeared on Elmad Onl…
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How does our unique role strengthen the Jewish communities? In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hatton delve into Parshat Naso, highlighting the importance of each person's contributions to the community. They discuss how the counting of the Jewish people and repetitive sacrifices emphasize individual roles while promoting com…
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How does the Jewish people’s journey through the desert shape our approach to Torah? In this week’s episode, Rabbi Leon Morris and Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield explore the theme of openness in Torah study, using the wilderness in the Midbar as … Read the rest The post Bamidbar 5784: Embracing the Wilderness first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Contin…
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How does the Jewish people's journey through the desert shape our approach to Torah?In this week’s episode, Rabbi Leon Morris and Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield explore the theme of openness in Torah study, using the wilderness in the Midbar as a metaphor for the mindset required. Drawing from the Midrash and personal experiences, they explore the concept …
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Bechukotai 5784: Between Philosophy and Spirituality
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Can we approach the Torah as a rational guide for living wisely while allowing space for genuine emotional and spiritual experiences?In this week's episode, Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield delve into the concept of reward and punishment. Elisha offers an intriguing interpretation - rather than God actively intervening, the To…
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Bechukotai 5784: Between Philosophy and Spirituality
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Can we approach the Torah as a rational guide for living wisely while allowing space for genuine emotional and spiritual experiences? In this week’s episode, Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield delve into the concept of reward and … Read the rest The post Bechukotai 5784: Between Philosophy and Spirituality first appeared on Elma…
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Behar 5784: Feet on the Ground, Eyes on the Mountain
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Why is Mount Sinai mentioned in connection with the laws of Shmitta (Sabbatical year) and Yovel (Jubilee year)?In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rachel Friedrichs delve into the profound significance of this week's Torah portion of Behar opening with a reference to Mount Sinai. Together, we'll explore the contrast between…
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Behar 5784: Feet on the Ground, Eyes on the Mountain
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Why is Mount Sinai mentioned in connection with the laws of Shmitta (Sabbatical year) and Yovel (Jubilee year)? In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rachel Friedrichs delve into the profound significance of this week’s Torah portion of Behar … Read the rest The post Behar 5784: Feet on the Ground, Eyes on the Mountain first …
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How do we approach texts in our traditions that seem to discriminate against or exclude certain groups of people?In this thought-provoking discussion, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Haim Shalom wrestle with the disqualification of kohanim (priests) with physical deformities or disabilities from serving in the Temple. We'll explore how to reconcile…
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How do we approach texts in our traditions that seem to discriminate against or exclude certain groups of people? In this thought-provoking discussion, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Haim Shalom wrestle with the disqualification of kohanim (priests) with physical deformities … Read the rest The post Emor 5784: The Perfection Paradox first appeared…
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Kedoshim 5784: Empathy in a Divided World
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In a world rife with conflict and oversimplified narratives about "the other," how can we embody true holiness by cultivating empathy, humility, and deeper human connection?Rabbi Brent Spodek joins our host Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week for a thought-provoking discussion exploring the Torah's call in Parshat Kedoshim to "be holy." Brent denounces…
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Kedoshim 5784: Empathy in a Divided World
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In a world rife with conflict and oversimplified narratives about “the other,” how can we embody true holiness by cultivating empathy, humility, and deeper human connection? Rabbi Brent Spodek joins our host Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week for a thought-provoking … Read the rest The post Kedoshim 5784: Empathy in a Divided World first appeared on E…
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How can the Jewish people maintain a sense of unity and connection as a nation despite geographical separation and divergent experiences between the Diaspora and Israel?In this week's episode, Rabba Shani Gross joins us from afar for a discussion on the Torah portion's emphasis on centralized worship, linking it to the biblical story of the 2.5 tri…
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How can the Jewish people maintain a sense of unity and connection as a nation despite geographical separation and divergent experiences between the Diaspora and Israel? In this week’s episode, Rabba Shani Gross joins us from afar for a discussion … Read the rest The post Acharei Mot 5784: A People Apart first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Con…
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Can we transform the “bread of affliction” into the “bread of redemption” this Passover?” Yiscah Smith returns this week with a call for us to see ourselves (“l’rot atzmo”) as leaving spiritual enslavement each Passover. Drawing from the Piazner Rebbe … Read the rest The post Pesach 5784: Unearthing Personal Freedom first appeared on Elmad Online L…
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Can we transform the "bread of affliction" into the "bread of redemption" this Passover?"Yiscah Smith returns this week with a call for us to see ourselves ("l'rot atzmo") as leaving spiritual enslavement each Passover. Drawing from the Piazner Rebbe and Rav Kook, Yiscah illuminates how painful self-examination can allow for divine blessings and pe…
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Metzora 5784: Transforming Curses into Blessings
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Can we uncover hidden blessings, even from within painful experiences? Join us this week as we delve into the profound purification rituals surrounding the mysterious affliction of tzara’at (often translated as “leprosy”) in the weekly Torah portion of Metzora. In … Read the rest The post Metzora 5784: Transforming Curses into Blessings first appea…
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Metzora 5784: Transforming Curses into Blessings
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Can we uncover hidden blessings, even from within painful experiences? Join us this week as we delve into the profound purification rituals surrounding the mysterious affliction of tzara'at (often translated as "leprosy") in the weekly Torah portion of Metzora.In a riveting discussion, Rabbi Jon Leener challenges the conventional view of this condi…
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How do we navigate the tension between devotion to mitzvot and the pursuit of understanding their significance in our lives?In this week's parsha, we explore the seemingly archaic ritual purity laws. Rabbi Michael Hattin joins the discussion to highlight how these laws, though initially perplexing, offer profound insights into human behavior and et…
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How do we navigate the tension between devotion to mitzvot and the pursuit of understanding their significance in our lives? In this week’s parsha, we explore the seemingly archaic ritual purity laws. Rabbi Michael Hattin joins the discussion to highlight … Read the rest The post Tazria 5784: Reimagining Ritual Purity first appeared on Elmad Online…
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In this week’s episode, we navigate the complexities of failure and growth in the aftermath of pivotal moments in the Tanakh. Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy draws a parallel between the incidents of the Golden Calf and the death of Aaron’s … Read the rest The post Shemini 5784: Going Beyond Our Mistakes first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Conti…
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In this week’s episode, we navigate the complexities of failure and growth in the aftermath of pivotal moments in the Tanakh.Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy draws a parallel between the incidents of the Golden Calf and the death of Aaron’s sons, both occurring at crucial moments meant to elevate the spiritual consciousness of the Jewish people. Delvi…
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Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash joins us this week for an investigation of the eternal flame that burned upon the altar.Contemplating the balance between the passion of the burning fire and the steadfastness of its daily lighting, Zvi and Nechama ask how we may infuse our own religious practices with both regularity and inspiration. As we discuss t…
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Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash joins us this week for an investigation of the eternal flame that burned upon the altar. Contemplating the balance between the passion of the burning fire and the steadfastness of its daily lighting, Zvi and Nechama … Read the rest The post Tzav 5784: Kindling the Spirit first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Conti…
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Join Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week as he delves deep into the rich theological tapestry of Purim alongside Rafael Polisuk. Together, they explore the intricate messages woven into the fabric of the holiday and the profound challenges encountered by the Jewish people of that era.Unraveling the layers of history and tradition, they ponder the intri…
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Join Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week as he delves deep into the rich theological tapestry of Purim alongside Rafael Polisuk. Together, they explore the intricate messages woven into the fabric of the holiday and the profound challenges encountered by the … Read the rest The post Vayikra/Purim 5784: For God or King? first appeared on Elmad Online Le…
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In what way does the Mishkan (Tabernacle) serve as a metaphor for organizing one’s relationship with God, oneself, and others? This week, we’re joined by Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman for a discussion of the meticulous detailing of the construction of … Read the rest The post Pekudei 5784: Constructing Connection first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.…
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In what way does the Mishkan (Tabernacle) serve as a metaphor for organizing one's relationship with God, oneself, and others?This week, we're joined by Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman for a discussion of the meticulous detailing of the construction of the Mishkan and its role in serving as both a physical structure for God's presence and a metaphor for t…
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What is it that makes us join together with different groups? Over the past two parshiot, we’ve seen two gatherings, one in which the people gathered to create the Golden Calf, and another in which they gathered to build the … Read the rest The post Vayakhel 5784: Gathering With Intention first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Va…
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What is it that makes us join together with different groups?Over the past two parshiot, we've seen two gatherings, one in which the people gathered to create the Golden Calf, and another in which they gathered to build the Mishkan. In both stories, the people give willingly and generously in order to build something together. How can these two sto…
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Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash joins us to share her take on this week’s parsha, and the infamous story of the Golden Calf. We’ll discuss how this event can serve as an example of the inevitable moments of collapse and the … Read the rest The post Ki Tisa 5784: The Inevitable Collapse first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Ki Ti…
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Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash joins us to share her take on this week's parsha, and the infamous story of the Golden Calf. We'll discuss how this event can serve as an example of the inevitable moments of collapse and the repair that follows in all relationships. Our conversation will turn to the societal relationship within Israel, and the divid…
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Do the clothes we wear define us? Rabbi Daniel Reifman joins our host Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week for a discussion on the priestly vestments as described in this week’s parsha in precise detail. Does the Torah teach us to … Read the rest The post Tetzave 5784: The Biblical Fashion Show first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading T…
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Do the clothes we wear define us?Rabbi Daniel Reifman joins our host Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week for a discussion on the priestly vestments as described in this week's parsha in precise detail. Does the Torah teach us to create such an intricate and beautiful garb solely to create the right atmosphere for religious service, or is it that a spec…
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Terumah 5784: God Everywhere, Yet Somewhere?
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Can we find value in tangible expressions or experiences of spirituality, even if they challenge our rational view of the world? Pardes President Rabbi Leon Morris joins us this week to explore the challenges raised by the commandment to build … Read the rest The post Terumah 5784: God Everywhere, Yet Somewhere? first appeared on Elmad Online Learn…
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Terumah 5784: God Everywhere, Yet Somewhere?
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Can we find value in tangible expressions or experiences of spirituality, even if they challenge our rational view of the world?Pardes President Rabbi Leon Morris joins us this week to explore the challenges raised by the commandment to build a portable temple (the Mishkan) to serve as God's house in the desert. How are we able to reconcile the ide…
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