Pardes from Jerusalem

By Pardes Institute of Jewish StudiesReligion & Spirituality Education Judaism

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Typical duration
30 min
per episode

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Pardes from Jerusalem episodes

October 05 Bereshit 5787: In the Divine Image
What does it really mean to be created in God’s image?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore one of the Torah’s most intriguing descriptions of humanity: “Let us make the human in our image.” Through different readings of this puzzling verse in Parshat Bereshit, they consider what sets human beings apart—from our capacity for humility and leadership to our power over creation and the spiritual nature of the human soul. What does it truly mean to be created in God’s image?
44 min
September 20 Sukkot 5787: Joy in the Unknown.
What if letting go of control is actually the key to joy?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Reuven Margrett explore why Sukkot, coming on the heels of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, is called zman simchateinu—the time of our joy. They consider how the holidays form a single journey: from confronting judgment to accepting that we are not ultimately in control. The sukkah invites us to discover how that vulnerability can open the door to gratitude, closeness with God, and joy.
35 min
September 14 Haazinu 5787: Words That Endure
What does it mean to teach without knowing what will take root?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Dr. Ales Weiss explore Moshe’s transformation from a reluctant speaker into the poet of Parshat Ha’azinu. They consider the poetry of Ha’azinu as an act of acceptance: after a lifetime of leading, teaching, and trying to shape Israel’s future, Moshe must ultimately let go of control. Their conversation turns to teaching, Jewish life in Prague, and the optimism it takes to plant words whose impact you may never see.
31 min
September 06 Rosh Hashana 5787: When the Shofar Is Silent
What can the absence of the shofar teach us about how we approach God?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore what happens when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat and the shofar—the holiday’s defining sound—is absent. Looking beyond the practical rabbinic concern about carrying, they consider the shofar as a wordless cry to God: an expression of fear, longing, and the hope that someone is listening. Shabbat offers a different way of approaching God, suggesting that sometimes connection can be found not in crying out, but in quiet trust and love.
This Rosh Hashana podcast is sponsored by Ricki and Dr. David I. Bernstein in memory of Ricki’s parents, Beatrice and Murray Kirschblat z”l, survivors of Auschwitz and Buchenwald, respectively. Beatrice and Murray were each the sole survivors of large families which perished in the Shoah. Their resilience and courage in building a family after such loss is a powerful testament to their strength. May the Torah we explore today serve as a blessing to their memory.
36 min
August 31 Nitzavim-Vayelech 5786: What We Leave Behind
What do we hope will remain of our teachings when we are no longer there to teach them?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Deborah Anstandig explore Parshat Nitzavim-Vayelech through Moses’ final days as teacher and leader. As Moses prepares the people for a future without him, he offers more than instructions—he creates a legacy meant to endure through gathering, teaching, writing, and honest reflection. The conversation asks how we pass on the values that matter most and how the people who shape us continue to guide us even after they are gone.
35 min
August 23 Ki Tavo 5786: Choosing Together
How much of our responsibility belongs to us alone?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman explore Parshat Iand the covenantal ceremony at Har Gerizim and Har Eval. Comparing it with Sinai, they ask how Torah balances individual choice with collective responsibility. What changes when the people become active participants in the covenant, and what might that teach us about shared identity and obligation in a polarized world?
37 min
August 16 Ki Tetze 5786: Choosing to See
What changes when we choose to truly notice the people around us?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer explore Parshat Ki Tetze and what everyday mitzvot can teach us about how we treat others. Through the mother bird and the obligation to return lost property, they consider what it means to notice another’s vulnerability without taking advantage of it. The conversation challenges us to look beyond ourselves, recognize our responsibility to others, and build a society rooted in care.

This week’s podcast is sponsored in memory of Helen Lubin, הינדא בת צבי הירש ובתיה חיה, by her loving family.
40 min
August 09 Shoftim 5768: The Work of Justice
What does it take to build a society where justice is truly shared?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Tani Cohen-Fraade explore Parshat Shoftim and the Torah’s vision for building a just society. Through judges, kings, priests, and prophets, they consider why leadership requires different voices and sources of authority. The conversation asks what these ancient models can teach us today about responsibility, good leadership, and our shared role in pursuing justice.
34 min
August 02 Re'eh 5786: Seeing Blessing
What does it really mean to "see" God's presence in everyday life?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith explore Parshat Re'eh through Moshe's opening command, "See." Drawing on the Malbim, Hasidic thought, Rabbi Alan Lew, and the prophet Amos, they examine how mitzvot become opportunities to cultivate awareness of God's presence rather than mere religious obligation, inviting us to approach Jewish life with greater consciousness, purpose, and spiritual depth.
40 min
July 26 Ekev 5786: Learning to Begin Again
What if our failures aren't the end of the story—but the place where real growth begins?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Ekev and Moses' surprisingly stern message to the Jewish people before they enter the Land of Israel. Looking beyond the rebuke, they uncover a deeper message of resilience: failure is part of the human journey, but it is never the end of the story. Through the image of the second tablets, they reflect on God's enduring faith in us and the possibility of growth after every setback
36 min

About Pardes from Jerusalem

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Pardes from Jerusalem features a weekly discussion using Torah, Talmud and other Jewish texts to explain themes from the weekly Torah portion. The Pardes faculty is featured each week. For more…