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

July 19 Va’etchanan 5786: The Purpose of Prayer
What if the deepest purpose of prayer isn't to change God—but to change us?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Shmuel Rosenberg explore Parshat Va’etchanan through Moses’ heartfelt plea to enter the Land of Israel. Reflecting on unanswered prayer, they ask whether the deepest purpose of prayer is to change God's mind—or to change us. The conversation suggests that even when our hopes are unmet, prayer can deepen our relationship with God and help us embrace the path before us.
40 min
July 12 Devarim 5786: The Burden of Leadership
How do we know when humility is helping us—and when it’s holding us back?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer explore Parshat Devarim through the inner world of Moses as he prepares to say goodbye to the Jewish people. Focusing on the repeated phrase rav lachem ("enough" or "you have gone too far"), they reflect on self-doubt, humility, and the burden of leadership. The conversation invites us to consider how we balance confidence with self-questioning—and what it means to lead without losing
39 min
July 06 Mattot Masei 5786: Torah in Conversation
What if the deepest expression of Torah isn't having the right answers—but being willing to listen?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk conclude the Book of Bamidbar by exploring why it ends not with a dramatic event, but with a legal conversation. Through the laws of vows and the story of the daughters of Tzelofchad, they reflect on how Torah is shaped through listening, questioning, and dialogue. The conversation suggests that holiness is not lived in isolation, but in relationship—with family, community, and even with God.
35 min
June 28 Pinchas 5786: Voices That Change Us
How can a tradition stay true to its values while continuing to grow?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris explore the story of the Daughters of Tzelofchad in Parshat Pinchas and what it teaches about change within tradition. By courageously bringing their case before Moses, these five women help expand the Torah’s laws of inheritance without rejecting the system itself. Marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, the conversation reflects on how societies grow through thoughtful interpretation, principled debate, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
36 min
June 24 Balak 5786: One God, Many People
Can we hold on to what makes us different while still recognizing what unites us?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Moshe Silver explore the strange and fascinating story of Balaam in Parshat Balak. Why does an outsider become the source of some of the Torah’s most enduring blessings? Through Balaam’s encounters with God, they examine the challenge of monotheism in a world shaped by competing identities and loyalties. The conversation reflects on how belief in one God can create space for human diversity while calling us toward a deeper sense of shared responsibility and connection.
35 min
June 21 Chukat 5786: The End of the Journey
What does it mean to devote your life to a goal you may never live to see fulfilled?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Chukat and the mysterious episode of Moses striking the rock. Set against the backdrop of Miriam’s death and the transition to a new generation, they examine why Moses and Aaron are denied entry into the Promised Land after decades of leadership. Through classical commentaries and close reading, the conversation reflects on leadership, accountability, and what it means to guide a people toward a future you may never see yourself.
41 min
June 14 Korach 5786: The Price of Leadership
How do we balance the desire for equality with the need for leadership?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Dr. Yosefa Vogel-Rubel explore Parshat Korach and the challenge of leadership in a community under strain. Looking beyond the rebellion itself, they focus on its aftermath—how the Torah responds to dissent, fear, and competing visions of authority. Through the roles of Moses, Aaron, and the Levites, the conversation examines the responsibilities that come with leadership and the difficult balance between equality, hierarchy, and communal stability.

43 min
June 08 Shlach 5786: Faith and Failure
How do we know when caution is wisdom—and when it’s holding us back?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore the story of the spies in Parshat Shlach and its connection to Tisha B’Av. Reflecting on the people’s fear of entering the Land of Israel, they examine the tension between caution and courage, realism and hope. Drawing connections to later moments in Jewish history, including the Bar Kokhba revolt, the conversation asks how we balance honest assessment with the faith and confidence needed to move forward.
31 min
May 24 Beha'alotcha 5786: The Edge of Belonging
What does it take to move from the edge of belonging into shared commitment?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Deborah Anstandig explore Parshat Beha’alotcha as the Jewish people prepare to begin their journey through the wilderness. Focusing on Moses’ invitation to Chovav to join the people, they reflect on what it means to stand at the edge of belonging—drawn toward a shared mission, yet uncertain about fully joining it. As the parashah unfolds with anxiety, disagreement, and tension at the edges of the camp, the conversation asks how communities make space for uncertainty while remaining committed to a collective journey.
37 min
May 17 Shavuot 5786: Beyond Obligation
What happens when we stop asking what’s required of us—and start asking what more we can do?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman explore Megillat Ruth and the relationship between law and kindness. Through the choices of Ruth, Boaz, and the often-overlooked Orpah, they examine what it means to go beyond obligation and respond to others with generosity, loyalty, and moral courage. The conversation reflects on how Jewish law can shape a society of care—not only by defining what is required, but by encouraging us to notice opportunities for deeper human connection.
40 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…