Pardes from Jerusalem

By Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies

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 inform... more

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FAQs about Pardes from Jerusalem:

How many episodes does Pardes from Jerusalem have?

The podcast currently has 1,105 episodes available.

Pardes from Jerusalem episodes:

March 15, 2026 Vayikra 5786: The Call Within
What might it mean if the Torah’s opening “call” is meant for each of us?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith open the Book of Vayikra by exploring the meaning of God’s “calling” to Moses. Rather than seeing korbanot merely as ancient sacrifices, they reflect on them as a path toward closeness with God. The conversation explores the idea that each person may hear a personal spiritual calling—an inner voice guiding them toward deeper purpose, service, and connection with the Divine.
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37min
March 08, 2026 Vayakhel-Pehudei 5786: Sacred Reflection
Can self-reflection become a path to holiness?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore Parshat Vayakhel–Pekudei through a striking detail of the Mishkan: the women’s mirrors used to create the basin for the priests. Drawing on Midrash and interpretation, they reflect on how mirrors symbolize self-awareness and identity—reminding us that serving God begins with knowing who we are. The conversation asks how self-reflection, relationships, and moral intention can transform ordinary human awareness into sacred service.
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34min
March 05, 2026 Purim 5786: Wealth and Power
What does Jewish tradition teach about the right way to use wealth and power?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Shalhevet Cahana explore Parshat Ki Tisa and the story of Purim through the lens of wealth and power. From the mitzvah of the machatzit hashekel to the lavish excess of Achashverosh’s court, they examine how money in Megillat Esther becomes a moral test—used by some to dominate and by others to build community and responsibility. The conversation asks what Jewish tradition teaches about the ethical use of wealth and influence.
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42min
February 22, 2026 Purim 5786: When Celebration Challenges Us
How do we remain faithful to tradition when a sacred text makes us uncomfortable?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman take a thoughtful look at one of the hardest parts of Megillat Esther—the battle scenes at the end of the story. As Purim approaches, they explore different ways to understand these passages: Was the war defensive? A product of its time? Or even intentionally over-the-top? The conversation offers a model for engaging difficult texts with honesty, while still celebrating Purim with depth and joy.

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40min
February 15, 2026 Trumah 5786: Building for God
If God wants to dwell among us, what are we building to make that possible?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Raphael Polisuk explore Parshat Trumah and the surprising claim that the Mishkan is not a detour from Sinai, but its fulfillment. They trace how the language of holiness, fire, and divine presence links Mount Sinai to the Tabernacle, reframing the second half of Sefer Shemot as the book’s true destination. The conversation asks what it means to create space for God—not as a metaphor, but through concrete action, beauty, justice, and shared responsibility.
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36min
February 08, 2026 Mishpatim 5786: Power and Responsibility
How does Torah teach us to use power without abusing it?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Mishpatim as the Torah’s first sustained encounter with law—and what it reveals about human power and moral responsibility. They examine why revelation leads directly into detailed civil laws, how Torah assumes human failure, and why justice requires limits on authority, wealth, and even righteous intention. The conversation argues that holiness is built not through ideals alone, but through careful accountability in everyday human relationships.
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37min
February 01, 2026 Yitro 5786: A People with a Mission
What responsibility comes with being chosen?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Mike Feuer explore Parshat Yitro and the surprising choice to frame the revelation at Sinai through the presence of Yitro, an outsider. They examine how the Torah presents Jewish chosenness not as exclusivity, but as responsibility—calling Israel to become a mamlechet kohanim, a people devoted to serving God by serving the world. The conversation reflects on how particular covenant and universal mission are meant to work together.
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38min
January 25, 2026 Beshalach 5786: Jumping into Freedom
What does it take to truly cross from survival into freedom?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith explore Parshat Beshalach through the lens of trauma, freedom, and spiritual courage. They examine why the Israelites are not ready for battle, why song only emerges after the splitting of the sea, and how freedom requires more than escape—it demands inner transformation. Moving between text, Midrash, and lived experience, the conversation invites listeners to see the crossing of the sea as both a national liberation and a personal call to “jump in” to the unknown on the path to becoming truly free.
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48min
January 18, 2026 Bo 5786: Redemption and Repair
Does true redemption include repair for those who caused harm?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer explore Parshat Bo through a troubling command: the Israelites’ request for silver and gold from the Egyptians. They unpack why this moment feels ethically uncomfortable and trace how classical commentators—from Ibn Ezra to the Malbim—reframe it not as exploitation, but as justice, dignity, and even reparative healing. Drawing connections to modern debates about reparations, guilt, and responsibility, the conversation asks how redemption can include moral repair for both the oppressed and the oppressor.
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42min
January 11, 2026 Vaera 5786: Unworthy No More
Can redemption begin if we don’t yet believe we deserve it?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Judy Klitzner explore Parshat Va’era at its lowest point, when redemption seems to move backward and hope feels out of reach. Through close literary reading, they trace how slavery erodes self-worth, distorts memory, and traps both the people and Moshe in a cycle of despair. God’s response reframes redemption not only as freedom from suffering, but as a restoration of identity, covenant, and purpose—challenging the Israelites to see themselves as worthy of redemption before they can fully receive it.
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This week’s episode is generously sponsored by Francine Stein in loving memory of her mother, Mollie Siegel z”l, Malka bat HaRav Yaakov and Chana Sara, who recently passed away on the 8th of Cheshvan. A woman ahead of her time who earned her Master’s degree in the 1940s, Mollie was a devoted listener who found great meaning in this podcast’s Torah lessons, even in her final days. She was dedicated to her family, Klal Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. May her memory be a blessing.
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46min

FAQs about Pardes from Jerusalem:

How many episodes does Pardes from Jerusalem have?

The podcast currently has 1,105 episodes available.

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