The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies Podcast Network

What was Korach really fighting for?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Raphael Polisuk explore Parshat Korach. They revisit Korach’s rebellion not just as a political protest, but as a sincere—and dangerous—desire for closeness to God. Drawing connections to Nadav and Avihu, incense offerings, and divine fire, the episode challenges listeners to consider whether spiritual closeness is always a blessing—or sometimes too powerful to survive.

Featuring

Rabbi Raphael Polisuk – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

Why did the generation of miracles still fear the land ahead?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Shlach and the story of the spies. They examine the conflicting accounts, debate who bears responsibility for the mission’s failure, and ask why fear overtook a generation that witnessed miracles. The conversation reflects on leadership, memory, and what it takes to move forward in uncertain times.

Featuring

Rabbi Michael Hattin – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

What does it mean to carry holiness with us?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris explore Parshat Behaalotcha and the two cryptic verses about the Ark of the Covenant’s journey. They dive into why these verses are set apart in the Torah, how they became the definition of what makes a sacred book, and what it means to “save Torah from the fire.” The conversation reveals a vision of Torah as a living, moving force that journeys with us and invites constant re-engagement.

Featuring

Rabbi Leon Morris – President of Pardes Institute

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

Is tzara’at a spiritual punishment or a contagious disease?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Elisha Anscelovits dive into Parshat Naso to explore how Torah meets real life. With tzara’at as their starting point, they challenge mystical interpretations and make a bold case for a Torah rooted in lived experience, honesty, and connection to God—not escape from reality, but deeper engagement with it.

Featuring

Rabbi Dr. Elisha Anscelovits – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

What does it really mean to join the Jewish people?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Brent Spodek explore the themes of Shavuot through the lens of Megillat Ruth and Jewish conversion. They examine what it means to join the Jewish people—not just through ritual or belief, but through commitment to community, chesed, and a life of purpose.

Featuring

Rabbi Brent Spodek – Pardes North American Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

Can ancient agricultural laws inspire modern spiritual renewal?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore the radical social and spiritual vision behind Parshat Behar-Behukotai. From Shemitah to Yovel, they unpack how the Torah’s sabbatical and Jubilee laws challenge us to reimagine ownership, economic inequality, and time itself.

Featuring

Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy – Pardes Faculty and Rosh Beit Midrash

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

Why are the kohanim held to a higher standard of holiness?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Irving (Yitz) Greenberg explore Parshat Emor through the lens of the priestly role as a model for a future redeemed world. Drawing on Greenberg’s vision of covenantal responsibility and his recent book The Triumph of Life, they discuss how the kohanim serve as symbols of life, integrity, and human dignity.

Featuring

Rabbi Dr. Irving (Yitz) Greenberg – Senior Scholar, Hadar Institute

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

What does it mean to carry sin as a burden?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris delve into Parshat Acharei Mot and its detailed description of the Yom Kippur ritual, focusing on the symbolism of the scapegoat. They explore how sin is portrayed as a burden we carry—and how the Torah’s use of transference offers both psychological and spiritual models for letting go.

Featuring

Rabbi Leon Morris – President of Pardes Institute

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

How do life’s transitions invite spiritual renewal?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore the cycles of tumah (impurity) and taharah (purity) in Tazria-Metzora. They discuss how life experiences like birth, intimacy, and death naturally create distance—and how Torah invites us to return with renewal and deeper connection, both with God and with each other.

Featuring

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

Can legacy and memory transform the pain of loss into purpose?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash reflect on the tragedy of Nadav and Avihu in Parshat Shemini, exploring how the loss of Aaron’s sons on the Mishkan’s inaugural day challenges our assumptions about divine justice, holiness, and grief.

Featuring

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem