The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies Podcast Network

How can memory both guide and hinder us?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rachel Goldberg-Polin explore Parshat Bo through the lens of memory, mahloket (disagreement), and the importance of constructive conflict. They discuss how memory can either ground or entrap us, the art of listening as a transformative tool, and how Jewish tradition values diverse perspectives.

This episode uses Pardes’ Mahloket Matters methodology to navigate complex disagreements, offering valuable tools for constructive dialogue. Learn more about Mahloket Matters.

This week’s podcast is sponsored in memory of Dr. Jack Jaffe, Yaakov Zev ben Elchanon. Doctor, community leader, and fervent Zionist. Sponsored by his children, Ari and Marlyn, Reva and Sheldon, Leah and Simon, and Ezra and Marla, as well as his 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Can difficult conversations foster growth?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer examine Parshat Vaera through the lens of conflict, focusing on the ongoing mahloket (dispute) between God and Pharaoh. They explore Moshe's role as an emissary, the dynamics of hardening hearts, and how God’s approach to Pharaoh models lessons for engaging in difficult conversations. With connections to contemporary struggles, they emphasize the importance of seeing the bigger picture and humanizing our opponents.

This episode uses Pardes' Mahloket Matters methodology to navigate complex disagreements, offering valuable tools for constructive dialogue. Learn more about Mahloket Matters.

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith explore Parshat Shemot, the beginning of the Book of Exodus, focusing on the spiritual and physical challenges of the Jewish people's exile in Egypt. They discuss the transition from individual to communal identity, the dangers of spiritual complacency, and Moses’ transformative journey to leadership.

Featuring

Yiscah Smith – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

Are Jacob’s final words blessings, prophecies, or something else entirely?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash delve into Parshat Vayechi, focusing on Jacob's final blessings to his sons. They explore the complex nature of these "blessings," their poetic and cryptic language, and their implications for family dynamics and tribal destinies. The discussion also reflects on the significance of blessing in Jewish tradition and its transformative power.

Featuring

Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

How does Yosef’s strategy with his brothers reveal his true intentions?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman discuss Yosef’s reunion with his brothers in Parshat Vayigash. They explore Judah’s role in repairing family bonds, Yosef’s intentions, and the enduring lessons of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Featuring:

Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

How does Yosef’s ability to interpret dreams reflect his growth as a leader?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy delve into Parshat Miketz, exploring Yosef's extraordinary journey from the prison to Pharaoh's court. They discuss the transformative power of trust (bitachon) and effort (hishtadlus), how Yosef’s interpretations highlight his personal growth, and the profound interplay of divine providence and human initiative. They also draw connections between Parshat Miketz and the themes of light, darkness, and renewal that align with Hanukkah.

Featuring:

Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy – Rosh Beit Midrash, Pardes Institute

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

Could the animosity between Yosef and his brothers have been avoided through different choices?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Ilana Gleicher-Bloom delve into the complex family dynamics of Yaakov, Yosef, and his brothers in Parshat Vayeshev. They explore how favoritism, communication breakdowns, and perceived inevitabilities lead to choices with profound consequences. Reflecting on Yosef’s dreams and the actions of his family, they examine the tension between destiny and human agency. Could these relationships have turned out differently?

Featuring:

Ilana Gleicher-Bloom – Pardes Faculty and Director of the Experiential Educators Program

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

What can Yaakov's struggle teach us about the complexities of identity and faith?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin delve into Yaakov’s dramatic encounter with the mysterious "Ish" in Parshat Vayishlach. They explore themes of personal transformation, the meaning of Yaakov's name change to Yisrael, and how this pivotal moment reflects the collective struggle and destiny of the Jewish people.

Featuring:

Rabbi Michael Hattin – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

How does the Torah guide us to create sacred spaces in moments of transition and uncertainty?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk explore Yaakov’s profound journey in Parshat Vayetze. Together, they delve into Yaakov's encounter with the "Makom"—a sacred space where the displaced patriarch begins to find his grounding. Through this narrative, they examine themes of divine presence, the holiness of place, and how spiritual moments sustain us through challenges.

Featuring:

Rabbi Rafael Polisuk – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

What do Yitzchak’s blessings teach us about the balance of power between Yaakov and Esav?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits to unpack the intricate dynamics between Yaakov and Esav in Parshat Toldot. They explore the meaning behind Yitzchak’s blessings, the cycles of conflict and cooperation, and what these interactions reveal about power, resource sharing, and mutual dependence. Together, they challenge conventional interpretations of good versus evil and examine how this narrative offers timeless wisdom for navigating complex relationships and changing realities.

Featuring:

Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits – Pardes Faculty

Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem