Episodios

  • Pinchas 5785: Seeing Them Anew

    Pinchas 5785: Seeing Them Anew
    Jul 13 2025
    What if Moshe couldn’t see that the people had already grown up? In this episode, Parshat Pinchas takes center stage as Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer delve into the powerful juxtaposition of two pivotal moments in Bamidbar 27: the bold legal claim of the daughters of Tzlofchad and the appointment of Yehoshua as Moshe’s successor. They explore rabbinic expansions from Avot de-Rabbi Natan, the challenge of seeing people as they are today—not as they were—and the evolving nature of Torah leadership and inheritance. Their discussion raises timely questions about authority, growth, and meeting learners where they truly are.
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    35 m
  • Balak 5785: Vision of Blessing

    Balak 5785: Vision of Blessing
    Jul 6 2025
    Is Bilaam a villain—or a mirror? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Mike Feuer dive into Parshat Balak to explore the figure of Bilaam—an outsider prophet with powerful words and a dangerous gaze. They discuss what makes Bilaam a spiritual counterpoint to Avraham, why God turns his curses into blessings, and how ayin tova (a good eye) can transform how we see the world.
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    35 m
  • Chukat 5785: Holiness and Humanity

    Chukat 5785: Holiness and Humanity
    Jun 30 2025
    What did Moshe get wrong—and why was the consequence so severe? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Tovah Leah Nachmani explore Parshat Chukat against the backdrop of Israel’s war with Iran. They reflect on the mysterious sin of Moshe at Mei Merivah and what it means to sanctify God in moments of pressure and uncertainty. Through ancient stories and modern realities, they examine the balance between faith and human action, asking how we recognize divine presence in a world shaped by trauma, responsibility, and courage. Featuring Tovah Leah Nachmani – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem
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    34 m
  • Korach 5785: Ambition and Rebellion

    Korach 5785: Ambition and Rebellion
    Jun 22 2025
    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
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    39 m
  • Shlach 5785: Faith or Fear

    Shlach 5785: Faith or Fear
    Jun 15 2025
    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
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    32 m
  • Beha’alotecha 5785: The Traveling Ark

    Beha’alotecha 5785: The Traveling Ark
    Jun 8 2025
    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
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    37 m
  • Naso 5785: Torah in Real Life

    Naso 5785: Torah in Real Life
    Jun 3 2025
    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
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    37 m
  • Shavuot 5785: Joining the Covenant

    Shavuot 5785: Joining the Covenant
    May 25 2025
    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
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    45 m