Pardes from Jerusalem

How can gratitude transform even the darkest moments into growth? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Tal Sessler explore Parshat Ki Tavo and its message of gratitude, resilience, and meaning. From the mitzvah of bringing first fruits to Isaiah’s words of consolation, they discuss how Torah helps us face trauma, despair, and anger with hope.

Do our moral obligations change when we go to war? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Ki Teitzei and its surprising focus on the ethics of war. From the command to remember Amalek to laws about captives, newlyweds, and the holiness of the military camp, they show how the Torah insists that moral and spiritual responsibilities do not disappear in times of conflict. Even in war, Jewish law demands restraint, humanity, and awareness of God’s presence. This week’s episode is generously sponsored by Emily Simon, in honor of all Israelis who have endured so much since October 7, 2023. May the coming year bring peace and harmony to their lives.

When tragedy strikes, what does true responsibility look like? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Sefi Kraut explore Parshat Shoftim and the strange ritual of the eglah arufah—the ceremony performed when a murder goes unsolved. They discuss how Torah refuses to let society shrug off responsibility, insisting that leaders confront tragedy publicly. Drawing on rabbinic debate, they explore two visions of communal accountability: law and order versus meeting basic human needs, raising timeless questions about how justice is pursued and society protects the vulnerable. This week’s episode is generously sponsored by Emily Simon, in memory of her very dear friend, Carolyn Mandel, Chana Rafaela bat Avraham v’Sara, who gave so much to her adopted homeland.

What does it mean to see each moment as either a blessing or a curse? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith explore Parshat Re’eh and Moshe’s call to “see” the blessing and the curse. They discuss how Torah frames life as a series of choices, not only in mitzvot but in how we perceive each moment. Drawing on Hasidic and spiritual practice, Yiscah teaches that every action—whether shopping in the shuk or giving tzedakah—can become an invitation to connect with God, if we choose to see it that way.

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Eikev and the deep connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. They discuss Moshe’s cautionary tales, the role of the land as both a blessing and a barometer of the nation’s spiritual life, and the tension between its material abundance and spiritual responsibility. The conversation asks what it means to live in a place where divine presence and accountability are inescapable. This week’s episode is generously sponsored by Emily Simon, in honor of all the teachers and students she has learned from at Pardes—especially through the weekly Parsha podcast.

What does Torah teach us about the possibility of starting over? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Wapner explore Parshat Va’etchanan through the unexpected appearance of the cities of refuge. They reflect on Moshe’s personal history as someone who once fled for taking a life, and how designating refuge cities now becomes a powerful act of humility, leadership, and legacy. The episode invites us to consider how Torah makes space for repair, rehabilitation, and the possibility of returning—even after failure.

What does it mean to truly witness someone else's pain? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman explore the Book of Eicha through the lens of bearing witness to tragedy. As Tisha B’Av approaches, they examine the voice of Jerusalem calling out to be seen, the theological complexity of God as both punisher and consoler, and the modern relevance of survivor testimony—from Eicha to Primo Levi to October 7. The conversation asks what it means to see, hear, and remember in moments of devastation.

What defines Jewish belonging—land, Torah, or loyalty? In this episode, Parshat Matot-Masei sparks a rich conversation between Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash about the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and Menashe who ask to settle east of the Jordan River. They explore Moshe’s sharp challenge to their request, the shifting language from “ahuzah” (holding) to “nachalah” (inheritance), and what it means to belong to the Jewish people. The discussion expands to contemporary dilemmas of collective responsibility—from Israel-Diaspora relations to the burden of reserve duty in today’s IDF.

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.

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.

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

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