Pardes from Jerusalem

What does it mean to choose obligation? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore the layered meanings of Sukkot—its joy, its duality, and its challenge. They discuss the beauty and symbolism of the sukkah and lulav while grappling with women’s exemption from these mitzvot and what it means to choose obligation.

What does it take for forgiveness to be real? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore Parshat Ha’azinu and the themes of Yom Kippur through the lens of sin, forgiveness, and reconciliation. They examine the Talmudic teaching that while Yom Kippur atones for sins between humans and God, it does not cover wrongs between people until forgiveness is sought and granted. Through stories of failed and successful reconciliations, they reflect on what it truly means to apologize, to forgive, and to let go—for the sake of others and for ourselves.

What does it mean to write Torah for ourselves today? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Vayelech . Join them as they discuss Moshe’s completion of the Torah, the mitzvah for every Jew to write a Sefer Torah, and the once-in-seven-years gathering of Hakhel as a reenactment of Sinai. The conversation explores how Torah is transmitted—through text, learning, and lived experience—and what it means to receive Torah anew in every generation.

How do the tears of our ancestors guide our prayers today? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Shalhevet Cahana prepare for Rosh Hashanah through the lens of Parshat Netzavim and the holiday’s Torah readings. They explore the sound of the shofar as both coronation and weeping, and how the Torah highlights the tears of women—Sarah, Chana, and Rachel—as models of prayer. Against the backdrop of October 7 and its aftermath, they ask what it means to cry in a way that leads to resilience, protest, and hope. This Rosh Hashana podcast is sponsored by Ricki and Dr. David I. Bernstein in memory of Ricki’s parents, Beatrice and Murray Kirschblat z”l, survivors of Auschwitz and Buchenwald, respectively. Beatrice and Murray were each the sole survivors of large families which perished in the Shoah.

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