Pardes from Jerusalem
536 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 183 ratingsJoin Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and guests each week for a thoughtful and engaging podcast discussion of the weekly Torah portion. Each week, Zvi will be joined by a guest for a deep dive into the text, unraveling the wisdom nestled within each Torah portion, exploring its timeless relevance, and uncovering contemporary insights. Whether you’re a seasoned Torah scholar, an inquisitive seeker of knowledge, or simply someone looking for inspiration and wisdom, Pardes from Jerusalem provides you with thought-provoking conversations, invaluable lessons for personal growth, and deeper insight into Jewish texts. Tune into this Pardes podcast for a creative, personal and brave journey as Zvi and guests leave no stone unturned in seeking to bring out meaning and significance from each Torah portion.
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Episodes
Va’etchanan: Contemplation and Freedom
August 02, 2017 06:08 - 29 minutes - 28.3 MBIn this podcast, Rabbi James Jacobson-Maisels explores the Vitebsker Rebbe’s derash on Ve’etchanan where he describes how we can free ourselves from harmful habitual patterns through contemplating those habits and recognizing our non-separation from others. Please let us know your … Read the rest The post Va’etchanan: Contemplation and Freedom first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Va’etchanan: Contemplation and Freedom at Elmad Online Learning.
Devarim: The Words of Moses — The Torah’s First “Translation”
July 25, 2017 06:26 - 23 minutes - 22.3 MBIn many ways, the book of Deuteronomy — a series of long discourses by Moses — is a sort of “translation” of the earlier four books of the Torah. This characterization is quite ancient. In midrash, the Rabbis connected the … Read the rest The post Devarim: The Words of Moses — The Torah’s First “Translation” first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Devarim: The Words of Moses — The Torah’s First “Translation” at Elmad Online Learning.
Matot-Masei: Words that Bind
July 18, 2017 06:07 - 18 minutes - 18.9 MBRabbi Mike Feuer in this week’s parsha podcast discusses how the laws of vows in Matot-Masei show us that words can bind even God, and have the power to create new realities. But what are the consequences for national unity … Read the rest The post Matot-Masei: Words that Bind first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Matot-Masei: Words that Bind at Elmad Online Learning.
Pinchas: Zealousness — An Unforgiving Trait
July 11, 2017 06:01 - 19 minutes - 18.6 MBPinchas’ act of zealotry in this week’s Parsha earns him Divine accolades. But this is not Pinchas’ final appearance in the Hebrew Bible and the ancient rabbis later reflected on the man with more ambivalence. In this week’s parsha podcast, … Read the rest The post Pinchas: Zealousness — An Unforgiving Trait first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Pinchas: Zealousness — An Unforgiving Trait at Elmad Online Learning.
Balak: Vision and Perception
July 05, 2017 04:38 - 24 minutes - 24 MBIn this week’s Pardes from Jerusalem podcast, Rabbi Alex Israel looks at what the difference is between a blessing and a curse? Bilaam is praised as the man whose “eyes are open,” but he cannot see what his donkey sees! … Read the rest The post Balak: Vision and Perception first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Balak: Vision and Perception at Elmad Online Learning.
Chukat: The Challenge and Gift of Death
June 26, 2017 06:20 - 15 minutes - 15.1 MBThere is a theme of death which runs through parshat Chukat, but its message is unclear. Rabbi Mike Feuer delves into the question of whether death is a tragedy which casts its shadow on all of life, or if it … Read the rest The post Chukat: The Challenge and Gift of Death first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Chukat: The Challenge and Gift of Death at Elmad Online Learning.
Korach: Models of Leadership
June 20, 2017 10:54 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBKorach is held up by the Sages as an archetype of negativity, and yet his descendant Shmuel redeems the truth in his challenge to Moshe. In exploring the relationship between Korach and the prophet Shmuel we can touch on models … Read the rest The post Korach: Models of Leadership first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Korach: Models of Leadership at Elmad Online Learning.
Shelach Lecha: I (Sort Of) Forgive You
June 13, 2017 05:08 - 17 minutes - 17.3 MBAfter the sin of the spies’ false reports, God wants to destroy the Jewish people once and for all. Moses intervenes on their behalf, and God says, “I have forgiven in accordance with your word.” This powerful statement, salachti kid’varecha, … Read the rest The post Shelach Lecha: I (Sort Of) Forgive You first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Shelach Lecha: I (Sort Of) Forgive You at Elmad Online Learning.
Beha’alotecha: Paradise Lost
June 06, 2017 09:04 - 23 minutes - 22.8 MBIn the first half of this week’s parsha, the Jewish people complete the organization of their camp and tie together all of the “loose ends” in preparation for their entry into the Land of Israel. But as soon as they … Read the rest The post Beha’alotecha: Paradise Lost first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Beha’alotecha: Paradise Lost at Elmad Online Learning.
Naso: Blessing Man, Blessing God.
May 29, 2017 07:48 - 20 minutes - 19.7 MBIn this week’s parsha podcast, Neima Novetsky discusses Parshat Naso which includes the commands regarding Birkat Kohanim, or the priestly blessing. The directive makes one question, what it means to bless another, and what it means to bless God. Please … Read the rest The post Naso: Blessing Man, Blessing God. first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Naso: Blessing Man, Blessing God. at Elmad Online Learning.
Shavuot: The Date of Revelation
May 29, 2017 05:15 - 19 minutes - 18.9 MBIn this podcast, Rabbi Michael Hattin considers one of the Torah’s most glaring omissions — the calendar date of the Revelation at Sinai. Why does the Torah fail to mention this critical fact, even though Pesach and Shavuot have their … Read the rest The post Shavuot: The Date of Revelation first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Shavuot: The Date of Revelation at Elmad Online Learning.
Bamidbar: Fate and Destiny
May 24, 2017 05:41 - 25 minutes - 24.4 MBIn this week’s Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Alex Israel discusses the question of what is more critical, Jewish peoplehood or Jewish law? The Wilderness census will send us to a discussion opened by Rav Soloveitchik regarding the two foundational pillars of … Read the rest The post Bamidbar: Fate and Destiny first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Bamidbar: Fate and Destiny at Elmad Online Learning.
Jerusalem United or Divided? Between Dreams and Realities
May 18, 2017 11:07 - 7 minutes - 7.96 MBSome see her as finally united, others as more divided than ever. In this special podcast for Yom Yerushalyim, Rabbi Dr. Daniel Roth looks into the gulf between the two Jerusalems, that of our dreams and that of our realities.… Read the rest The post Jerusalem United or Divided? Between Dreams and Realities first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Jerusalem United or Divided? Between Dreams and Realities at Elmad Online Learning.
Behar Behukotai: The Essence of Covenant
May 16, 2017 08:11 - 21 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this week’s parsha podcast, Rabbi Mike Feuer looks into Behar Behukotai. Now that the download of Divine law has ended, it is time to leave Sinai. But here at the end of the book of Leviticus, what seems to … Read the rest The post Behar Behukotai: The Essence of Covenant first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Behar Behukotai: The Essence of Covenant at Elmad Online Learning.
Emor: Building a Sanctuary in Time
May 10, 2017 15:59 - 28 minutes - 27.1 MBThere are two major themes in this week’s parsha: 1) the sanctity of the priests/priesthood, 2) the sacredness of the festivals. Intuitively, it would seem that they should be connected. In this podcast, Rabbi Meir Schweiger examines each theme independently … Read the rest The post Emor: Building a Sanctuary in Time first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Emor: Building a Sanctuary in Time at Elmad Online Learning.
Acharei Mot: Transformation
May 03, 2017 10:08 - 19 minutes - 19.4 MBThrough a teaching of R. Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk (a Hasidic Rebbe who led a pre-Zionist Hasidic Aliyah to Israel) on this week’s parsha, Rabbi James Jacobson-Maisels will explore the nature of transformation and how true transformation requires a dying … Read the rest The post Acharei Mot: Transformation first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Acharei Mot: Transformation at Elmad Online Learning.
Yom Haatzmaut: Embracing the Reality
April 30, 2017 06:25 - 14 minutes - 14.2 MBIn honor of Yom Haatzmaut, Rabbi Michael Hattin considers the cryptic story of Choni the Circle Maker. Choni dared to dream for 70 years but then could not embrace the reality to which he awoke. Please let us know your … Read the rest The post Yom Haatzmaut: Embracing the Reality first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Yom Haatzmaut: Embracing the Reality at Elmad Online Learning.
Tazria-Metzora: On Rituals and Values
April 25, 2017 06:44 - 25 minutes - 24.4 MBThis week’s double portion, Tazria-Metzora, is one of the most difficult sections of the Torah for a modern reader to engage. It discusses rituals and situations that are foreign to our reality. So why study them? Is there any way … Read the rest The post Tazria-Metzora: On Rituals and Values first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Tazria-Metzora: On Rituals and Values at Elmad Online Learning.
Shemini: Nadav and Avihu: On Foreign Fires and Holy Deaths
April 11, 2017 06:44 - 24 minutes - 23.9 MBIn this week’s parsha podcast, Neima Novetsky explores the dramatic story of Nadav and Avihu who meet a tragic death as they offer incense in the Mishkan. Where did the two go wrong? What was so problematic about their deeds … Read the rest The post Shemini: Nadav and Avihu: On Foreign Fires and Holy Deaths first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Shemini: Nadav and Avihu: On Foreign Fires and Holy Deaths at Elmad Online Learning.
Shabbat Hagadol: Why is this the name for our pre-Pesach Shabbat?
April 04, 2017 05:37 - 17 minutes - 17.4 MBIn this week’a parsha podcast, Rabbi Dr. Howard Markose looks at why the shabbat before Peseach is named Shabbat Hagadol. He explores the pros and cons of a number of the reasons put forward. Please let us know your comments … Read the rest The post Shabbat Hagadol: Why is this the name for our pre-Pesach Shabbat? first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Shabbat Hagadol: Why is this the name for our pre-Pesach Shabbat? at Elmad Online Learning.
The Structure of the Pesach Seder
March 30, 2017 11:12 - 19 minutes - 19.6 MBIn this special edition of Pardes from Jerusalem for Pesach, Rabbi Michael Hattin explores some basic ordering principles of the beginning of the Haggadah. Please let us know your comments and thoughts about the podcast, write to us at [email protected].… Read the rest The post The Structure of the Pesach Seder first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading The Structure of the Pesach Seder at Elmad Online Learning.
Vayikra: And He Called
March 28, 2017 06:23 - 13 minutes - 13.2 MBThe week’s parsha begins a whole new book in the story of the Torah – the book of Vayikra. Vayikra offers definitions of holiness and priesthood which can teach us how to be the people who received their mission at … Read the rest The post Vayikra: And He Called first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Vayikra: And He Called at Elmad Online Learning.
Vayakhel-Pekudei: The Mundane to the Holy
March 21, 2017 08:45 - 17 minutes - 17 MBParshiot Vayakhel and Pekudei are the conclusion and crowning point of the Book of Exodus. In this week’s parsha podcast, Rabbi Michael Hattin looks into the description of the materials and metals that were used for the construction of the … Read the rest The post Vayakhel-Pekudei: The Mundane to the Holy first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Vayakhel-Pekudei: The Mundane to the Holy at Elmad Online Learning.
Ki Tisa: Getting Lost, Awareness and the Root of Sin
March 14, 2017 07:45 - 28 minutes - 27.5 MBIn this podcast, through the teachings of the Piaseczner Rebbe, Rabbi Dr. James Jacobson-Maisels explores how the ways we act harmfully are rooted in our forgetting of who we are and the many distractions which cause us to lose our … Read the rest The post Ki Tisa: Getting Lost, Awareness and the Root of Sin first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Ki Tisa: Getting Lost, Awareness and the Root of Sin at Elmad Online Learning.
Tetzaveh: Fill My Hands
March 07, 2017 07:26 - 21 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this week’s Pardes from Jerusalem podcast, Rabbi Meir Schweiger discusses Parshat Tetzaveh. Before the Tabernacle becomes operational, there is a period known as “the seven days of (ful)filling.” During this time, Moses is told to induct Aaron and his … Read the rest The post Tetzaveh: Fill My Hands first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Tetzaveh: Fill My Hands at Elmad Online Learning.
Purim: Kimu v’Kiblu — Human Partnership and the Divine Covenant
March 05, 2017 11:54 - 21 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this special podcast for Purim, Rabbi Rahel Berkovits discusses the gemara Shabbat, which claims that the Jewish people were forced to accept the Torah at Sinai, and only on Purim did they truly agree to the covenant of their … Read the rest The post Purim: Kimu v’Kiblu — Human Partnership and the Divine Covenant first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Purim: Kimu v’Kiblu — Human Partnership and the Divine Covenant at Elmad Online Learning.
Teruma: Setting a Table for God
February 28, 2017 06:56 - 19 minutes - 19.2 MBIn this week’s parsha podcast, Neima Novetsky looks into the question of what need does God have for a table and bread? Presumably none, so what role does this vessel play in the Tabernacle? How might it have helped the … Read the rest The post Teruma: Setting a Table for God first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Teruma: Setting a Table for God at Elmad Online Learning.
Mishpatim: Go According to the Majority — But First Know the 49 vs 49!
February 19, 2017 07:45 - 27 minutes - 26.3 MBIn this week’s podcast Rabbi Dr. Daniel Roth looks into Parshat Mishpatim. The rabbis read the words in Exodus 23:2 “acharey rabim lahatot” to mean “go after the majority”, but first know how to argue 49 ways one way … Read the rest The post Mishpatim: Go According to the Majority — But First Know the 49 vs 49! first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Mishpatim: Go According to the Majority — But First Know the 49 vs 49! at Elmad Online Learning.
Yitro: The Revelation at Mt. Sinai: Fact or Emotion?
February 14, 2017 07:16 - 15 minutes - 14.9 MBIn this week’s parsha podcast, Rabbi Dr. Howard Markose discusses what really happened at Mt. Sinai. Was it simply a dissemination of laws or perhaps an emotional plea to ‘get on board’? Please let us know your comments and thoughts … Read the rest The post Yitro: The Revelation at Mt. Sinai: Fact or Emotion? first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Yitro: The Revelation at Mt. Sinai: Fact or Emotion? at Elmad Online Learning.
Tu B’Shvat: Celebrating Renewal, Yearning for Redemption
February 07, 2017 10:32 - 22 minutes - 21.2 MBThis Shabbat is not only Parshat Beshalach but is also Tu BShvat, the “New Year” for the trees. Over the past 2000 years, this day has undergone a remarkable transformation in how it is commemorated. In this podcast, Rabbi Meir … Read the rest The post Tu B’Shvat: Celebrating Renewal, Yearning for Redemption first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Tu B’Shvat: Celebrating Renewal, Yearning for Redemption at Elmad Online Learning.
Bo: The Paschal Sacrifice and the Placing of the Blood
January 31, 2017 06:09 - 19 minutes - 19.4 MBOn the eve of the Exodus from Egypt, the people of Israel marked their doorposts and lintels with the blood of the Paschal lamb. In this week’s podcast, Rabbi Michael Hattin considers the symbolism of this puzzling act. This podcast … Read the rest The post Bo: The Paschal Sacrifice and the Placing of the Blood first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Bo: The Paschal Sacrifice and the Placing of the Blood at Elmad Online Learning.
Vaera: Between Speaking and Conversation
January 24, 2017 07:40 - 19 minutes - 18.5 MBIn this week’s Pardes from Jerusalem podcast on parshat Vaera, Rabbi Mike Feuer discusses how the difference between speaking and having a conversation can teach us how the ten plagues tie together the creation of the world and the revelation … Read the rest The post Vaera: Between Speaking and Conversation first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Vaera: Between Speaking and Conversation at Elmad Online Learning.
Shemot: What Made Moses Write the Book of Job?
January 17, 2017 11:11 - 22 minutes - 32.2 MB“To read the work of another is to encounter not merely oneself nor merely the other; the alchemy created in the encounter acts to make more real one’s own not yet realized self.” – Aviva Zornberg. Our sages tell us … Read the rest The post Shemot: What Made Moses Write the Book of Job? first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Shemot: What Made Moses Write the Book of Job? at Elmad Online Learning.
Vayehi: Am I in Place of God? A Mature Joseph Responds to his Frightened Brothers
January 10, 2017 11:15 - 17 minutes - 17.2 MBAfter undergoing a series of successes and disappointments in his life, Joseph is forced to ask himself: Do I forgive and forget my brothers’ indiscretions, or exact just a bit of ‘pay-back’ for what they did to me? In this … Read the rest The post Vayehi: Am I in Place of God? A Mature Joseph Responds to his Frightened Brothers first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Vayehi: Am I in Place of God? A Mature Joseph Responds to his Frightened Brothers at Elmad Online Learni...
Vayigash: Joseph – Economic Genius or Tyrannical Leader?
January 03, 2017 08:01 - 14 minutes - 14.4 MBIn this week’s Pardes from Jerusalem podcast on parshat Vayigash, Neima Novetsky looks at the question of why the Torah elaborates about Joseph’s economic policies in Egypt. What do these policies have to do with the history of Am Yisrael? … Read the rest The post Vayigash: Joseph – Economic Genius or Tyrannical Leader? first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Vayigash: Joseph – Economic Genius or Tyrannical Leader? at Elmad Online Learning.
Miketz: Perchance to Dream
December 27, 2016 11:22 - 18 minutes - 17.5 MBIn this week’s podcast on parshat Miketz, Rabbi David Levin-Kruss looks at how the rabbinic conception of dreams is closer to our contemporary understanding and how ancient texts can complement modern psychology in plumbing the meaning of dreams. Please … Read the rest The post Miketz: Perchance to Dream first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Miketz: Perchance to Dream at Elmad Online Learning.