The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies Podcast Network
Latest Episodes
Korach 5785: Ambition and Rebellion
What was Korach really fighting for?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Raphael Polisuk explore Parshat Korach. They revisit Korachs rebellion not just as a political protest, but as a sincereand dangerousdesire for closeness to God. Drawing c
Shlach 5785: Faith or Fear
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 miss
Beha’alotecha 5785: The Traveling Ark
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 Covenants journey. They dive into why these verses are set apart in the Torah
Naso 5785: Torah in Real Life
Is tzaraat 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 tzaraat as their starting point, they challenge mystical inte
Shavuot 5785: Joining the Covenant
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 peoplenot ju
Behar-Behukotai 5785: Resetting Society
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
Emor 5785: Modeling Holiness
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 Greenbergs vi
Acharei Mot 5785: The Weight of Sin
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 p
Tazria-Metzora 5785: Cycles of Renewal
How do lifes 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,
Shemini 5785: Finding Meaning in Loss
Can legacy and memory transform the pain of loss into purpose?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash reflect on the tragedy of Nadav and Avihu in Parshat Shemini, exploring how the loss of Aarons sons on the Mishkans inau





Subscribe