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 … Read the rest The post Korach 5785: Ambition and Rebellion first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Korach 5785: Ambition and Rebellion at Elmad Online Learning.

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 … Read the rest The post Shlach 5785: Faith or Fear first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Shlach 5785: Faith or Fear at Elmad Online Learning.

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 … Read the rest The post Beha'alotecha 5785: The Traveling Ark first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Beha’alotecha 5785: The Traveling Ark at Elmad Online Learning.

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 … Read the rest The post Naso 5785: Torah in Real Life first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Naso 5785: Torah in Real Life at Elmad Online Learning.

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 … Read the rest The post Shavuot 5785: Joining the Covenant first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Shavuot 5785: Joining the Covenant at Elmad Online Learning.

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 … Read the rest The post Behar-Behukotai 5785: Resetting Society first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Behar-Behukotai 5785: Resetting Society at Elmad Online Learning.

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. … Read the rest The post Emor 5785: Modeling Holiness first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Emor 5785: Modeling Holiness at Elmad Online Learning.

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. … Read the rest The post Acharei Mot 5785: The Weight of Sin first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Acharei Mot 5785: The Weight of Sin at Elmad Online Learning.

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 … Read the rest The post Tazria-Metzora 5785: Cycles of Renewal first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Tazria-Metzora 5785: Cycles of Renewal at Elmad Online Learning.

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 Aaron's sons … Read the rest The post Shemini 5785: Finding Meaning in Loss first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Shemini 5785: Finding Meaning in Loss at Elmad Online Learning.

What does Pesach teach us about freedom, growth, and responsibility? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Dr. Irving (Yitz) Greenberg for a special conversation on Parshat Tzav, the sacrificial system, and the deeper messages of Pesach… Read the rest The post Tzav 5785: Pesach and the Covenant of Life first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Tzav 5785: Pesach and the Covenant of Life at Elmad Online Learning.

What can the cycle of giving teach us about our relationship with the Divine? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Leon Morris to explore the opening of Sefer Vayikra (Leviticus) and the relevance of the ancient sacrificial … Read the rest The post Vayikra 5785: Gift and Sacrifice first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Vayikra 5785: Gift and Sacrifice at Elmad Online Learning.

Why does the Torah spend so much time repeating the Mishkan's details? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk explore Parshat Pekudei and its surprising focus on repetition and detail. They unpack the final verses of Sefer Shemot, … Read the rest The post Pekudei 5785: Living Torah first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Pekudei 5785: Living Torah at Elmad Online Learning.

How do we create a Jewish community that honors different perspectives? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Ilana Gleicher-Bloom explore Parshat Vayakhel and its vision of community. They discuss how Moshe transforms Bnei Yisrael from a fragmented group into a … Read the rest The post Vayakhel 5785: Building a Diverse Mishkan first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Vayakhel 5785: Building a Diverse Mishkan at Elmad Online Learning.

Can true growth come from mistakes? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Ki Tisa and the dramatic episode of the Golden Calf. They examine why the Israelites fell so quickly after Sinai, the connection … Read the rest The post Ki Tisa 5785: From Failure to Renewal first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Ki Tisa 5785: From Failure to Renewal at Elmad Online Learning.

What does the Torah actually mean by ‘wiping out Amalek'? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Elisha Anscelovits explore the Torah's commandment to wipe out Amalek, examining its historical, practical, and ethical dimensions. As Purim approaches, they discuss … Read the rest The post Purim 5785: Understanding Amalek first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Purim 5785: Understanding Amalek at Elmad Online Learning.

This week’s episode is in memory of Beth Wasserman z”l and sponsored by her nephew and his family. Why does God command a physical space if God is everywhere? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Brent Spodek explore Parshat … Read the rest The post Terumah 5785: Building Sacred Space first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Terumah 5785: Building Sacred Space at Elmad Online Learning.

This podcast is sponsored in memory of Morris L. Kramer, a beloved friend and an ohev Yisrael How does the Torah balance law with compassion? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore Parshat Mishpatim, examining its … Read the rest The post Mishpatim 5785: Law, Justice, and Compassion first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Mishpatim 5785: Law, Justice, and Compassion at Elmad Online Learning.

What does Yitro teach us about choosing Torah instead of receiving it by force? Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Yitro, highlighting the contrast between Amalek's hostility and Yitro's embrace of the Jewish people. They discuss Yitro's journey … Read the rest The post Yitro 5785: Choosing Torah first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Yitro 5785: Choosing Torah at Elmad Online Learning.

Can we celebrate victory while holding onto pain? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Beshalach, focusing on the tension between triumph and uncertainty. They discuss Shirat HaYam as both a song of victory and … Read the rest The post Beshalach 5785: Triumph and Uncertainty first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Beshalach 5785: Triumph and Uncertainty at Elmad Online Learning.

How can memory both guide and hinder us? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rachel Goldberg-Polin explore Parshat Bo through the lens of memory, mahloket (disagreement), and the importance of constructive conflict. They discuss how memory can either ground or … Read the rest The post Bo 5785: The Power of Listening first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Bo 5785: The Power of Listening at Elmad Online Learning.

This week's podcast is sponsored in memory of Dr. Jack Jaffe, Yaakov Zev ben Elchanon. Doctor, community leader, and fervent Zionist. Sponsored by his children, Ari and Marlyn, Reva and Sheldon, Leah and Simon, and Ezra and Marla, as well … Read the rest The post VaEra 5785: The Power of Mahloket first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading VaEra 5785: The Power of Mahloket at Elmad Online Learning.

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith explore Parshat Shemot, the beginning of the Book of Exodus, focusing on the spiritual and physical challenges of the Jewish people’s exile in Egypt. They discuss the transition from individual to communal … Read the rest The post Shemot 5785: Rediscovering the Divine first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Shemot 5785: Rediscovering the Divine at Elmad Online Learning.

Are Jacob's final words blessings, prophecies, or something else entirely? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash delve into Parshat Vayechi, focusing on Jacob’s final blessings to his sons. They explore the complex nature of these “blessings,” … Read the rest The post Vayechi 5785: Jacob's Final Words first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Vayechi 5785: Jacob’s Final Words at Elmad Online Learning.

How does Yosef's strategy with his brothers reveal his true intentions? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman discuss Yosef's reunion with his brothers in Parshat Vayigash. They explore Judah's role in repairing family bonds, Yosef's intentions, … Read the rest The post Vayigash 5785: Forgiveness and Family first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Vayigash 5785: Forgiveness and Family at Elmad Online Learning.

How does Yosef's ability to interpret dreams reflect his growth as a leader? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy delve into Parshat Miketz, exploring Yosef’s extraordinary journey from the prison to Pharaoh’s court. They discuss the … Read the rest The post Miketz 5784: From Prison to Power first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Miketz 5784: From Prison to Power at Elmad Online Learning.

Could the animosity between Yosef and his brothers have been avoided through different choices? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Ilana Gleicher-Bloom delve into the complex family dynamics of Yaakov, Yosef, and his brothers in Parshat Vayeshev. They explore how … Read the rest The post Vayeshev 5785: Sibling Rivalry first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Vayeshev 5785: Sibling Rivalry at Elmad Online Learning.

What can Yaakov’s struggle teach us about the complexities of identity and faith? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin delve into Yaakov's dramatic encounter with the mysterious “Ish” in Parshat Vayishlach. They explore themes of personal transformation, … Read the rest The post Vayishlach 5785: Wrestling with the Divine first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Vayishlach 5785: Wrestling with the Divine at Elmad Online Learning.

How does the Torah guide us to create sacred spaces in moments of transition and uncertainty? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk explore Yaakov's profound journey in Parshat Vayetze. Together, they delve into Yaakov’s encounter with the … Read the rest The post Vayetze 5785: Finding the Makom first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Vayetze 5785: Finding the Makom at Elmad Online Learning.

What do Yitzchak's blessings teach us about the balance of power between Yaakov and Esav? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits to unpack the intricate dynamics between Yaakov and Esav in Parshat Toldot. They … Read the rest The post Toldot 5785: Brothers in Balance first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Toldot 5785: Brothers in Balance at Elmad Online Learning.

Why are “supporting characters” so vital in Torah narratives? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Chayei Sarah, focusing on the remarkable qualities of Rivka and Eliezer. Rivka's extraordinary acts of chesed (kindness) and Eliezer's … Read the rest The post Chayei Sarah 5785: Chesed and Devotion first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Chayei Sarah 5785: Chesed and Devotion at Elmad Online Learning.

Why might kindness be perceived as weakness, and what does Avraham's response teach us? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris examine Avraham's moral decisions in Parshat Vayera, focusing on the qualities that led to the downfall of … Read the rest The post Vayera 5785: Justice and Mercy first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Vayera 5785: Justice and Mercy at Elmad Online Learning.

What can Avraham's journey teach us about finding inner light when surrounded by uncertainty? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Nechama Goldman Barash to delve into Parshat Lech Lecha. They discuss the complex dynamics between Sarai and … Read the rest The post Lech Lecha 5785: Light in the Darkness first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Lech Lecha 5785: Light in the Darkness at Elmad Online Learning.

How can we remain hopeful amid life's turbulent “floodwaters”? In this week's Parshat Noach episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Yiscah Smith to explore the relevance of Noah's story and how, even amid overwhelming turmoil, one can find an “ark” … Read the rest The post Noach 5785: Navigating Stormy Waters first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Noach 5785: Navigating Stormy Waters at Elmad Online Learning.

This week's podcast is sponsored by Simonne Abadee in celebration of the beginning of our creation, the new year, and a new reading of our Torah, offering the chance to engage anew in our learning. Ten years ago, Simonne came … Read the rest The post Beresheit 5785: Beginnings and Fractures first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Beresheit 5785: Beginnings and Fractures at Elmad Online Learning.

How can embracing vulnerability lead to a deeper sense of joy during Sukkot? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy delve into the paradox of Sukkot, exploring how vulnerability and joy are deeply intertwined in the festival. … Read the rest The post Sukkot 5785: Vulnerability and Joy first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Sukkot 5785: Vulnerability and Joy at Elmad Online Learning.

What role does vulnerability play in the Yom Kippur process of teshuvah? In this Yom Kippur-focused episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancsalovits explore how to approach this sacred day following a year marked by deep pain and loss. … Read the rest The post Yom Kippur 5785: Forgiveness and Growth first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Yom Kippur 5785: Forgiveness and Growth at Elmad Online Learning.

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 … Read the rest The post Rosh Hashana 5785: Renewal in Challenging Times first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Rosh Hashana 5785: Renewal in Challenging Times at Elmad Online Learning.

How do words of encouragement shape Joshua's leadership and the future of the Jewish people? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer explore Parshat Vayelech, focusing on the leadership transition from Moshe to Yehoshua. Join them and dive into … Read the rest The post Nitzavim – Vayelich 5784: Empowering Leadership first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Nitzavim – Vayelich 5784: Empowering Leadership at Elmad Online Learning.

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Raphael Polisuk delve into the covenant ceremony at Har Grizim and Har Eval in Parshat Ki Tavo. They explore how this moment of blessings and curses establishes a collective responsibility among the Jewish … Read the rest The post Ki Tavo 5784: Collective Responsibility first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Ki Tavo 5784: Collective Responsibility at Elmad Online Learning.

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore the mitzvah of Shiluach HaKen (sending away the mother bird) in Parshat Ki Teitzei. They discuss how this seemingly small commandment reflects deeper values of compassion and limits on consumption. … Read the rest The post Ki Teitzei 5784: Compassion and Limits first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Ki Teitzei 5784: Compassion and Limits at Elmad Online Learning.

How does the Torah guide us in creating balanced and just leadership? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Nechama Goldman Barash explore Parshat Shoftim, delving into the Torah’s vision for leadership and governance. They discuss the various models of leadership … Read the rest The post Shoftim 5784: Righteous Leadership first appeared on Elmad Online Learning. Continue reading Shoftim 5784: Righteous Leadership at Elmad Online Learning.