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

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 on the Mishkan’s inaugural day challenges our assumptions about divine justice, holiness, and grief. Featuring Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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. They explore how Judaism's vision of life, covenant, and moral progress plays out through laws like kashrut and the evolution of sacrifice. Drawing from Rabbi Greenberg’s new book The Triumph of Life, they examine how Torah guides us toward a future where life, dignity, and ethical living prevail. Featuring Rabbi Dr. Irving (Yitz) Greenberg – Senior Fellow, Hadar Institute Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 system for modern Jewish life. Together, they delve into the idea of korbanot (sacrifices) as a form of gift-giving to God, examining themes of gratitude, relationship, and community. Their discussion offers timely reflections as we prepare for the upcoming book of Vayikra. FeaturingRabbi Leon Morris – President, PardesZvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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, showing that Torah isn’t just divine instruction but a living, doable path woven into daily life. Featuring: Rabbi Rafael Polisuk – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 unified Kehilah through the shared mission of building the Mishkan. Drawing on insights from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, they examine the tension between pluralism and ideological divides—both in the Torah and in today's Jewish world—and ask what it takes to build a true, inclusive community. Featuring Ilana Gleicher-Bloom – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 between the Mishkan and their spiritual crisis, and how this moment reshaped their relationship with God. Featuring Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 how these themes shape our understanding of justice, deterrence, and moral responsibility today. Featuring: Rabbi Dr. Elisha Anscelovits – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 Terumah, diving into the meaning behind the Mishkan and its relevance today. They discuss the tension between tradition and innovation, the need for both structure and spiritual seeking, and how sacred spaces—physical or internal—help us connect to the divine. Featuring: Rabbi Brent Spodek – Pardes North American Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 legal framework and ethical dilemmas. They discuss how Jewish tradition navigates justice, responsibility, and moral complexity, with a focus on the Torah’s nuanced approach to abortion. The conversation highlights the balance between valuing life, acknowledging human struggle, and fostering compassion. Featuring Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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 as an outsider who willingly joins Israel, offering a model for choosing Torah rather than receiving it by force. The conversation explores obligation, free will, and how we cultivate a personal connection to Torah. Featuring Rabbi Michael Hattin – Pardes Faculty Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem