In 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…
Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Naso
In 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…
Tanakh, Torah, Vayikra (Leviticus), Shemini
In 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…
Tanakh, Torah, Shemot (Exodus), Terumah
When Persia became the dominant power in the Near East in the 6th century BCE, royal edicts allowed and even encouraged Jews to return to Israel and rebuild the Temple. Ezra and Nehemiah were two outstanding and exceptional figures who embraced…
Critical Issues, Divrei Torah, Mahloket Matters/Conflict Resolution, Zionism
In 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?…
Personalities, Biblical Personalities, Tanakh, Torah, Bereishit (Genesis), VaYigash
The scene is a familiar one. The table is laden with turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. The family sits around and one by one each member is expected to mention something they are thankful for. Smiles abound,…
Pardes 360
In this week’s parsha podcast, Neima Novetsky discusses parshat Lech Lecha and looks into the issues that arise when we read stories which seem to portray our ancestors in a less than positive light. The opening chapter of Parshat Lech…
Personalities, Biblical Personalities, Tanakh, Torah, Bereishit (Genesis), Lech Lecha
One of the themes of Rosh HaShana is that of kingship, but what does it really mean to recognize God as my king? In this special edition of Pardes from Jerusalem for Rosh Hashana, Neima Novetsky looks to the haftarah…
Jewish Calendar, Rosh Hashana
In speaking of Hashem’s various attributes, Moshe says that Hashem “visits the sins of the fathers on the sons.” This suggests that sometimes Hashem punishes a child for his father’s deeds, while the father himself escapes harm. How is this…
Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Shelach