Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield

Zvi Hirschfield

Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield teaches Talmud, Halakha and Jewish Thought at Pardes. He is also deeply involved in Pardes’s programs for Jewish educators, with a focus on tefilah in educational settings, modern Jewish thought, and Israel education. Zvi holds a B.A. in History from Columbia University, pursued graduate studies at Harvard University in Medieval and Modern Jewish Thought, studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion, and received rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.

Before joining Pardes, Zvi served as Director of Judaica at the JCC of Cleveland and taught at the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies. He also works as a curriculum writer and staff trainer for the Nesiya Institute. Zvi lives in Israel with his wife, Dina, and their four children.

Hanukah, Pesach and Purim Walk into a Bar
Podcast

Hanukah, Pesach and Purim Walk into a Bar

The Jewish calendar gives us the same holidays every year—but do we encounter them the same way each time? In Hanukah, Pesach and Purim Walk into a Bar, the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators takes a playful title and turns…

Podcast series, Hanukah, Pesach and Purim Walk into a Bar

Amen: Multiple Lenses for Tefilah Education
Podcast

Amen: Multiple Lenses for Tefilah Education

What do we want to happen when we pray? Are we trying to speak to God, connect with a community, reflect on ourselves—or perhaps do all three? Amen: Multiple Lenses for Tefilah Education, produced by the Pardes Center for Jewish…

Podcast series, Amen: Multiple Lenses for Tefilah Education

Podcast

Matot-Masei 5785: Beyond the Jordan

What defines Jewish belonging—land, Torah, or loyalty? In this episode, Parshat Matot-Masei sparks a rich conversation between Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash about the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and Menashe who ask to settle east of the Jordan…

Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Masei, Matot

Podcast

Pinchas 5785: Seeing Them Anew

What if Moshe couldn’t see that the people had already grown up? In this episode, Parshat Pinchas takes center stage as Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer delve into the powerful juxtaposition of two pivotal moments in Bamidbar 27: the bold…

Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Pinchas

Podcast

Balak 5785: Vision of Blessing

Is Bilaam a villain—or a mirror? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Mike Feuer dive into Parshat Balak to explore the figure of Bilaam—an outsider prophet with powerful words and a dangerous gaze. They discuss what makes Bilaam a…

Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Balak

Podcast

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 Covenant’s journey. They dive into why these verses are…

Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Beha’alotcha

Podcast

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.…

Tanakh, Torah, Vayikra (Leviticus), Acharei Mot

Podcast

Balak 5784: Finding Identity in Solitude

How do we navigate the complexities of being a unique people while integrating into the modern world? In this week’s episode, Rabbi Avi Spodek and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield delve into Parsha Balak, highlighting the themes of identity, isolation, and the…

Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Balak

Podcast

Beha’alotcha 5784: Trumpets and Transitions

How do ancient trumpets teach us about modern journeys and transitions? In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk delve into Parshat Behalotcha, highlighting the themes of journey and transition within the Torah portion. They discuss the creation…

Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Beha’alotcha