By: Judy Klitsner As we approach our third Simchat Torah since our great catastrophe, a now familiar question arises: how can we celebrate? While this year is not quite as searingly painful as the first two — thankfully, we are…
Tanakh, Ketuvim (Writings), Ecclesiastes, Jewish calendar, Simchat Torah, Sukkot
By: Rabbi Daniel Reifman The book of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes), traditionally read on Sukkot, is noteworthy for the way it ranks among both the most challenging and beloved books of Tanakh. The author introduces himself as “Koheleth son of David, king…
Tanakh, Ketuvim (Writings), Ecclesiastes, Jewish calendar, Sukkot
By: Rabbi Brent Chaim Spodek Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) is easily one of the strangest books in the Bible. Proverbs tells us that wisdom leads to a good life. Deuteronomy insists that righteousness brings blessing. The Psalms assure us that the world,…
Tanakh, Ketuvim (Writings), Ecclesiastes, Jewish calendar, Sukkot
This year’s companion looks at the High Holiday season through the prism of our relationships: with others, with God, and with ourselves. Bring meaning, inspiration, and depth to your holidays and the upcoming year.
Jewish calendar, High Holidays, Self & spirituality, Reflection, Teshuvah
Shavuot marks the climax of the Exodus story—the giving of Torah at Sinai. But is redemption ever truly complete? In this thought-provoking teaching, Rabbi Dr. William Friedman examines the Beit haLevi’s striking connection between Pesach and Tisha b’Av, inviting us…
Jewish calendar, Shavuot
On Shavuot, we return to Sinai. We stay up late, we learn, we reenact the moment when Torah entered the world. But what exactly are we receiving? Jewish tradition makes a bold claim: Torah is min haShamayim, from Heaven. And…
Jewish calendar, Shavuot
By: Rabbi Daniel Reifman The book of Esther is famously distinctive for being only one of two biblical books which do not contain the name of God (Shir haShirim being the other). Commentators have often struggled with this curious phenomenon:…
Tanakh, Ketuvim (Writings), Esther, Jewish calendar, Purim
Eight Hanukkah songs, one for each night, each paired with reflection and insight from Pardes faculty and alumni — from HaNerot Halalu to Oyfn Pripetchik.
Jewish calendar, Chanukah
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, as Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) fought his way across Europe, a group of Hasidic masters dedicated intense spiritual efforts to usher in the messianic era. One Hasidic account of this episode appeared in the…
Jewish calendar, Tisha B’av
What does it mean to truly witness someone else’s pain? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman explore the Book of Eicha through the lens of bearing witness to tragedy. As Tisha B’Av approaches, they examine the…
Tanakh, Ketuvim (Writings), Lamentations, Jewish calendar, Tisha B’av
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…
Jewish calendar, Pesach, Tanakh, Torah, Vayikra (Leviticus), Tzav
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…
Jewish calendar, Purim
Take live online courses with our world-class faculty, from Tanakh to Talmud to Text Skills and beyond.
Explore the diverse array of books authored by Pardes teachers.
Use our search tool to find the Pardes program that fits your schedule.