What does it mean to see each moment as either a blessing or a curse? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith explore Parshat Re’eh and Moshe’s call to “see” the blessing and the curse. They discuss how Torah…
Tanakh, Torah, Devarim (Deuteronomy), Re’eh
This week’s episode is generously sponsored by Emily Simon, in honor of all the teachers and students she has learned from at Pardes—especially through the weekly Parsha podcast. Is living in the Land of Israel the greatest blessing—or the greatest…
Tanakh, Torah, Devarim (Deuteronomy), Eikev
What does Torah teach us about the possibility of starting over? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Wapner explore Parshat Va’etchanan through the unexpected appearance of the cities of refuge. They reflect on Moshe’s personal history as someone who…
Tanakh, Torah, Devarim (Deuteronomy), Va’etchanan
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
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
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
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 current war with Iran. They reflect on the mysterious sin of Moshe…
Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Chukat
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…
Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Korach
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…
Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Shelach
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
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…
Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Naso
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…
Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Bamidbar
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