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 perception of the Jewish people by outsiders. They discuss the narrative of Bilaam’s blessings and curses, emphasizing the concept of being a “nation that dwells alone.” The conversation examines the modern implications of these lessons, focusing on the balance between maintaining a unique identity and integrating into the broader world, the political isolation of Israel, and the challenges faced by Jews globally.

Credits:
Rabbi Avi Spodek – Pardes Faculty
Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem

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.