Torah | Elmad Online Learning Torah Podcasts, Online Jewish Learning: Recent Episodes
Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies
What does it take to build a society where justice is truly shared?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Tani Cohen-Fraade explore Parshat Shoftim and the Torah’s vision for building a just society. Through judges, kings, priests, and prophets, they … Read the rest
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What does it really mean to “see” God’s presence in everyday life?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith explore Parshat Re’eh through Moshe’s opening command, “See.” Drawing on the Malbim, Hasidic thought, Rabbi Alan Lew, and the prophet … Read the rest
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What if our failures aren’t the end of the story—but the place where real growth begins?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Ekev and Moses’ surprisingly stern message to the Jewish people before they … Read the rest
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What if the deepest purpose of prayer isn’t to change God—but to change us?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Shmuel Rosenberg explore Parshat Va’etchanan through Moses’ heartfelt plea to enter the Land of Israel. Reflecting on unanswered prayer, … Read the rest
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How do we know when humility is helping us—and when it’s holding us back?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer explore Parshat Devarim through the inner world of Moses as he prepares to say goodbye to the Jewish … Read the rest
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What if the deepest expression of Torah isn’t having the right answers—but being willing to listen?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk conclude the Book of Bamidbar by exploring why it ends not with a dramatic event, … Read the rest
The post Mattot Masei 5786: Torah in Conversation first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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What does it take for forgiveness to be real?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore Parshat Ha’azinu and the themes of Yom Kippur through the lens of sin, forgiveness, and reconciliation. They examine the Talmudic … Read the rest
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What does it mean to write Torah for ourselves today?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Vayelech . Join them as they discuss Moshe’s completion of the Torah, the mitzvah for every Jew to write … Read the rest
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How do the tears of our ancestors guide our prayers today?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Shalhevet Cahana prepare for Rosh Hashanah through the lens of Parshat Netzavim and the holiday’s Torah readings. They explore the sound of … Read the rest
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How can gratitude transform even the darkest moments into growth?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Tal Sessler explore Parshat Ki Tavo and its message of gratitude, resilience, and meaning. From the mitzvah of bringing first fruits to … Read the rest
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Do our moral obligations change when we go to war?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Ki Teitzei and its surprising focus on the ethics of war. From the command to remember Amalek to … Read the rest
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When tragedy strikes, what does true responsibility look like?
In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Sefi Kraut explore Parshat Shoftim and the strange ritual of the eglah arufah—the ceremony performed when a murder goes unsolved. They discuss how Torah refuses … Read the rest
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What can a giant teach us about overcoming obstacles and building a better society?
In this episode, Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Haim Shalom delve into the Parsha of Devarim, highlighting the significance of Moshe’s speeches as the Jewish people stand … Read the rest
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What drives someone to take extreme action in the name of faith?
In this week’s episode Rabbi Dr. Howard Markose and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield unravel the gripping narrative of Parsha Pinchas. Join them as they dive into a tale where … Read the rest
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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 … Read the rest
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Why does a ritual meant to purify others render the priest impure?
In this week’s episode, Join guest host, Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash and Dr. Daniel Reifman as they delve into the perplexing ritual of the red heifer, emphasizing the … Read the rest
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How do we navigate leadership challenges and personal ambition in times of crisis?
In this week’s episode, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer delve into Parsha Korach, exploring leadership and rebellion within the context of the Jewish people’s journey through … Read the rest
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What do you do when reality falls short of high expectations?
In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy delve into the Parsha of Shlach, highlighting the challenges and disappointments faced by the Jewish people on the … Read the rest
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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 … Read the rest
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How does our unique role strengthen the Jewish communities?
In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hatton delve into Parshat Naso, highlighting the importance of each person’s contributions to the community. They discuss how the counting of the … Read the rest
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How does the Jewish people’s journey through the desert shape our approach to Torah?
In this week’s episode, Rabbi Leon Morris and Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield explore the theme of openness in Torah study, using the wilderness in the Midbar as … Read the rest
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Can we approach the Torah as a rational guide for living wisely while allowing space for genuine emotional and spiritual experiences?
In this week’s episode, Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield delve into the concept of reward and … Read the rest
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Why is Mount Sinai mentioned in connection with the laws of Shmitta (Sabbatical year) and Yovel (Jubilee year)?
In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rachel Friedrichs delve into the profound significance of this week’s Torah portion of Behar … Read the rest
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How do we approach texts in our traditions that seem to discriminate against or exclude certain groups of people?
In this thought-provoking discussion, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Haim Shalom wrestle with the disqualification of kohanim (priests) with physical deformities … Read the rest
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In a world rife with conflict and oversimplified narratives about “the other,” how can we embody true holiness by cultivating empathy, humility, and deeper human connection?
Rabbi Brent Spodek joins our host Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week for a thought-provoking … Read the rest
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How can the Jewish people maintain a sense of unity and connection as a nation despite geographical separation and divergent experiences between the Diaspora and Israel?
In this week’s episode, Rabba Shani Gross joins us from afar for a discussion … Read the rest
The post Acharei Mot 5784: A People Apart first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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Can we uncover hidden blessings, even from within painful experiences? Join us this week as we delve into the profound purification rituals surrounding the mysterious affliction of tzara’at (often translated as “leprosy”) in the weekly Torah portion of Metzora.
In … Read the rest
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How do we navigate the tension between devotion to mitzvot and the pursuit of understanding their significance in our lives?
In this week’s parsha, we explore the seemingly archaic ritual purity laws. Rabbi Michael Hattin joins the discussion to highlight … Read the rest
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In this week’s episode, we navigate the complexities of failure and growth in the aftermath of pivotal moments in the Tanakh.
Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy draws a parallel between the incidents of the Golden Calf and the death of Aaron’s … Read the rest
The post Shemini 5784: Going Beyond Our Mistakes first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash joins us this week for an investigation of the eternal flame that burned upon the altar.
Contemplating the balance between the passion of the burning fire and the steadfastness of its daily lighting, Zvi and Nechama … Read the rest
The post Tzav 5784: Kindling the Spirit first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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Join Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week as he delves deep into the rich theological tapestry of Purim alongside Rafael Polisuk. Together, they explore the intricate messages woven into the fabric of the holiday and the profound challenges encountered by the … Read the rest
The post Vayikra/Purim 5784: For God or King? first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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In what way does the Mishkan (Tabernacle) serve as a metaphor for organizing one’s relationship with God, oneself, and others?
This week, we’re joined by Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman for a discussion of the meticulous detailing of the construction of … Read the rest
The post Pekudei 5784: Constructing Connection first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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This Rosh Hashana podcast is sponsored by Ricki and David Bernstein in memory of Ricki’s parents, Beatrice and Murray Kirschblat z”l, survivors of Auschwitz and Buchenwald, respectively. Beatrice and Murray were each the sole survivors of large families which perished … Read the rest
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Rabbi Michael Hattin returns to the studio to discuss this week’s double-parsha, Nitzavim-Vayelech and how the Torah teaches us to live within the tension of accepting imperfections while striving to always improve ourselves.
As the Children of Israel stand poised … Read the rest
The post Nitzavim-Vayelech 5783: A Covenantal Relationship first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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Zvi is joined this week by Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy, who shares with us her insights into connecting our personal story to the story of the Jewish people, and doing so can give us the gift of gratitude and generosity. … Read the rest
The post Ki Tavo 5783: How Do I Tell Our Story? first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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In this week’s episode, Zvi is joined by Yiscah Smith for a discussion of the mitzvah of “sending away the mother bird,” and how the Talmudic rejection of finding reasons for the commandment became an invitation for Hasidic thinkers to … Read the rest
The post Ki Tetze 5783: It Starts From Below first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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What are the three kinds of leadership the Torah requires the Jewish people to create when they become Sovereign in their own Land? What are their roles and the potential dangers inherent in the powers they hold?
In this week’s … Read the rest
The post Shoftim 5783: Navigating the Dynamics of Leadership first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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Zvi is joined across the ocean with Pardes North America faculty member Rabbi Brent Spodek, host of Good Jewish Lover, to discuss the weekly parsha. Brent discusses our tendency to lean on core negative images, failing to see ourselves as … Read the rest
The post Re’eh 5783: Growth is Possible first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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Are we truly able to be aware of and appreciate the blessings in our lives?
This week, Zvi is joined in the Pardes from Jerusalem studio by Rabbi Michael Hattin. Michael shares with us how Parshat Ekev teaches us about … Read the rest
The post Ekev 5783: Pathways to Gratitude first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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Join Pardes President Rabbi Leon Morris joined Zvi in the studio to discuss his personal journey on a path to Jewish practice. Listen in as Leon combines insight into the text with the practice of tefillin, to show us how … Read the rest
The post VaEtchanan 5783: The Embodiment of Love first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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How are we able to live in the past, future and present all at the same time?
Aviva Lauer, Director of the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators, joined Zvi to discuss Devarim and Moshe’s opening speech for the final book … Read the rest
The post Devarim 5783: Listening Between the Lines first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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In this week’s episode, Zvi is joined by Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy for an exploration of Matot and Massei, discussing the challenging tale of the tribes who chose not to settle in the land of Israel.
Meesh offers us different … Read the rest
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In this week’s episode, Zvi is joined by Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash in an exploration of Parshat Pinchas and the story of the Daughters of Zelophehad.
Zvi and Nechama discuss the transformative role of the Daughters of Zelophehad in creating … Read the rest
The post Pinchas 5783: Finding Their Voice first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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In what ways might we find deeper meaning to our parsha through an examination of the haftarah?
In this week’s podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Amirit Rosen to discuss one of the wildest stories of the Torah, … Read the rest
The post Balak 5783: The View from the Inside first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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How is it possible for a relationship to be strengthened through conflict?
In this week’s podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Brent Spodek, Pardes North America faculty member and host of Good Jewish Lover. Together, they discuss the … Read the rest
The post Chukat 5783: Loving Conflict first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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How we can have hard conversations that lead to growth and renewed relationship, as opposed to anger and distance?
In this week’s Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Pardes Faculty member Sefi Kraut, one of Pardes’s lead educators … Read the rest
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How can we connect with the Godliness within ourselves?
In this week’s Parsha Podcast, our host, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield, is joined by Pardes faculty member Yischa Smith to discuss the failure of the spies sent ahead of the tribes of … Read the rest
The post Shelach 5783: Real Self-Confidence is Born in Faith first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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Imagine being on a journey filled with excitement and hope, only to have it quickly derailed. That’s exactly what happens in this week’s parsha. What causes this sudden shift, and what can we learn from it?
In this week’s Parsha … Read the rest
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What threats and opportunities can their be found in the concept of vows as presented through Judaism?
In this week’s Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Daniel Reifman for an exploration of this week’s parsha. Together, we … Read the rest
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Can pluralism and individuality enhance our sense of a shared framework and obligation to one another?
In this week’s Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Jonathan Leener, Pardes North America Faculty Associate, for an exploration of this … Read the rest
The post Bamidbar 5783: A Different Flag for Each Tribe first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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How do the restrictions and limitations of the Sabbatical and Jubilee years shape our understanding of power, ownership, and social responsibility?
In this week’s Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbi Elchanan Miller for an exploration of the … Read the rest
The post Behar – Bechukotai 5783: The Boundaries of Love first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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How do build a community that is both coherent and inclusive? In this week’s Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash for a discussion on the tragic episode of the blasphemer, and how the search … Read the rest
The post Emor 5783: The Power and Pain of Exclusion first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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How do we balance a sense of reverence and our desire for closeness with the Divine? In this week’s episode of the Pardes Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash for a discussion on boundaries … Read the rest
The post Acharei Mot – Kedoshim 5783: Boundaries and Making Space for the Other first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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How do we make sense of Divine reward and punishment in our complex world? In this week’s episode of the Pardes Parsha Podcast, Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Dean Emeritus Dr. David I. Bernstein for a discussion on theodicy, … Read the rest
The post Tazria-Metzora 5783: Uncertainty & Divine Providence first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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Is there a reason behind the laws of keeping kosher? Join Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Elisha Ancselovits as they tackle this question, exploring the various explanations for these laws and unpacking Rabbi Elisha’s personal theory.
Credits: Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield … Read the rest
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So much of Sefer Vayikra (the Book of Leviticus) is steeped in concepts that are foreign to us today – the temple cult, the offering of sacrifices – that it’s de rigueur to assume we won’t understand or care very … Read the rest
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The Sanctuary’s washbasin came from mirrors donated by the Israelite women. Yet, Rashi’s comment raises some doubts that Moses had regarding the propriety of using these mirrors, items that are generally used for feminine beautification. This opens a discussion of … Read the rest
The post Vayakhel-Pekudei 5783: The Washbasin – Sanctuary and Sexuality first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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Rabbi Elisha Anscelovitz and Yiscah Smith discuss the historical roots of Purim as an agricultural holiday while drawing from the Hasidic masters to help us find deeper meaning to the holiday.
Credits –Rabbi Elisha Anscelovitz and Yiscah Smith – … Read the rest
The post Purim 5783: Divinity Within a Blade of Grass first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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This podcast is in memory of Arlene Ruby Harel z”l upon the occasion of her first yahrzeit. Arlene’s welcoming, free-spirited nature, warmth, authenticity, candor, humor and openness is missed deeply by all of us who were privileged to work with … Read the rest
The post Terumah 5783: Knowing God first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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Parshat Mishpatim tells us that we should distance ourselves from lying. Join Pardes faculty members Yiscah Smith and Rabbi Dr. Howard Markose for an exploration of why human beings lie, similarities between the Torah and Hammurabi’s Code, and Divine compassion.… Read the rest
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In Yitro, we see Moses learn that it takes more to be a public religious leader than simply being a person of faith. How does Moses learn to be a person who has experienced faith on a personal level bring … Read the rest
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In this week’s parsha podcast, Rabbis Amirit Rosen and Elisha Anscelovitz discuss Shirat Hayam, the Song of the Sea, and the importance of taking pauses in life.
Credits:Rabbi Amirit Rosen and Rabbi Elisha Anscelovits – Pardes Faculty… Read the rest
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Alex Israel and Sefi Kraut discuss the concept of the New Moon and the notion of time: the freedom to take control of our own time, the calendar as a nation-building tool, the challenge of procrastination, and the gift of … Read the rest
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How can we understand the setting of this week’s parsha? What is this place that Ya’akov comes to, and why at nighttime? Rabbi Leon Morris and Rabbi Daniel Reifman discuss the journey the journeys and travails of Ya’akov in this … Read the rest
The post Parashat Vayetze 5783: Our Heads and Our Hearts first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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Credits: Judy Klitsner and Rabbi Elchanan Miller – Pardes Faculty
… Read the rest
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Parashat Chayei Sarah and Preparing for Thanksgiving.
Credits: Tovah Leah Nachmani and Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty
… Read the rest
The post Parashat Chayei Sarah 5783 – Where Would I Be Without You: Perks and Pitfalls of Gratitude first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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Are we blinded by our reading of the text? When we read about characters that are often portrayed negatively, such as Ishmael, are we truly giving them a chance? And what about our heroes? Are we allowing figures, such as … Read the rest
The post Parashat Vayera 5783: Examining Our Own Narratives first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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In this week’s Torah portion, we examine a story that many today would consider jarring. How do we take the afflictions placed upon the Egyptians for Sarah’s kidnapping? Was Sarah a victim or Pharoah and patriarchy, or were the Egyptians … Read the rest
The post Parashat Lech Lecha 5783: The Beauty of Sarah first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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Rabbis Meesh Hammer-Kossoy and Elisha Ancselovits bring poetry, midrash, Talmud and a Nobel Prize winning economist into dialogue about how Noah and the 7 Noahide laws are relevant to our current climate crisis.
Credits: Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy and Rabbi … Read the rest
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Bereishit takes us from Creation to God’s decision to destroy the world. From “Tov” – a world filled with good – to “Ra” – a world in which evil prevails.
How do we get there?
In this podcast, Alex Israel … Read the rest
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Ha’azinu speaks of God as a parent, as the Being that created and formed us all. What implications does this fact have for our spirituality and consciousness? Yiscah Smith presents a teaching of the Hassidic master – the Piazecne Rabbe, … Read the rest
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How does the law of bikkurim (sacrifice of the first fruits) relate to the Exodus from Egypt? Why does the blessing from the farmer use the plural tense, and why would a farmer who had never experienced the Exodus need … Read the rest
The post Ki Tavo: History and Memory – The Declaration of the First Fruits first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.
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This week’s parsha depicts four modes of administration in ancient Israel. What are these four centers of societal leadership, and how do they interact? How does our parsha give us room to consider our own political climate? What does this … Read the rest
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In this week’s Pardes Parsha Podcast, Aviva Lauer joins Rabbi Michael Hattin to discuss parashat Re’eh.
As the people of Israel prepare for their entry into the land of Israel, Moses teaches them that God will choose the place for … Read the rest
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