Free Daily Podcast Summary
Pardes from Jerusalem: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies
Pardes from Jerusalem features a weekly discussion using Torah, Talmud and other Jewish texts to explain themes from the weekly Torah portion. The Pardes faculty is featured each week. For more information about all Pardes programs and events visit www.pardes.org.il.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days ago42 min
Korach 5786: The Price of Leadership
How do we balance the desire for equality with the need for leadership? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Dr. Yosefa Vogel-Rubel explore Parshat Korach and the challenge of leadership in a community under strain. Looking beyond the rebellion itself, they focus on its aftermath—how the Torah responds to dissent, fear, and competing visions of authority. Through the roles of Moses, Aaron, and the Levites, the conversation examines the responsibilities that come with leadership and the difficult balance between equality, hierarchy, and communal stability.
- 1 weeks ago30 min
Shlach 5786: Faith and Failure
How do we know when caution is wisdom—and when it’s holding us back? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore the story of the spies in Parshat Shlach and its connection to Tisha B’Av. Reflecting on the people’s fear of entering the Land of Israel, they examine the tension between caution and courage, realism and hope. Drawing connections to later moments in Jewish history, including the Bar Kokhba revolt, the conversation asks how we balance honest assessment with the faith and confidence needed to move forward.
- 3 weeks ago36 min
Beha'alotcha 5786: The Edge of Belonging
What does it take to move from the edge of belonging into shared commitment? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Deborah Anstandig explore Parshat Beha’alotcha as the Jewish people prepare to begin their journey through the wilderness. Focusing on Moses’ invitation to Chovav to join the people, they reflect on what it means to stand at the edge of belonging—drawn toward a shared mission, yet uncertain about fully joining it. As the parashah unfolds with anxiety, disagreement, and tension at the edges of the camp, the conversation asks how communities make space for uncertainty while remaining committed to a collective journey.
- May 17, 202639 min
Shavuot 5786: Beyond Obligation
What happens when we stop asking what’s required of us—and start asking what more we can do? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman explore Megillat Ruth and the relationship between law and kindness. Through the choices of Ruth, Boaz, and the often-overlooked Orpah, they examine what it means to go beyond obligation and respond to others with generosity, loyalty, and moral courage. The conversation reflects on how Jewish law can shape a society of care—not only by defining what is required, but by encouraging us to notice opportunities for deeper human connection.
- May 11, 202630 min
Bamidbar 5786: Jerusalem Together
What kind of Jerusalem are we hoping to build together? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Tovah Leah Nachmani reflect on Parshat Bamidbar and the meaning of Yom Yerushalayim. Framing the Jewish journey through the wilderness as an ongoing process of growth and becoming, they explore Jerusalem not only as a city, but as a vision of connection, responsibility, and shared purpose. The conversation asks how we can hold onto hope for Jerusalem’s future while creating space for difference and working toward a more connected society.
- May 3, 202635 min
Behar–Bechukotai 5786: Limits and Responsibility
What kind of responsibility do we carry for the world we’re living in? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer explore Parshat Behar–Bechukotai and the connection between social responsibility and spiritual consequence. Through the laws of Shemitah and Yovel, they examine how the Torah builds a society rooted in limits, care, and mutual responsibility. Against that backdrop, the blessings and curses of Bechukotai raise a deeper question: how should we understand the relationship between our actions and the realities we face? The conversation challenges us to reflect not only on belief, but on behavior—and what it means to build a just and ethical community.
- Apr 26, 202634 min
Emor 5786: Meeting in Time
What if the holidays are less about remembering—and more about connecting? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk explore Parshat Emor and the meaning of sacred time. Focusing on the idea of moed, they suggest that holidays are not only about remembering the past, but about creating moments of connection. The conversation invites us to see these days as opportunities to come together and encounter something deeper.
- Apr 20, 202634 min
Kedoshim 5786: Learning to Love
What does it take to truly love your neighbor as yourself? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Kedoshim and its central call: “You shall be holy.” Moving from foundational commandments to the demand to love one’s neighbor, they examine how holiness is shaped not only by laws, but by character. Through rabbinic interpretation, they show how seemingly simple mitzvot expand into a deeper ethic—challenging us to move beyond competition, judgment, and instinct toward empathy, responsibility, and generosity. The conversation asks how we train ourselves, step by step, to become people capable of genuine love.
About Pardes from Jerusalem
Pardes from Jerusalem features a weekly discussion using Torah, Talmud and other Jewish texts to explain themes from the weekly Torah portion. The Pardes faculty is featured each week. For more information about all Pardes programs and events visit www.pardes.org.il.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Pardes from Jerusalem in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Pardes from Jerusalem daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Pardes from Jerusalem as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Pardes from Jerusalem podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Pardes from Jerusalem product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Pardes from Jerusalem release new episodes?
Pardes from Jerusalem publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Pardes from Jerusalem cover?
Pardes from Jerusalem covers topics including Education, Religion & Spirituality, Spirituality, Judaism. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Pardes from Jerusalem summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.