Why are “supporting characters” so vital in Torah narratives?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Chayei Sarah, focusing on the remarkable qualities of Rivka and Eliezer. Rivka’s extraordinary acts of chesed (kindness) and Eliezer’s … Read the rest

The post Chayei Sarah 5785: Chesed and Devotion first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

Continue reading Chayei Sarah 5785: Chesed and Devotion at Elmad Online Learning.

Why might kindness be perceived as weakness, and what does Avraham’s response teach us?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Leon Morris examine Avraham’s moral decisions in Parshat Vayera, focusing on the qualities that led to the downfall of … Read the rest

The post Vayera 5785: Justice and Mercy first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

Continue reading Vayera 5785: Justice and Mercy at Elmad Online Learning.

What can Avraham’s journey teach us about finding inner light when surrounded by uncertainty?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Nechama Goldman Barash to delve into Parshat Lech Lecha. They discuss the complex dynamics between Sarai and … Read the rest

The post Lech Lecha 5785: Light in the Darkness first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

Continue reading Lech Lecha 5785: Light in the Darkness at Elmad Online Learning.

How can we remain hopeful amid life’s turbulent “floodwaters”?

In this week’s Parshat Noach episode, Zvi Hirschfield is joined by Yiscah Smith to explore the relevance of Noah’s story and how, even amid overwhelming turmoil, one can find an “ark” … Read the rest

The post Noach 5785: Navigating Stormy Waters first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

Continue reading Noach 5785: Navigating Stormy Waters at Elmad Online Learning.

This week’s podcast is sponsored by Simonne Abadee in celebration of the beginning of our creation, the new year, and a new reading of our Torah, offering the chance to engage anew in our learning.
Ten years ago, Simonne came … Read the rest

The post Beresheit 5785: Beginnings and Fractures first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

Continue reading Beresheit 5785: Beginnings and Fractures at Elmad Online Learning.

How can embracing vulnerability lead to a deeper sense of joy during Sukkot?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy delve into the paradox of Sukkot, exploring how vulnerability and joy are deeply intertwined in the festival. … Read the rest

The post Sukkot 5785: Vulnerability and Joy first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

Continue reading Sukkot 5785: Vulnerability and Joy at Elmad Online Learning.

What role does vulnerability play in the Yom Kippur process of teshuvah?

In this Yom Kippur-focused episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Elisha Ancselovits explore how to approach this sacred day following a year marked by deep pain and loss. … Read the rest

The post Yom Kippur 5785: Forgiveness and Growth first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

Continue reading Yom Kippur 5785: Forgiveness and Growth at Elmad Online Learning.

This Rosh Hashana podcast is sponsored by Ricki and Dr. David I. 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 … Read the rest

The post Rosh Hashana 5785: Renewal in Challenging Times first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

Continue reading Rosh Hashana 5785: Renewal in Challenging Times at Elmad Online Learning.

How do words of encouragement shape Joshua’s leadership and the future of the Jewish people?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer explore Parshat Vayelech, focusing on the leadership transition from Moshe to Yehoshua. Join them and dive into … Read the rest

The post Nitzavim – Vayelich 5784: Empowering Leadership first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

Continue reading Nitzavim – Vayelich 5784: Empowering Leadership at Elmad Online Learning.

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Raphael Polisuk delve into the covenant ceremony at Har Grizim and Har Eval in Parshat Ki Tavo. They explore how this moment of blessings and curses establishes a collective responsibility among the Jewish … Read the rest

The post Ki Tavo 5784: Collective Responsibility first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

Continue reading Ki Tavo 5784: Collective Responsibility at Elmad Online Learning.

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore the mitzvah of Shiluach HaKen (sending away the mother bird) in Parshat Ki Teitzei. They discuss how this seemingly small commandment reflects deeper values of compassion and limits on consumption. … Read the rest

The post Ki Teitzei 5784: Compassion and Limits first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

Continue reading Ki Teitzei 5784: Compassion and Limits at Elmad Online Learning.