About the Course
What gives Jewish customs their authority, and what happens when the practices of one community encounter those of another? Through a close study of the fourth chapter of Tractate Pesachim, this six-part course will uncover the nuances of Talmudic discussions and debates while exploring different models of communal authority. Studying the Talmudic texts and commentaries (in translation), we will develop a deeper philosophical understanding of customs as expressions of communal identity and explore the tensions that arise when Jews with different backgrounds, inherited practices, and traditions come together. Closed Captioning will be available for this course. DATES: Tuesdays, Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026 TIME: 9:00-10:00 AM Pacific / 12:00-1:00 PM Eastern / 5:00-6:00 PM UK / 7:00-8:00 PM Israel **Note: Due to the clock change in the UK and Israel on October 25th, the session on Oct 27th will take place at: 9:00-10:00 AM Pacific / 12:00-1:00 PM Eastern / 4:00-5:00 PM UK / 6:00-7:00 PM Israel
What to expect in this course:
Class style
Lecture + interactive discussion
Participation
Questions welcomed throughout
Source sheets and materials
Will be shared via a link in the chat during the session and will be shown on-screen during the session
Meet Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield
Zvi teaches Talmud, Halakha and Jewish Thought at Pardes. In addition, Zvi is a faculty member of the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators and has been training and mentoring Jewish Educators for over ten years in Tefilah in educational settings, critical issues in modern Jewish thought, and Israel education. Zvi holds a B.A. in History from Columbia University and did graduate work at Harvard University in Medieval and Modern Jewish Thought. He studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Israel and has rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. He was the director of Judaica at the JCC of Cleveland and an instructor at the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies for many years. He also serves as a curriculum writer and is involved in staff training for the Nesiya Institute. His wife, Dina, is a faculty member of the Hebrew University School of Public Health, and they have four children.
Ready to uncover the Talmud’s take on Jewish identity?
Enroll now to deepen your understanding of Jewish custom and community – and your appreciation of Talmudic discussion.
$100.00