VaEra 5785: The Power of Mahloket

The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies Podcast Network

This week’s podcast is sponsored in memory of Dr. Jack Jaffe, Yaakov Zev ben Elchanon. Doctor, community leader, and fervent Zionist. Sponsored by his children, Ari and Marlyn, Reva and Sheldon, Leah and Simon, and Ezra and Marla, as well as his 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Can difficult conversations foster growth? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer examine Parshat Vaera through the lens of conflict, focusing on the ongoing mahloket (dispute) between God and Pharaoh. They explore Moshe's role as an emissary, the dynamics of hardening hearts, and how God’s approach to Pharaoh models lessons for engaging in difficult conversations. With connections to contemporary struggles, they emphasize the importance of seeing the bigger picture and humanizing our opponents. This episode uses Pardes' Mahloket Matters methodology to navigate complex disagreements, offering valuable tools for constructive dialogue. Learn more about Mahloket Matters.