Rabbi Michael Hattin is Senior Faculty at Pardes, where he teaches Tanakh and Halakha. He has rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Har Etzion and holds a professional degree in architecture from the University of Toronto.
Michael is the author of multiple books on Tanakh, with a special focus on Nevi’im Rishonim. He speaks English, Hebrew, and Yiddish fluently, and has served as scholar-in-residence in communities throughout North America and Europe. Michael lives in Alon Shvut with his wife Rivka and their children.
Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Chayei Sarah and Rivka’s kindness, asking how we inherit a spiritual legacy and make it our own.
Tanakh, Torah, Bereishit (Genesis), Personalities, Biblical personalities, Chayei Sarah
What does it really mean to be created in God’s image? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore one of the Torah’s most intriguing descriptions of humanity: “Let us make the human in our image.” Through different…
Tanakh, Torah, Bereishit (Genesis), Bereishit, Self & spirituality, Mussar
What makes a good leader? What happens when power, faith, ambition, and human weakness collide? Hosted by Pardes faculty member Rabbi Michael Hattin, Crises & Kings is an in-depth journey through the Book of Samuel, one of Tanakh’s most dramatic…
Podcast series, Crises & Kings
The Passover Seder, a lengthy, ritual meal commemorating our liberation from Egyptian bondage over three thousand years ago, is the most-widely observed tradition among Jews today. Jews of every denomination gather with family, friends, and community to recount the story…
Jewish calendar, Pesach
Why did the generation of miracles still fear the land ahead? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Shlach and the story of the spies. They examine the conflicting accounts, debate who bears responsibility for the…
Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Shelach
What does Yitro teach us about choosing Torah instead of receiving it by force? Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Yitro, highlighting the contrast between Amalek’s hostility and Yitro’s embrace of the Jewish people. They discuss Yitro’s journey…
Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast, Tanakh, Torah, Shemot (Exodus), Yitro
What can Yaakov’s struggle teach us about the complexities of identity and faith? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin delve into Yaakov’s dramatic encounter with the mysterious “Ish” in Parshat Vayishlach. They explore themes of personal transformation,…
Tanakh, Torah, Bereishit (Genesis), Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast, Vayishlach
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.…
Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast
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…
Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Naso, Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast
A thought-provoking study of the weekly parasha, deftly weaving literary analysis with selected teachings of classical commentary.
A vivid study of the Book of Joshua, showing how the challenges of possessing a new land can illuminate contemporary realities.
A highly readable introduction to the Book of Judges, combining imaginative sweep with close analysis of the biblical text.