Rabbi Rafael J. Polisuk teaches Talmud, Tanakh and Jewish Thought at Pardes. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rafael made aliyah and studied at Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav. Rafael co-founded and led the Seed Beit Midrash initiative of Bnei Akiva Israel, helping cultivate young Torah leadership communities throughout the country. He received rabbinic ordination in 2024 through the Yashrut Semikha initiative led by Rabbi Daniel Landes.
Rafael is deeply engaged in social and spiritual activism, with a particular focus on LGBTQ inclusion within the Orthodox community. A believer in rigorous and vibrant Torah learning as the moral and spiritual center of Jewish life, he works to foster greater belonging and tolerance through a Torah-rooted approach.
What was Korach really fighting for? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Raphael Polisuk explore Parshat Korach. They revisit Korach’s rebellion not just as a political protest, but as a sincere—and dangerous—desire for closeness to God. Drawing connections to…
Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Korach, Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast
Why does the Torah spend so much time repeating the Mishkan’s details? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk explore Parshat Pekudei and its surprising focus on repetition and detail. They unpack the final verses of Sefer Shemot,…
Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast, Tanakh, Torah, Shemot (Exodus), Pekudei
How does the Torah guide us to create sacred spaces in moments of transition and uncertainty? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk explore Yaakov’s profound journey in Parshat Vayetze. Together, they delve into Yaakov’s encounter with the…
Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast, Tanakh, Torah, Bereishit (Genesis), Vayetzei
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…
Tanakh, Torah, Devarim (Deuteronomy), Ki Tavo, Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast
How do ancient trumpets teach us about modern journeys and transitions? In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Rafael Polisuk delve into Parshat Behalotcha, highlighting the themes of journey and transition within the Torah portion. They discuss the creation…
Tanakh, Torah, Bamidbar (Numbers), Beha’alotcha, Podcast series, Pardes Parsha Podcast
Join Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week as he delves deep into the rich theological tapestry of Purim alongside Rafael Polisuk. Together, they explore the intricate messages woven into the fabric of the holiday and the profound challenges encountered by the…
Jewish calendar, Purim, Tanakh, Torah, Vayikra (Leviticus), Vayikra