Pardes (Jewish Text Interpretation) in 10 Minutes

Four layers, one text, and a mystical orchard that changed the way Jews read the Torah—today we're entering Pardes. On this episode of our daily Jewish podcast, we're unpacking the classic framework of Peshat, Remez, Derash, and Sod—the four dimensions of interpretation that move from simple meaning to hidden secrets. Is the Torah meant to be read plainly, symbolically, homiletically, mystically—or all at once? We'll explore where this interpretive model comes from, how it shaped rabbinic and Kabbalistic thought, and why Jewish learning has always embraced depth beneath the surface. Step carefully—this orchard has layers, and not everyone who entered came out the same.