Daf 13B: Falling Asleep in the Middle of Krias Shma
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Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman reviews the Gemara’s discussion of a case where one falls asleep in the middle of reciting the Shma prayer.
Author: Baila Greenblatt
What Your Parents Never Saw
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Mrs. Chana Prero analyzes the use of G-d’s different names at the beginning of parsha.
Rav E.E. Dessler
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller talks about the life and accomplishment of Rav Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler, one of the foremost products of the Kelm Yeshiva.
The Greater Good
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On Parshat Va’eira, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the first passuk of the parsha, which contains Hashem’s rebuke to Moshe.
Kelm, Part 2
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller continues to explore the nature and accomplishments of the famed yeshiva of Kelm, known as the breeding ground of gedolim, Torah giants.
Perek 11
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches perakim 10 and 11, which deal with the prophesies of the destruction of the city of Jerusalem and the devastation of the Jewish people.
The Ways of G-d
Posted onThe Immortal Donkey?
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes Moshe’s actions after he leaves the burning bush.
Batya, Devoted Daughter
Posted onOn Parshat Shemot, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Batya, Pharaoh’s daughter, who offers insight into our own lives.
Perek 9: Changing a G-dly Decree
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches perek 9. This perek deals with the difference between a heavenly decree before and after it was finalized, and also shows that everything in this world comes from direct Divine planning and intervention, and not through the laws of cause and effect.
Fullfilling the Will of G-d
Posted onRabbi Michael Taubes continues learning Pirkei Avot, focusing on the teachings of Hillel.
Novardok and Kelm
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller speaks about one of Rav Yisrael Salanter’s primary disciples, Rav Simcha Zissel Ziv, the Alter of Kelm, and the famed yeshiva which he founded.
Ma’arichin B’Echad
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman explains the discussion in the Gemara that one should elongate and emphasize the last word of Kriat Shma, ‘Echad’.
Evil Eye
Posted onOn Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the whole concept of the ayin hara (evil eye) and the idea that Yosef and his descendants are above the ayin hara.
Perek 8: Yerushalayim in Ruins
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller describes Yechezkel’s vision of the destruction of Yerushalayim and its causes, and shows how these prophesies are still relevant today.
Father’s Merit
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses why the blessings to Yaakov invoke Hashem as G-d of Yitzchak and not as G-d of Avraham.
Kavana During Kriat Shema
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the different views of at what point during Kriat Shema one must have kanava.
Dual Flames
Posted onOn Parshat Vayigash, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the Midrash on the Passuk that says that Yaakov sent Yehuda ahead to Egypt. He was sent ahead to Egypt to make this havdala between the holiness of living a Torah life and the darkness of Egypt.
False Prophesies
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains the nature of false prophets, and their destructive influence on the Jewish people.
Holy Hair
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains the pesukim describing Hashem’s command to Yechezkel to shave his hair as a sign of the impending destruction of Yerushalayim.
Yosef’s Dreams
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes Yosef’s dreams. (This class, based on classical Biblical commentaries, does not assume any prior knowledge of Hebrew or familiarity with textual study.)
Kriat Shma in Other Languages
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the possibility of fulfilling the mitzva of Kriat Shma by reciting the Shma prayer in languages other than Hebrew.
Our Forefathers’ Blessings
Posted onChana Prero analyzes the six blessings G-d gives Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
Teachings of Hillel
Posted onRabbi Michael Taubes discusses the teachings from the great Jewish sage, Hillel.
The Rambam’s Shita on Mitzvot Tzrichot Kavana
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman presents an overview of the Rambam’s opinion abut whether a person must have intention to fulfill a mitzva in order to be yotzeh that mitzva.
Perakim 5 & 6
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains how the prophecies will take place.
The Collateral
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An explanation of the significance of each of the items Yehuda gave Tamar as collateral.
Kever Rachel
Posted onOn Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the concept of Kever Rachel, and why Rachel is buried “baderech,” on the way.
Yaakov’s Escape from Lavan
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explores the classical commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the events surrounding Yaakov’s departure from Lavan.
Perek 4: Symbols of Atonement
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches perek 4 in Sefer Yechezkel. Yechezkel is told to perform all sorts of symbolic actions as both a prophesy of future events and as a way to be mechaper (to atone) for the sins of Klal Yisrael before the Churban (destruction of the Beit Hamikdash).