Tamar’s Intentions
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An exploration of Tamar’s intentions in initiating a relationship with Yehuda.
Author: Baila Greenblatt
Secretive Signs
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On Parshat Vayetzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the episode of Rachel sharing Yaakov’s and her secret signs with Leah.
Parshat Toldot
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Mrs. Chana Prero explores the classical commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the blessings that Yaakov and Eisav received from Yitzchak.
The Power of Intent
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Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman explicates the Talmud’s discussion of ‘Hakoreh BaTorah Im Kiven Libo’, one who reads from the Torah and has intent to be yotzei the mitzva of Kriat Shma.
Interrupting the Shema
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the parameters which allow one to interrupt the recitation of Kriat Shma.
Yehuda’s Intentions
Posted onAn explanation of Yehuda’s intentions ,his motivation in being with Tamar, and his mindset at the time.
Emerging Worlds
Posted onOn Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the different worldviews and dynamics of Yaakov and Esav, to gain an appreciation of why their brachot were given as they were.
Serving G-d
Posted onRabbi Michael Taubes continues to learn the first perek of Pirkei Avot. The teachings discussed in this class focus on the best way to serve G-d. Rabbi Taubes relays the mishnayot with pertinent examples in our everyday lives.
Leader of a Generation: Reb Chaim Ozer Grodzenski
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller digresses and dedicates a class to the legendary Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzenski, the phenomenal scholar who led Torah Jewry with dedication and fortitude during the early 20th century.
Perek 2 & 3
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller continues with the second and third perakim of the sefer.
Molding Giants: Slabodka, Part 2
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller completes his description of the Slabodka Yeshiva and its impact on the Jewish world.
The Greatness of Man: Slabodka, Part 1
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller introduces the philosophy of the Slabodka Yeshiva, which focused on Man’s capacity for spiritual greatness.
The Mistakes of Er and Onan
Posted onAnalysis of the actions of Er and Onan, the sons of Yehuda, and their punishment.
Mindful Middot
Posted onOn Parshat Vayetzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Rashi’s medrash on the idea that Hashem has ‘”gathered in” Rachel’s shame.
Finding G-d, friendship and leadership
Posted onRabbi Michael Taubes continues to learn the first perek of Pirkei Avot. This class discusses the mishnayot which deal with issues of friendship, leadership and G-d.
Father of a Movement: R’ Yisrael Salanter, Part 2
Posted onRav Yisrael Salanter: Revolutionary Philosopher
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller introduces the legendary founder of the Mussar movement, Rabbi Yisrael Salanter. This giant of Torah and character used his vast talents to reach out to his brethren across the world and bring them to higher levels of Torah-observance and spiritual awareness.
The Four Forces
Posted onRebbetzins Heller speaks about Yechezkel’s prophecy of the four forces.
Reciting Kriat Shema from a Sefer Torah
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman begins learning daf 13A, with a discussion of the halacha which states that one who is reading from a Sefer Torah fulfills his obligation to recite Kriat Shma daily if he reads the Kriat Shma from the Torah.
Ultimate Benefit
Posted onOn Parshat Lech Lecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles delves into the deeper understanding of Avraham’s test of Lech Lecha.
Parshat Vezot Habracha
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller relates the storyline of Parshat V’zot Habracha, with selected insights and comments.
Yehuda’s Descent from his Brothers
Posted onWe begin the story of Yehuda and Tamar by exploring why this episode is placed in the middle of the narrative of the sale of Yosef.
Lessons of Laughter
Posted onOn Parshat Vayeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the theme of laughter which is connected to the birth of Yitzchak.
Expanding the Essence
Posted onOn Parshat Noach, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the puzzling Rashi at the beginning of the parsha that discusses whether Noach was in fact a tzadik or not.
Legacy of Our Sages: Introduction to Pirkei Avot
Posted onRabbi Michael Taubes begins studying Pirkei Avot, a unique section of the Mishna which contains essential lessons of ethics and behavior from the Sages. Rabbi Taubes explores the significance of Pirkei Avot and begins studying the first chapter.
The Merkava Vision
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller begins learning through the first perek of the Sefer, with the famous Merkava vision, in which Yechezkel sees a vision of G-d and His ministering angels. Rebbetzin Heller applies this vision to the concepts of serving Hashem even while in Galut, exile.
Guidelines for Greatness
Posted onon Parshat Bereishit, Mrs. Shira Smiles takes a deeper look into the first Rashi in the Torah.
Hashem’s Presence in Exile
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller introduces the book of Yechezkel, emphasizing Yechezkel’s uniqueness as a navi, prophet, in exile. The vision that Yechezkel had is a giluy, a revelation, of Hashem’s Presence in Exile.
Parshat Haazinu
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller speaks about Parshat Haazinu.
Parshat Nitzavim – Vayelech
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller speaks about Parshat Nitzavim and Vayelech.