The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
In this class, delivered in basic Hebrew, Mrs. Yehudit Weiss surveys Biblical words Rashi calls ‘notrikon’, contractions or combinations of two or three words into one. This important rule in Biblical grammar allows one to understand many difficult and unfamiliar words found in the Torah.
Mrs. Yehudit Weiss explains numerous examples of root words that have silent or passive letters, called gizrot hapo’al. This unique class, given in simple Hebrew, sheds light on the important but often neglected section of Rashi’s commentary – the grammatical Rashis.
Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the brit (covenant) between Hashem and the Jewish people at Har Sinai vs. the brit that took place after the chet ha’egel (sin of Golden Calf).
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller describes how the yetzer hara, our evil inclination, seeks out the most vulnerable areas of the human psyche for his attacks, such as the human need to communicate and sexual desire. The Torah, and the clarity it provides us, helps us to emerge successfully from these existential struggles, and enables our refinement of ourselves us in these areas.
On Parshat Tetzaveh, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses why the names of the tribes appear two times on the Kohen Gadol’s garments, and examines the connection between the different stones, and the tribes that were engraved on them.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller teaches the famous dream of Nevuchadnezzar which dominates Sefer Daniel,and begins to explain its symbolism. Rebbetzin Heller discussed the idea of four galuyot (exiles) specifically the galut of Yishmael.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller, introduces and begins Sefer Daniel. Sefer Daniel is unique in that it was composed in exile, in Babylonia during the reign of Nevuchadnetzar. In this class, Rebbetzin Heller speaks about the nature of dreams, and why Daniel’s mission came through the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams.
Mrs. Chana Prero explains why the Kohanim wore special garments during their service, the Bigdei Kehunah, and then focuses on the significance of the Eifod (holy apron worn by the Kohen Gadol), according to the Malbim and other commentaries.
On Parshat Teruma, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the question of why the Torah says “take for me a portion,” when technically it should state to give a portion, and discusses the five main ingredients of what tzedaka is about.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman teaches the Rambam’s definition of Birchat haTorah.
Mrs. Yehudit Weiss demonstrates various examples of ‘vav hahipuch’, the vav at the beginning of a word that reverses the meaning from past to future tense, or from future to past tense.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller explains the Sefer Maalot Hatorah’s discussion of the power of Torah. Torah study enables one to uproot the initial base nature one is born with, and uplift oneself to the highest levels.
Mrs. Yehudit Weiss presents a survey of Rashi’s explanations of the three tenses relating to verbs.
Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the reasons for building a Mikdash or Mishkan, a physical place for Hashem’s Presence, and also discusses the dimensions and symbolism of the Shulchan, the holy table.
Mrs. Chana Prero analyzes the Torah prohibitions against oppressing the vulnerable elements of society, and the obligation to lend money.
On Parshat Mishpatim, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the concept of certain laws which are specific to the judges, to ensure a judgment of truth.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller explains the section of Sefer Maalot Hatorah which describes how learning Torah transforms a person. Through studying G-d’s wisdom, one becomes closer to Him, to the point that one begins to think and behave in a G-dly manner.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman analyzes daf 11B, the Shitas Yerusahalmi that states that one must learn immediately after reciting Birchat Hatorah.
Mrs. Chana Prero explains each of the Ten Commandments and their applications. The class does not asume familiarity with Torah study or knowledge of Hebrew.
On Parshat Yitro, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the tenth of the Ten Commandments, ‘lo tachmod’, do not covet, and compares it with a later mention in Parshat Va’etchanan which states ‘to tit’aveh’, do not desire.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller explains various aspects of the seven priestly garments described in this parsha.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller describes the various parts of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), specifically the menorah (holy candelabra), the aron (holy ark), and the shulchan (sanctified table).
Rabbi Hanoch Teller describes some of the laws that are mentioned in Parshat Mishpatim.
Mrs.Yehudith Weiss explores binyan Nif’al, as seen through Rashis’ comments throughout the Chumash. This unique class unveils the beauty of this rarely-explored aspect of the Chumash.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller narrates the basic storyline of Parshat Yitro with added commentary and insights.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller elaborates on the comparison of the Torah to a tree. Just as a seed has every aspect of the tree in its potential, and the tree’s existence gives us access to the fruit. The Torah has deep layers of potential wisdom within it, and every aspect of a Torah scholar’s world exudes this wisdom.
Mrs. Yehudit Weiss discusses various examples of Rashi’s commentaries relating to causative verbs (binyan hif’il and hitpa’el).
Rabbi Hanoch Teller describes the amazing miracle of the Splitting of the Sea in Parshat Beshalach.
Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the test the Jewish people encountered at Mara, and the laws they were taught there.
On Parshat Beshalach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the concept of saying the shirat hayam, the song of the splitting of the sea, every day in our davening.
