The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller speaks about Torah as the source of Dveykut to Hashem. By bonding to the Torah’s wisdom, we come closer to Hashem’s Will, and ultimately are given the told with which to emulate G-d.
Based on the Sefer Maalot Hatorah by the brother of the Vilna Gaon
Rabbi Hanoch Teller learns the basic storyline of Parshat Vayeishev.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman expounds on Tosefot’s interpretation of Beit Hillel’s opinion that one may not recite kriat shema while laying down.
Mrs. Chana Prero delves into the enigmatic topic of Yehuda and Tamar’s relationship. Why did their relationship need to develop in an extraordinary way, and was their behavior considered appropriate?
On Parsha Vayeishev, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on one pasuk, to uncover some of the most fundamental aspects of the way Hashem interacts with us.
Explaining the symbolism of Yosef’s second dream, of the sun, moon, and stars.
Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the beginning of Parshat Vayishlach. Mrs. Prero analyzes Yaakov’s preparation for meeting Eisav. Each of Yaakov Avinu’s actions set a precedent for later events in Jewish history. In the course of the class, Mrs. Prero also expound on the concept of Maaseh Avot Siman Labanim.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses how the exemption of “Osek B’mitzvah patur min hamitzvah” applies to a mourner wearing tefillin.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller learns the parsha, Parshat Vayishlach.
On Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles concentrates on the struggle between Yaakov and the angel, and explains how the struggle represents the quintessential struggle between good and evil.
Discussing Yosef’s first dream, the dream of the stalks of wheat.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller learn the story of Parshat Vayeitzei.
Mrs. Chana Prero discusses Yaakov’s dream of the angels ascending and descending a ladder to Heaven, as he travels to Charan. This class, which does not assume any knowledge of Hebrew or familiarity with textual study, discusses why Yaakov received the vision at this juncture, and what this dream represents.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses how the exemption of “osek b’mitzvah patur min hamitzvah” applies to giving tzedaka.
On Parshat Veyeitzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the significance of Yaakov’s interaction with the shepherds at the well.
Exploring the motivations for Jealousy and the antidote for it.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller defines what Torah is and what our relationship to Torah should be.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller goes through the parsha, Parshat Toldot, providing a basic overview of the story as well as inspiring insights to the parsha.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman analyzes the Machloket Rishonim (halachic dispute between the Early Commentaries) of “Osek B’Mitzva Patur min Hamitzvah”, and the halachic ramifications thereof.
Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the blessings that Yitzchak wanted to bestow on Esav. This class, which does not assume any prior knowledge of the text or of Hebrew language, answers questions such as why Yitzchak wanted to give Esav the brachot (blessings), why Rivka intervened, and why Yaakov did not tell the truth.
On Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the concept of prayer.
Describing the unbelievable gifts and characteristics of Yosef Hatzadik (the Righteous).
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the machlokes (Talmudic dispute) between Rashba and Rav Hai Gaon and between Tosefot and the Ra regarding the nature of the Talmudic dictum- “Oseik B’Mitzvah Patur Min Hamitzvah”, one who is currently involved in a Mitzva is exempt from fulfilling a different mitzvah that he encounters simultaneously.
On Parshat Chayei Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Eliezer’s search for a wife for Yitzchak, and why Hashem performed a miracle of shortening the journey for Eliezer.
Exploring the Sale of Yosef through the verses and the commentaries that discuss the first passuk of Parshat Vayeishev.
Mrs. Chana Prero elucidates Avraham Avinu’s instruction to his servant Eliezer, as Eliezer embarks on a mission to find a wife for Yitzchak Avinu. The class discusses why Yitzchak could not marry a Cananite woman, and why Eliezer chose to use a sign to help him complete his mission. The class, which assumes no prior knowledge of the Chumash or of the Hebrew language, encourages use of the Artscroll Sapirstein Rashi Chumash.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the Gemara on Daf 11A, regarding a Chosson (bridegroom)’s exemption from reciting Kriyat Shema.
Mrs. Chana Prero compares Avraham, Sara, and Ishmael’s tzchok (laughter), to determine which laughter is appropriate in different situations. She also discusses Hagar’s behavior when she is sent out of Avraham’s home.
In Parshat Vayera, Avraham exemplifies the model of Hachnasat Orchim, hospitality. Mrs. Shira Smiles examines what was unique about these acts of hachnasat orchim, and why, in their merit, Avraham was blessed with a son.
Mrs. Chana Prero explores Parshat Lech Lecha. This class, based on the verses with the commentary of Rashi, talks about the commandment to Avraham to perform a brit mila (circumcision) on himself. No prior textual skills or knowledge of Hebrew required for this class.
