Author: Baila Greenblatt
Maintaining the Spiritual Spark
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Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the challenge of maintaining moments of inspiration, using them to fuel our constant spiritual journey.
Perek 5
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller discusses the final perek of the megilla. In this chapter, Yirmiyahu speaks of the helpless, weakened state of the Jewish people under the ravages of the Churban. He states that it is the destruction of the Temple, not the physical suffering of the Jews, that is the greatest source of sorrow. The megilla ends with a plea to Hashem to return His people to their former glory, for they have suffered enough.
Gog Umagog and the Story of Avshalom
Posted onPerek 4
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller talks of the terrible hunger that existed in the time of the Churban, and of the supernatural strength of the enemy, bent on destroying the Jewish People. The perek ends on a positive note, stating that the suffering of the Jewish Nation will soon end, while her enemies will receive retribution for their wickedness.
Perek 3: Hope and Grief
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller continues her study of Megillat Eicha. In perek gimmel, Yirmiyahu alternates between grief at witnessing the churban and hopeful prophesies of Hashem’s future salvation.
Davening For A Rasha
Posted onKriat Shema K’vatikin
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman explores the discussion of the Rishonim on Gemara Brachos Daf Tes, regarding reciting Kriat Shema at Netz HaChama, sunrise.
Kriat Shema K’vatikin
Posted onPerek 2: The Wrath of G-d
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller discusses the anger of Hashem as He punishes His people during the Churban, and of the anguish of Yirmiyahu Hanavi as he describes the tragedy.
Perek 1: The Bereft Widow
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller begins her class on Eicha, the Book of Lamentations, with a verse-by-verse explanation of Perek Alef. Included in the shiur are a description of the Megilla’s nature and purpose, a depiction of the failures that led to the Churban, and a discussion of how we can feel the Churban today.
Inner Dynamics
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Korach.
Speak To The People
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman explores the Gemara about the fulfillment of the promise to Avraham Avinu that the Jews would leave Egypt with great wealth.
The Time Frame to Eat Korban Pesach
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman analyzes the difference of opinion between R’ Elazar Ben Azaria and R’ Akiva, regarding the mitzvah of eating the Korban Pesach.
Mediums of Merit
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Shelach, and the sin of the spies.
Honoring A Talmid Chacham
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman discusses the Maharal’s explanation of the Gemara’s requirement to honor a Talmid Chacham who forgot his Torah knowledge.
The End of Zman Kriat Shema at Night
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman discusses the Braisa of Rabbi Simon bar Yochai’s halacha regarding Sof Zman Krias Shma, the latest time someone can recite the Shma prayer at night.
Eating on Erev Yom Kippur
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman discusses the fundamental nature of the mitzvah to eat on Erev Yom Kippur, and the halachic ramifications.
Shnayim Mikrah V’Echad Targum
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman explores the halacha that one must recite the weekly Torah portion ‘shnayim mikrah v’echad targum’, and the difference of opinion among Rishonim regarding the language this must be fulfilled in.
Building Infrastructure
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Bamidbar.
The Most Beloved of Songs
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller concludes her study of Shir Hashirim by discussing what makes this book so holy and beloved by G-d and the Jewish People.
The Nature of Torah Reading
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman examines the nature of the mitzvah of reading the Torah. Is the mitzvah to hear, or to actually read from the Torah?
Learning During Torah Reading
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman analyzes the Rishonim’s viewpoints regarding learning during Torah reading.
Maintaining Perspective
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Bechukotai. The Parsha teaches us the importance of constantly investing in our relationship with G-d.
Perek 8: Together Forever
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller speaks of the glorious future of the Jewish People, when we will be reunited in our inseparable bond with Hashem, never to leave Him again.
Reading the Torah
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman explores the prohibition to leave shul or to learn while the Torah is being read.
The Beit Midrash of Halacha
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman analyzes the Gemara’s statement that Hashem desires the gates of halacha more than shuls and synagogues.
Living Judaism
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Behar. The message of Shmitta and other topics in this Parsha is one encouraging us to constantly struggle and grow through every challenge G-d brings.
Perek 7: Reunited
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller begins the seventh chapter, describing the ultimate return of the Jewish People toward Hashem and His bringing them back from exile.
Passing Judgment
Posted onOn Parshat Kedoshim, Shira Smiles speaks about judging one’s fellow Jew favorably.