Covenant II; Constant Challenge
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On Parshat Ki Tisa, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines how the sin of the golden calf transformed Jewish history, specifically in relation to the tablets.
Author: Baila Greenblatt
The Signs
Posted onDiscusses Rachel’s mesirut nefesh in giving over the signs, and Leah’s part in it.
Secret of the Spice
Posted onOn Parshat Tetzaveh, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the last perek in the parsha, which details the altar for the incense.
Lavan’s Trickery
Posted onSpeaks about the emphasis on Rachel being Lavan’s younger daughter, the seven years that Yaakov worked for Rachel, and Lavan’s trickery.
Creating Closeness
Posted onOn Parshat Terumah, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the midrash on the words ” take for me a portion,” which says that Hashem told the Jewish people that He sold them His Torah, and its as if He sold Himself with the Torah.
Perek 35: The Fate of Edom
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the prophesy regarding the future of Edom, the descendants of Esav. This prophesy is connected to the historical relationship between Yaakov and Esav.
Brick Burden and Buoyancy
Posted onOn Parshat Mishpatim, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the ‘sapphire brickwork’ under Hashem.
Two Daughters
Posted onOn Yaakov’s sojourn to Charan, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Rachel’s and Leah’s personae and Yaakov’s plan to work for Rachel for seven years.
Altar Accentuation
Posted onOn Parshat Yitro, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the placement of the description of the altar, after the revelation at Sinai.
Yaakov’s Cries
Posted onOn Yaakov’s sojourn to Charan, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the reasons for Yaakov’s crying when he see Rachel.
Exemptions from Kriat Shma
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Rabbi Moshe N Reichman continues learning daf 16A, and the discussion of osek b’mitzva patur min hamitzva (one who is occupied with fulfilling a mitzva is exempt from other mitzvot).
Taking the Stone Off the Well
Posted onOn Yaakov’s sojourn to Charan, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Yaakov Avinu meeting Rachel for the first time.
Glorifying the Glorified
Posted onOn Parshat Beshalach, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the pasuk in Shirat Hayam which says, “…This is my G-d and I will glorify Him…”
Perek 34: The Fate of the Jewish People
Posted onRebbetzin Heller teaches about the fate of the Jewish People, which presents huge implications for the present.
Midnight Mindfulness
Posted onOn Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the plague of the first born; why it occurred at midnight, why is was carried out by Hashem Himself, and why the Jewish people had to do something in order to gain protection.
Perek 33: How to Relate to Rebuke
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains what could have changed had the people accepted Yechezkel’s rebuke, and the proper way to listen to rebuke.
Proper Intentions in Prayer and Kriat Shma
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman explores the contrast between the requirement of kavana (proper intent) in Tefila and kavana in Kriat Shma, and its ramifications in terms of fulfilling one’s obligations.
Perek 32: The Fate of Mitzrayim
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller continues her discussion of the future of Egypt and its character, as predicted by the navi Yechezkel. Mitzrayim embodies narrowness, and this affected all cultures.
Existential Exodus Experience
Posted onOn Parshat Va’eira, Mrs. Shira Smiles asks why there is such an emphasis in the Torah and in our lives, on the experience of the Jews in Egypt.
Perek 32: Egypt’s End
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the prophesies describing Egypt’s final destruction.
Perek 31: The Rise and Fall of Ashur
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the beautiful description of the might and success of the kingdom of Achur, Assyria, and its ultimate downfall. The history of Ashur is recounted as a prophesy to Pharoah, warning him that his empire will also meet destruction.
Tenacity, Truth
Posted onOn Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the idea of brachot in general, Yaakov Avinu’s brachot to his sons, and specifically Yehuda’s bracha.
Perek 29: The Cycle of Destruction In Egypt
Posted onRabbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches perek 29, which describes the destruction and return of the kingdom of Mitzrayim, and how it applies to our lives.
Parshat Vayigash: Prayer Despite Sin
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Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the power of prayer despite one’s own spiritual shortcomings.
Perek 28, Part 2: The Fall of Tzidon
Posted onRebetzin Tzporah Heller teaches the flaws in the society of Tzidon, and what we can learn from their life-view. By rejecting materialism, we become ready for the spiritual time of Moshiach.
Inspired Introspection
Posted onOn Parshat Miketz, Mrs. Shira Smiles connects the episode of the brothers in Egypt with Yosef, with the topic of Chanukah.
Perek 28, Part 1: Chiram’s Downfall
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the kinna, sorrowful poem, which Yechezkel composes for Chiram, the king of Tzur. Chiram was a talented king who helped build the Beit Hamikdash by generously sharing of the various resources of his country. He became haughty and eventually fell into the trap of self-deification.
Soul of the Sole
Posted onon Parshat Vayeishev, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on a medrash on the sale of Yosef, that says that the brothers used the money they received to buy shoes.
Yaakov and the Shepherds
Posted onOn Yaakov’s sojourn to Charan, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the conversation that Yaakov has with the shepherds.
The Trap of Consumerism
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller talks about the nation of Tzur and its fall from power. Tzor’s defeat teaches an ageless lesson, that consumerism and materialism lead to defeat and disillusion.