The Gift to the Yetzer Hara
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Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the Nesivos Shalom’s essay of how one can overcome the yetzer hara, drawing on lessons found in Parshat Vayishlach.
Author: Baila Greenblatt
Parshat Vayishlach: Two Types of Yetzer Hara
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman explains two forms of the Yetzer Hara and how one can defeat them both.
Jarring Jars
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On Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the Rashi that says that Yaakov was left alone because he had returned for some forgotten pitchers. Mrs. Smiles focuses on the question of what the connection is between Yaakov going back for his pitchers, and the attack from the angel.
The Fate of Tzur and its Relevance
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the prophesy regarding the future fall of the nation of Tzur and the relevance of these prophesies to the Jewish People.
Harmonizing Household Harmony
Posted onOn Parshat Vayetzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Rashi’s medrash on the idea that Hashem has ‘”gathered in” Rachel’s shame.
The Symbolism of the Well
Posted onOn Perek 29 and 30 of Sefer Bereishit, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines two approaches to the symbolism of the well in the field.
Perek 25: The Fate of the Nations
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches chapter 25. This perek talks about the future destinies of Edom, Amon, Moav, and Plishtim.
Parshat Toldot: The Potential of Eisav
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman explains why Yitzchak wanted to give Eisav the blessings.
Preferential Parenting
Posted onOn Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the pasuk which states that Yitzchak loved Eisav for his hunting, and Rivka loved Yaakov. Mrs. Smiles examines the different approaches to this pasuk to gain insight into our avodat Hashem.
Perek 24: The Siege of Jerusalem
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches chapter 24, which describes the siege of Jerusalem and the life of Yechezkel as a symbol for the fate of the Jewish people.
Yaakov’s Journey
Posted onOn Perek 29 and 30 of Sefer Breishit, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Yaakov’s journey to and arrival in Charan. Mrs. Smiles speaks about Yaakov’s clarity of ratzon Hashem upon his leaving, and his awareness that Hashem is still with him upon his arrival in Charan.
Efron Expression of Earthliness
Posted onOn Parshat Chayei Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines why the narrative of Avraham’s acquisition of the land for Mearat HaMachpela is so detailed. Additionally, Mrs. Smiles discusses why Ephron’s name is spelled without a ‘vav’ in the pasuk in which the transaction took place.
Salt of the Earth
Posted onOn Parshat Vayeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles raises a number of questions on the pasuk that says that Lot’s wife looked behind, and became a pillar of salt.
Betwixt and Between
Posted onOn Parshat Lech Lecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Lot, whose behavior was not ideal, yet contains lessons about our character development.
Parshat Noach: Strength of Our Community
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman explains how the Teiva, the Ark, represents the power of surrounding ourselves with our community. By doing so, we are protected from the various outside negative influences.
Torah’s Protection
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman explains how Torah protects us throughout our lives.
Parshat Noach: Seeking Refuge
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman discusses how one can find refuge from the overwhelming influence of the secular world.
Slippery Slope
Posted onOn Parshat Noach, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the events that led up to the flood, to get a sense of how not to fall into the same level of depravity at the time of the flood.
True Prophecy
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Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the concept of prophecy, analyzing what exactly constitutes a prophet and what is the basis of believing in prophets.
Manna, Bread of Affliction?
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the command to keep the “entire mitzva” and the description of the desert experience in our parsha.
Cities of Leviim
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the dimensions of the Leviim’s cities and their fields.
Science of Speech
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On Parshiyot Matot and Masei, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the topic of vows.
Elevating the Elevated Offering
Posted onon Parshat Pinchas, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the korban hatamid, the sacrifice that was brought each morning and evening.
Strong Roots
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes Bilaam’s first blessing to the Jewish People.
Pronunciation of the Shma
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Chinuch in Mitzvot
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman analyzes the positions of the Rambam and the Ran concerning a child who has reached the age of chinuch, and is obligated to perform mitzvot.
Pilgrimage Power
Posted onOn Parshat Balak, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the use of the words “shalosh regalim,” when the donkey spoke to Bilam.
Megilla Reading of a Minor
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman analyzes the Tosafist’s discussion regarding whether a katan, a minor, may read the megilla on behalf of an adult.
Perek 49, Part 1: The Nation of Ammon
Posted onRabbi Avishai David explains the prophesies pertaining to the non-Jewish nation of Ammon. Through a variety of sources, Rabbi David describes the nature of the Amonite character, and the reasons for their ultimate downfall.
Reading Shma Silently, Part 2
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the machlokes between Rabbi Yosi and Rabbi Yehuda regarding whether one may recite Shma silently.