Author: Rebbetzin Shira Smiles
Judging Judiciously P. Kedoshim
Posted onDayenu Directive
Posted onDeyeinu
Beautiful Birth – Pesach
Posted onPesach Thoughts
Timely Thanksgiving P. Tzav
Posted onParasha Tzav
Purim Thoughts
Posted onThoughts for Purim revelant to the current crisis in Eretz Yisrael
Yerushalyim Yearning – Purim
Posted onPurim and realtionship to Eretz Yisrael
Hallowed Hooks – P. Pekudei
Posted onWhat do the Sockets and the collection of the half shekel mean for us?
Mirroring Mirrors Mindset – P. Vayakhel
Posted onWhat is the purpose of the kiyor ( the washing station in the Miskan – Tabernacle ? What is the significance in where it was placed? What is the symbolism of the mirrors that the women donated?
Lofty Letters P. Ki Tisa
Posted onWhy did Moshe Rabbenu break the luchot ( Stone tablets with 10 commandments ) only when he saw the egel ( golden calf ) ,? What does the Midrash mean when it says the ‘letters flew away from the luchot”?
Operation Olive Oil – P. Tetzave
Posted onThe shiur analyzes the Midrash that compares the Jews to an olive. It is only through the beating and pressing process that we are able to find the inner light that is contained within us on a national and personal level.
Picture Perfect – P. Terumah
Posted onMidrash, Moshe Rabbenu couldn’t understand how he could build a Mishakan that reflected the celestial world. Hashem said, you use your ‘paints’ and I will bring down my glory. What are those ‘paints’ that we need to use to bring down Hashem’s glory.
Food, Fellowship and Fruition – P. Mishpatim
Posted onWhat is mission of the Jewish people
Seeing Spirtual Sights – Parasha Yisro
Posted onWhat does it mean that at the giving of the Torah, the people saw sound. Explained in five different ways.
Adornment, Attachement and Abode – P. Beshalach
Posted onWHat is the connection between the different explanations fo the word Ve’an-vehu. How does building a sanctuary, beautifying the mitzvoth, and emulating Hashem have to do with each other.
“Coming” Challenge – Parasha Bo
Posted onNothing exists except for Hashem
Heavenly Hail Parasha Vaeira
Posted onExplores why the makah of barad was considered equal to all the makot.
Further, why is this the only makah that refers to the makah penetrating Paraoh’s heart.
The shiur focuses on the importance of listening to our messages, and strengthening our fear of Hashem.
Spoken Secrets Parasha Shemos
Posted onWhy did the Jews suffer in Egypt? What did they do?
Blockages and Blindness – Parasha Vayechi
Posted onLife of Yaakov Avinu
Birth by Breaches Parasha Vayigash
Posted onStory of Yocheved
Darkness’s Dawn P. Miketz
Posted onChanuka related
Breaking Barriers – Chanuka
Posted onChanuka 5784
Diminishment Deciphered P Vayishlach
Posted onBeing a nothing can lead to great things
Angel’s Ascent Accentuated Parshat Vayeitzei
Posted onAngels , what do we do with them?
Laudable Land – P. Toldos
Posted onwhy could not Yitzak Avinu leave the land?
Chesed Compatibility Parasha Chayei Sara
Posted onKindness
Prayer’s Place – Parasha Vayeira
Posted onPrayer
Hagars Hope[lessness] P. Lech Lecha
Posted onNature of Hagar – mother of the Arab Nation
Powerful Progeny – Parasha Noah
Posted onWhat are the generations of Noah
Noah created himself. Invest in your actions like you invest in your children.
How do we respond to the situation ? Supplication – Seeing the Source Parasha Bereisheet –
Posted on
How do we respond to the current events
Everything depends on how we pray.