Selflessness for the Greater Good
Posted onSpeaks about Yaakov’s ability to step outside of his own need to keep the Torah, and to recognize that the ultimate good for Klal Yisrael was to marry Rachel and Leah.
Perek 36: Final Return
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains the prophesies relating to the Geula, redemption, of the Jewish people, and the return to our land and ourselves.
Mirroring Majesty
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On Parshat Vayakhel, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the description of the kior, the sink, which was made of mirrors donated by the women.
The Power of the Sechel
Posted onSpeaks about the power of the sechel, as seen in Rachel putting aside her jealousy, and Yaakov not getting angry at Lavan. Mrs. Smiles also examines the roles of Bilha and Zilpa.
The Mitzvot that Relate to Chessed
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In the final introduction to Sefer Ahavat Chessed of the Chafetz Chaim, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg describes the many mitzvot in the Torah which pertain to chessed, kindness to others.
Covenant II; Constant Challenge
Posted onOn Parshat Ki Tisa, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines how the sin of the golden calf transformed Jewish history, specifically in relation to the tablets.
The Signs
Posted onDiscusses Rachel’s mesirut nefesh in giving over the signs, and Leah’s part in it.
Chessed in the Torah
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) on Sefer Ahavat Chessed, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg describes the numerous places in the Chumash which mention chessed, kindness to others, and shows how Torah is based on the principle of Chessed.
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.
Far Reaching Kindness
Posted onIn this Torah class (shiur) on Sefer Ahavat Chesed of the Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg continues explaining the introduction of the Sefer. This shiur focuses on the principle of chesed, kindliness, and its myriad applications.
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
Posted onRebbetzin 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.