The Greatness of Man: Slabodka, Part 1
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller introduces the philosophy of the Slabodka Yeshiva, which focused on Man’s capacity for spiritual greatness.
The Mistakes of Er and Onan
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Analysis of the actions of Er and Onan, the sons of Yehuda, and their punishment.
Kibud Av V’aim
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller continues her chinuch series, focusing on how to teach children the mitzva of Kibud Av V’aim, honoring parents.
Mindful Middot
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On Parshat Vayetzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Rashi’s medrash on the idea that Hashem has ‘”gathered in” Rachel’s shame.
Finding G-d, friendship and leadership
Posted onRabbi Michael Taubes continues to learn the first perek of Pirkei Avot. This class discusses the mishnayot which deal with issues of friendship, leadership and G-d.
Parshat Vayeira: Understanding Judgement
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the spiritual underpinnings of Akeidat Yitzchak, the binding of Yitzchak. The events that lead up to that test provide insight in our present day understanding of life and its challenges.
Perek 33: Creation for Our Benefit
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In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David teaches perek 33. This perek contains within it elements of both destruction and rebuilding, and emphasizes the everlasting covenant that Hashem keeps with the Davidic dynasty and with the Kohanim and Leviim, which will ultimately herald the era of Mashiach. The many words used to describe Creation in this perek convey the message that the world was created for our sake, yet everything depends on our observance of Torah and Mitzvot.
Father of a Movement: R’ Yisrael Salanter, Part 2
Posted onRav Yisrael Salanter: Revolutionary Philosopher
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller introduces the legendary founder of the Mussar movement, Rabbi Yisrael Salanter. This giant of Torah and character used his vast talents to reach out to his brethren across the world and bring them to higher levels of Torah-observance and spiritual awareness.
The Four Forces
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Rebbetzins Heller speaks about Yechezkel’s prophecy of the four forces.
Reciting Kriat Shema from a Sefer Torah
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Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman begins learning daf 13A, with a discussion of the halacha which states that one who is reading from a Sefer Torah fulfills his obligation to recite Kriat Shma daily if he reads the Kriat Shma from the Torah.
Yehuda’s Marriage
Posted onExplains Yehuda’s marriage and the significance of the names of his sons.
Ultimate Benefit
Posted onOn Parshat Lech Lecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles delves into the deeper understanding of Avraham’s test of Lech Lecha.
Teaching Children the Power of the Tongue
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on chinuch habanim, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller guides parents on how to teach children to be careful with their speech, specifically being sensitive about the halachot (laws) of Onaat Devarim, hurtful speech.
Parshat Lech Lecha: The Mystery of Lot
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the character of Lot and his journey from Avraham’s prime student to a member of the wicked city of Sodom. Based on the teachings of the Shem MiShmuel, Rabbi Reichman explores the differences between Lot and Avraham and how it affected each one’s path.
Yehuda’s Descent from his Brothers
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In this Torah class (shiur) on the story of Yehuda and Tamar, Mrs. Shira Smiles begins the topic by exploring why this episode is placed in the middle of the narrative of the sale of Yosef
Parshat Vezot Habracha
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller relates the storyline of Parshat V’zot Habracha, with selected insights and comments.
Yehuda’s Descent from his Brothers
Posted onWe begin the story of Yehuda and Tamar by exploring why this episode is placed in the middle of the narrative of the sale of Yosef.
Lessons of Laughter
Posted onOn Parshat Vayeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the theme of laughter which is connected to the birth of Yitzchak.
Parshat Noach
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Individual and General Hashgacha
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu Perek 32, Rabbi Avishai David continues to explore the philosophical meaning of Hashgachat Hashem, as it is described in pasuk 19 of this perek. The class includes the writings of the Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim, the Ramchal, and the Sefer Hachinuch, in explaining Divine Supervision of the world.
Expanding the Essence
Posted onOn Parshat Noach, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the puzzling Rashi at the beginning of the parsha that discusses whether Noach was in fact a tzadik or not.
Understanding Hashgachat Hashem
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Perek 32, Rabbi Avishai David explains pasuk 19 in depth. This verse talks about G-d’s constant supervision of mankind, and His Divine Intervention in the world as a reaction to our deeds. Rabbi David uses pasuk 19 as a basis for an exploration of the topic of Hashgacha, Divine Providence.
Legacy of Our Sages: Introduction to Pirkei Avot
Posted onRabbi Michael Taubes begins studying Pirkei Avot, a unique section of the Mishna which contains essential lessons of ethics and behavior from the Sages. Rabbi Taubes explores the significance of Pirkei Avot and begins studying the first chapter.
Parshat Breishit: Yaysh V’Ayin: Being Something
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the concept of Creation, in which G-d created the world from nothingness. Based on the Kedushas Levi, the Chassidic work of Reb Levi Yitzchak Miberdichev, this class explores fundamental concepts of G-d’s goal in creation,and man’s purpose in this world
The Merkava Vision
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller begins learning through the first perek of the Sefer, with the famous Merkava vision, in which Yechezkel sees a vision of G-d and His ministering angels. Rebbetzin Heller applies this vision to the concepts of serving Hashem even while in Galut, exile.
Making Shabbat Come Alive for Our Children
Posted onIn this chinuch (Torah education) class, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches parents how to create an inspiring and uplifting atmosphere in their homes every Shabbat.
Guidelines for Greatness
Posted onon Parshat Bereishit, Mrs. Shira Smiles takes a deeper look into the first Rashi in the Torah.
Hashem’s Presence in Exile
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller introduces the book of Yechezkel, emphasizing Yechezkel’s uniqueness as a navi, prophet, in exile. The vision that Yechezkel had is a giluy, a revelation, of Hashem’s Presence in Exile.
Love Beyond Reason
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the holidays of Hoshana Raba and Shemini Atzeret. While each day has its unique characteristics, the underlying theme of both days is the incredible love G-d has for the Jewish People.