Parshat Vayeitzei
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller learn the story of Parshat Vayeitzei.
The Three Meals of Shabbat
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In this shiur (class), Rabbi Michael Taubes explains the various halachot of the three meals we eat on Shabbat. This class provides the background as well as current halachik scenarios concerning the Shabbat meals.
Parshat Vayeitzei: Surviving Darkness
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In this shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the Medrash which says that the angels of Yakov’s dream represent the four kingdoms which will subjugate the Jewish people. Based on the Shem MiShmuel’s understanding of this medrash, Rabbi Reichman explains how Yaakov Avinu paved the way for our survival in the trying times of exile.
Dreaming of Angels
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses Yaakov’s dream of the angels ascending and descending a ladder to Heaven, as he travels to Charan. This class, which does not assume any knowledge of Hebrew or familiarity with textual study, discusses why Yaakov received the vision at this juncture, and what this dream represents.
Mitzva Exemptions Part 3: Tzedaka
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Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses how the exemption of “osek b’mitzvah patur min hamitzvah” applies to giving tzedaka.
Parshat Vayeitzei: A Holy Nation
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Reichman discusses this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayeitzei, according to the interpretation of the Shem MiShmuel.
Parshat Vayetzei: Crossroads of Life
Posted onIn his discussion on Parshat Vayetzei, Rabbi Hershel Reichman expounds upon Yaakov Avinu’s dream of angels going up and down the ladder from heaven. In addition, he explains this dream’s particular significance in our understanding of crossroads in our lives.
Well Well Well
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On Parshat Veyeitzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the significance of Yaakov’s interaction with the shepherds at the well.
Antidote for Jealousy
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Exploring the motivations for Jealousy and the antidote for it.
Proper Prayer
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In this shiur (class), Rabbi Ari Jacobson presents the halachot (laws) regarding actions before and during the daily prayers. Based on the Kitzur Shulcha Aruch, this class provides a clear framework for our approach to praying before G-d.
Blueprint of the World
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Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller defines what Torah is and what our relationship to Torah should be.
Parshat Toldot: Approaches to Evil
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the fundamental difference between Yaakov and Eisav and why Yitzchak wanted to bless Eisav. Based on the teachings of the Shem MiShmuel, this class presents two approaches towards dealing with evil.
Parshat Toldot
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller goes through the parsha, Parshat Toldot, providing a basic overview of the story as well as inspiring insights to the parsha.
Mitzva Exemptions, Part 2
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman analyzes the Machloket Rishonim (halachic dispute between the Early Commentaries) of “Osek B’Mitzva Patur min Hamitzvah”, and the halachic ramifications thereof.
Stolen Blessings
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Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the blessings that Yitzchak wanted to bestow on Esav. This class, which does not assume any prior knowledge of the text or of Hebrew language, answers questions such as why Yitzchak wanted to give Esav the brachot (blessings), why Rivka intervened, and why Yaakov did not tell the truth.
G-d as a Role Model
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues to explain how one should try to act in a similar manner to G-d. This idea, of emulating G-d, is the basis of the work, Tomer Devora.
Parshat Toldot: Obstacles in the Path of G-d
Posted onIn his discussion on Parshat Toldot, Rabbi Hershel Reichman uses the interpretation of the Shem MiShmuel to explain the puzzling phenomenon of how Eisav could become so wicked while having been brought up in the home of Yitzchak and Rivka.
Potent Prayer
Posted onOn Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the concept of prayer.
Characteristics of Yosef Hatzadik
Posted onDescribing the unbelievable gifts and characteristics of Yosef Hatzadik (the Righteous).
Perfecting Oneself
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In this Torah shiur (class) on self-improvement, Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen describes various middot (character traits) of G-d that the Tomer Devora explains how to emulate. These middot are not just an exercise in imitation, but help perfect oneself to become a better person. In this class, Rabbi Cohen discusses the middah of ‘yichbosh avonoteineu’, ‘He Holds back’ our sins. Hashem waits with our aveirot and ignores them until we erase them with our repentance. Man can also reach levels of self-denial and acceptance, which will lead him to wholeheartedly forgive those who wrong him.
Eating Before Davening
Posted onIn this shiur (class), Rabbi Ari Jacobson discusses the prohibition of eating before davening. This class includes the pertinent Halachot concerning Shabbat and women.
The Halachot of an Onan
Posted onIn this shiur (class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the various halachot of an Onan, one whose close relative has passed away and is still not buried. Rabbi Taubes provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the halachot, complete with modern day cases.
Mitzva Exemptions
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the machlokes (Talmudic dispute) between Rashba and Rav Hai Gaon and between Tosefot and the Ra regarding the nature of the Talmudic dictum- “Oseik B’Mitzvah Patur Min Hamitzvah”, one who is currently involved in a Mitzva is exempt from fulfilling a different mitzvah that he encounters simultaneously.
Parshat Chayei Sarah: Overcoming Self Interest
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses Eliezer’s mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. The Shem MiShmuel focuses on Eliezer’s ability to overcome his own interest and his subsequent success.
The Divine Path
Posted onOn Parshat Chayei Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Eliezer’s search for a wife for Yitzchak, and why Hashem performed a miracle of shortening the journey for Eliezer.
Parshat Chayei Sarah: Avraham – Combination of Din and Chessed
Posted onAvraham’s essence was one of pure chessed, total giving to another. Yet despite his desire for complete chessed, Avraham Avinu was able to combine din (justice) within his chessed personality. This class on Parshat Chayei Sarah discusses Avraham’s ability to combine the attributes of din and chessed.
Life of Growth
Posted onExploring the Sale of Yosef through the verses and the commentaries that discuss the first passuk of Parshat Vayeishev.
Eliezer’s Mission
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero elucidates Avraham Avinu’s instruction to his servant Eliezer, as Eliezer embarks on a mission to find a wife for Yitzchak Avinu. The class discusses why Yitzchak could not marry a Cananite woman, and why Eliezer chose to use a sign to help him complete his mission. The class, which assumes no prior knowledge of the Chumash or of the Hebrew language, encourages use of the Artscroll Sapirstein Rashi Chumash.
The Mitzvah of Tochacha
Posted onIn this shiur (class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the often misunderstood mitzvah of Tochacha- rebuke. Rabbi Taubes defines the mitzvah and then explains various Gemaras which explain the parameters of the mitzvah.
Examples of G-dliness
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues learning the classic mussar sefer, Tomer Devorah. In this segment, the Tomer Devorah provides practical examples of how G-dliness is portrayed in mankind.