A Chosson’s Exemption From Kriyat Shema
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Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the Gemara on Daf 11A, regarding a Chosson (bridegroom)’s exemption from reciting Kriyat Shema.
Laughter Lessons
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Mrs. Chana Prero compares Avraham, Sara, and Ishmael’s tzchok (laughter), to determine which laughter is appropriate in different situations. She also discusses Hagar’s behavior when she is sent out of Avraham’s home.
Parshat Vayeira: Chessed and Din
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Reichman explains how Avraham, the epitome of Chessed (kindness) has a son, Yitzchak who is the epitome of Din (judgement). Based on the Shem MiShmuel, this class analyzes the essence of our forefathers and mothers.
Height of Hospitality
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In Parshat Vayera, Avraham exemplifies the model of Hachnasat Orchim, hospitality. Mrs. Shira Smiles examines what was unique about these acts of hachnasat orchim, and why, in their merit, Avraham was blessed with a son.
Blessings of the Morning
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In this shiur (class), Rabbi Ari Jacobson continues with the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch’s halachot of saying Birchot HaShachar, the blssings meant specifically for the morning.
Parshat Vayeira: Overflowing Reward
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah Class) Rabbi Reichman discussing this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayeira, in accordance with the interpretation of Chassidut using the Shem MiShmuel.
Parshat Lech Lecha- Brit Milla
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explores Parshat Lech Lecha. This class, based on the verses with the commentary of Rashi, talks about the commandment to Avraham to perform a brit mila (circumcision) on himself. No prior textual skills or knowledge of Hebrew required for this class.
Parshat Lech Lecha: Man’s Search for Meaning
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the underlying motives of Avraham’s quest to find G-d. Based on the Shem MiShmuel, Rabbi Reichman demonstrates that Avraham’s journey is symbolic of all mankind’s search for meaning in life.
The Tower of Bavel
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the sin and the punishment of the Dor Haflagah, the generation after the Flood that built the Tower of Bavel. The class goes through the relevant verses and the corresponding comments of Rashi. This class is suitable to anyone wanting to explore the topic inside, regardless of knowledge of Hebrew or level of textual skills.
Kayin and Hevel
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the story of Kayin and Hevel, the sons of Adam and Chava. The actions of Hevel and Kayin teach us how to serve G-d and do Teshuva (return to Him). This class does not assume any previous knowledge of Hebrew or of the Parsha.
Who Is Like G-d?
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In this shiur (class), on the Sefer Tomer Devora, Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen brings specific examples of how one can emulate G-d in all areas of life.
Parshat Chayei Sarah
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller discusses the narrative in Parshat Chayei Sarah. Avraham buys the Machpela Cave and adjoining field in Chevron and buries his wife Sarah there, and then dispatches his servant Eliezer to find a shidduch (marriage partner) for his son Yitzchak.
Parshat Vayeira
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller relates the story of Parshat Vayeira. Rabbi Teller discusses more of the trials of Avraham Avinu and the destruction of Sodom and Amorah.
Parshat Lech Lecha
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller explains the story of Avraham’s trials and his departure to the Land of Israel. This class focuses on the narrative of Parshat Lech Lecha, with some added insights.
Parshat Noach: Perfection of Three Levels of Soul
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman delves into the personality of Noach and his unique righteousness. Based on the teachings of the Shem MiShmuel, the class explains three levels of soul and the mitzvot which correspond to each level.
Wonderful Words
Posted onOn Parshat Noach, Mrs. Smiles explores who Noach really was, and for what merit Noach was saved, offering a goal of what to aspire to so that one can be saved from the deluge that surrounds a person in today’s world.
Parshat Breishit: Gathering the Sparks
Posted onIn this shiur (class), , Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the significance of the episode in this week’s parsha, Parshat Breishit, where Adam and Chava (Eve)’s sin upon eating from the Eitz HaDaaS (Tree of Knowledge). based on the Shem Mishmuel, Rabbi Reichman discusses man’s fundamental purpose of life according to Chassidic thought.
Parshat V’zot Habracha: The Look of Moshe Rabbeinu
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses Hashem’s offer to Moshe Rabbeinu to look at the Land of Israel. Moshe Rabbeinu’s look was not just a physical act; it’s spiritual significance is analyzed according to the Shem MiShmuel.
Parshat Bereishit: Factors of Creation
Posted onIn this Torah class on Parshat Bereishit, Rabbi Hershel Reichman teaches that the mystery of the Creation of the world involved Divine withdrawal and mercy which brought about the establishment of law within the universe.
Parshat Bereishit: Purposeful Pain
Posted onIn this class on Parshat Bereishit, Rabbi Reichman discusses how the banishment of Adam from the Garden of Eden teaches us lifelong lessons, and in particular helps us understand the purpose of Jewish exile and suffering.
Parshat Noach
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller goes through the major episodes in Parshat Noach and explains their lessons.
Parshat Bereishit
Posted onRabbi Teller takes his students on a journey through the first parsha in the Torah, Parshat Bereishit. This basic class relates the topics, themes, and general storyline of the parsha in a captivating manner.
Parshat Haazinu: Beyond Free Will
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman analyzes Moshe Rabbeinu’s comparison of Heaven and Earth to fulfilling the Torah’s commandments. The Shem MiShmuel explains the symbolism of heaven and Earth as bodies which act completely in accordance with G-d’s Will, an ideal which we all aspire to.
Parshat Vayeilech: Causes of Sin
Posted onIn this shiur(class) Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains an enigmatic Midrash which explains the word Vayeilech as a form of a rebuke. Based on the Shem Mishmuel, Rabbi Reichman launches into a discussion about the causes of sin and how to prevent sinning.
Eternal Call
Posted onOn Parshat Lech Lecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the question of why Avraham Avinu was chosen as the father of our nation.
The Power of Viddui
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In this shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman analyzes the essay concerning viddui (confession) in Rav Soleveitchik’s sefer (book), Al Hateshuva. Viddui’s unique characteristics lie in its halachik significance and its requirement in the teshuva process.
Joy of Repentance
Posted onRabbi Michael Taubes explores the final moments of the Yom Kippur davening (prayers) and the joy that comes with true forgiveness.
Recognizing Reality: Summary of Megillat Kohelet
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Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller sums up the philosophical truths and principles of life that are presented by Shlomo Hamelech (King Solomon) in Sefer Kohelet.
True Atonement
Posted onRabbi Michael Taubes examines how the bulk of the Yom Kippur davening (prayers) is comprised of Mussaf, in which the details of the Yom Kippur service are described.
Physical Transience vs. Spiritual Eternity
Posted onRebbetzin Tzipora Heller speaks about the transience of all physical goals and even our own bodies’ eventual demise. Only Yirat Hashem endures.