Introspection
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Mrs. Smiles discusses Parshat Balak.
The Well of Miriam
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles provides a description of the personality and legacy of Miriam within the Torah, and the deeper meaning of her lifetime connection to water.
Purity of Motive
Posted onParshat Korach serves as a model for how we can behave properly and with the correct middos in life. This parsha also teaches us about the behavior of envy.
Beyond the Ego
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles explores and develops the perplexing episode of the spies’ journey to Israel and the Jews’ subsequent sin and punishment. Mrs. Smiles explains how this episode ultimately teaches important life lessons to each of us.
Personal En’light’enment
Posted onFrom the beginning to the end of this Torah parsha, Parshat Beha’alotcha, Mrs. Shira Smiles weaves the theme of character development and refinement as a basis for success in Torah.
Shevi’i Shel Pesach
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the spiritual significance of the last days of Pesach. Based on the Shem MiShmuel, Rabbi Reichman explains how the last days of Pesach represent a holiday celebrating the tzibur, nation of Israel as a whole.
Netiv Koach Heyetzer
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Rebbetzin Heller begins her analysis of Netiv Koach Hayetzer with a discussion of how to understand our inner enemy – the Yetzer Hara.
Fire, Water and Desert
Posted onThe fire, water, and desert that accompanied the Jews during their sojourn for forty years, symbolize deep lessons of devotion to G-d, passion for spirituality, and a willing to sacrifice oneself to fulfill G-d’s Will. We can incorporate these powerful lessons into our daily lives, to become more passionate, spiritually-focused people.
Unity of G-d
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In this Torah shiur (class), Rebbetzin Heller begins her discussion of Principles of Faith by defining what faith truly is and how it demonstrates our belief in the unity of G-d.
The Fences Established by Iyov
Posted onIn this Torah class Rabbi yitzchak Cohen discusses The Fences Established by Iyov
Honest Gains
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles provides an inside look into Parshat Kedoshim.
Removing the Mask
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayakhel.
Tabernacle – Command or Compensation
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Terumah, the parsha for the week. The shiur discusses several opposing views concerning exactly when the sin of the golden calf occurred in relationship to the command and implementation of the building of the Tabernacle. The differences of opinion regarding the chronology of these events reveals an essential perspective on life: preparing ourselves to become a sanctuary for G-d.
The Living Torah
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses the weekly parsha, Parshat Yitro. The experience of receiving the Torah forces one to recognize that the only option one is faced with in this world is serving their Creator. Possession of the Torah, the guidebook that directs our life, similar to a manual for a sophisticated machine, is a tremendous source of joy.
Closing the Circle
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Beshalach. Mrs. Smiles delves into the essence of shira, and the importance of incorporating shira into our daily lives. In addition, she speaks about the attack of the Amalekites on the Jewish people, the character of Amalek, and how to spiritually battle this force.
Creation of Self
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Bo. The commandment to sanctify every Jewish month is the first commandment the Jewish nation received following their redemption from Egypt. By exploring this directive, we will discover the crucial aspect of living in a state of constant rejuvenation.
The Inner Inn Experience
Posted onShira Smiles discusses the weekly parsha, Parshat Shemot, and the intriguing episode of Moshe and Tziporah at the Inn on the way to Egypt.
Tribes – Model of Diversity
Posted onShira Smiles discusses how the different tribes each reflect a specific quality of the Jewish people.
Wagon Wisdom
Posted onShira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayigash, and the significance of the wagons Yosef sent from Egypt to bring his father Yaakov from the Land of Canaan.
World of Action
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the life question that Parshat Vayeishev addresses: What has man been placed in this world to accomplish?
Chevron – Inner Essence
Posted onShira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayishlach, delving into the episode of Rachel’s death and her burial in Beit Lechem instead of in Chevron.
Redeeming the Sparks
Posted onMrs. Smiles explains the puzzling episode of the “Dudaim”, the fertility herbs that Reuven brought for his mother Leah, and Leah’s deal with Rachel to give her the Dudaim in return for more time with Yaakov, their husband.
Testing the Essence
Posted onShira Smiles discusses the narrative of the story of Yitzchak’s blessings to his sons Yaakov and Esav, found in Parshat Toldot. Yitzchak’s main strength was that of Gevura (inner strength), and therefore he is tested specifically in this area.
The Grand Finale
Posted onShira Smiles discusses Parshat Chayei Sarah. In this parsha, the tenth and final test of Avraham Avinu takes place.
Ultimate Trust and Love
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses how in Parshat Vayeira, Avraham Avinu is put to the ultimate test, Akeidat Yitchak. Shira Smiles explains what the Akeida means to us today.
Beauty of Eretz Yisrael
Posted onDiscusses how through Moshe’s request we gain a deeper understanding of the qualities of Eretz Yisrael.
Class 13
Posted onRav Lach
Posted onExplains Hashem’s response to Moshe Rabbeinu’s request.