The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
Rabbi Avishai David explains that, on Shavuot, we not only commemorate the giving of the Torah, but we also try to relive the experience itself. We re-experience the drama of our receiving the Torah at Sinai.
As an experienced shadchan, Rabbi Hanoch Teller shares his secrets for successful dating.
In this Torah class Dayan shlomo Cohen discusses the aspects of Suicide in Halacha
In this Torah shiur (class) on the Selichot prayers, Rabbi Avishai David explicates the Selichot, specifically the themes of repentance and forgiveness. One of the main themes of the Selichos is that our neshama is incorruptable, and we must use this opportunity to return the part of ourselves that remains pure despite our sins.
In this class, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses that we cannot get caught up only in the technical requirements of counting each night of the Omer and the customs of mourning during this time. Sefirat Haomer is a time for spiritual accounting in preparation for receiving the Torah, specifically in the areas of loving one’s fellow man and increasing our consciousness of G-d.
Rabbi Avishai David discusses Tehillim Perek 137, and presents a vivid description of the Churban and our yearning for Yerushalayim.
Rebbetzin Heller provides an overview and explanation of the Book of Esther.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Pesach (Passover), Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about our focus and perspective for the days following the Seder night.
In this Torah shiur (class) on shalom bayit, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg shares his secrets for building a happy and harmonious relationship with one’s spouse, based on the sichot mussar and other Torah sources.
In his explanation of Tehillim Perek 148, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the dual structure of the mizmor, the yesod of the angels saying shirah based on the shirah of Klal Yisrael, and the connectivity of Klal Yisrael to Hashem as opposed to universal shirah. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David teaches perek 6, the heatfelt cry to Hashem during one’s hour of need.
In this shiur on Hilchot Shabbat, Rabbi Shimon Isaacson discusses the laws of Kiddush B’Makom Seudah, and whether one can fulfill the obligation of Kiddush with whiskey.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his explanation of Hallel, with an overview of perakim 116 and 117. In these perakim, both Jews and non-Jews are exhorted to praise Hashem, each for different reasons.
In this Torah shiur (class) on the practical applications of Hilchot Shabbat, Rabbi Shimon Isaacson discusses more practical examples of the Melacha (prohibited activity) of Korei’a (tearing), the flip-side of the Melacha of Tofer (sewing). This class utilizes actual items that one may want to tear on Shabbat for a constructive purpose, and discusses permitted and prohibited methods of doing so.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Hilchot Shabbat, Rabbi Shimon Isaacson presents an overview of the halachot regarding items that are usually discarded, such as garbage, bones, egg shells, etc.
In this class on the 14th and 15th chapters of Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David discusses how Yirmiyahu could have davened to Hashem after he was told not to daven anymore. Rabbi David also talks about Hashem’s dismal warning that He is disgusted with Klal Yisrael, and how even this negative prophesy is not absolute, as the Covenant between Hashem and the Jewish People can never be undone. Going on to the 15th chapter of Yirmiyahu, Rabbi David discusses the four punishments mentioned in the perek, and expounds upon the characteristics and outlook of Yirmiyahu Hanavi, who had the difficult job of prophesizing doom and destruction to his brothers.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yrmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David explains the juxtaposition of perek 22, which bemoans the lack of justice during the reigns of many of the later kings of Judea, with Perek 23, which describes the perfect justice that will prevail during the reign of Moshiach. Rabbi David includes the Rambam’s discussion of the ideal Jewish king, and compares similarities between this chapter and chapter 16 in Sefer Yirmiyahu.
In this shiur (Torah class) on Prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David explains the Rambam’s declaration that there are many levels of nevua. Rabbi David discusses the differences between Neviim, the Prophetic books, and Ketuvim, the Scriptures, according to the early commentators (Rishonim) Radak, Abarbanel, and Meiri, as well as the approach of Rav Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk.
In this shiur (Torah class) Rabbi Reichman discusses the ninth perek of Mishnayot Pesachim as a zchut for a complete and speedy recovery for Naftali ben Gila, Shimon Yechiel ben Tirtza, and Nadav ben Hadassa, who were critically wounded in the attack in Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav, Rosh Chodesh Adar bet 5768
Shavuos Class
Explains how perek 96 is a continuation and intensification of the previous perek, Tehillim 95. This shiur also focuses on the unique role of the number seven which appears in this chapter.
In this Torah class Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen Explains the Tales of our Forefathers as written in the Sefer Avos D’rabbi Nosson
Rabbi Hanoch Teller continues his series on Trei Asar, going on in his explanation of the prophesies of the Navi Zecharia.
Rabbi Moshe Weinberger continues learning the maamar Atem Nitzavim by the Alter Rebbe. In this segment, he discusses the idea of seeking out G-d with the deepest depths of one’s heart.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the holiday of Sukkot.
Parshat Bamidbar presents the story of how the Jewish people received the Torah in the desert. There, we were removed from any outside societal influence. We learn from this how to define ourselves in today’s society.
In this Torah class Dayan Shlomo Chen continues discussing the subject of Shechitah
Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the connection between Succot and the previous holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Mrs. Smiles also speaks about the idea that Succot is the time of our rejoicing.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller talks about the combined parsha, Parshat Behar-Bechukotai. Rabbi Teller discusses the Torah perspective on the manner in which we view and act towards other people.
