Parshat Vayeitzei: A Holy Nation
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In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Reichman discusses this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayeitzei, according to the interpretation of the Shem MiShmuel.
Category: Chasidut
This series of classes on Chassidut, takes us on a journey through various essays and Chassidic discourses by a range of Chassidic Masters, such as the Shem Mishmuel, the Nesivos Shalom, the Ba’ale HaTanya, the Rebbe Rashab, and others. Chassidut explains that this world is characterized by a confrontation between physicality and spirituality. The fundamental purpose of humanity is to discover the ‘holy sparks’ of the Divine in the physical reality. This series explores the deep spiritual and esoteric teachings of the great Chassidic giants, revealing both philosophical concepts and practical insight on the Parsha, the Jewish holidays, the unity of the Jewish people, and the unique beauty inherent in a Jewish marriage.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
Parshat Vayeira: Chessed and Din
Posted onIn 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.
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: 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.
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.
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 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.
Parshat Ki Tavo: Submission to G-d
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman expounds on the idea of bowing before G-d. This discussion is prompted by a difficult Midrash found in reference to this week’s parsha, Parshat Ki Tavo. Based on the Shem Mishmuel, this class provides a Chassidic interpretation of an essential act of prayer.
Parshat Nitzavim: Steadfast Faith
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman delves into the meaning of the bris (covenant) that takes place between Hashem and the Jewish People, in this week’s parsha, Parshat Nitzavim. The Shem MiShmuel explains the underlying essence of the bris as the commitment to Hashem in all circumstances, both positive and negative.
Ki Teitzei: The Power of Unity
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman expounds on this week’s parsha, Parshat Ki Teizei, based on the Shem MiShmuel, which explains the secret to the Jewish people’s success in war as a function of unity within us.
Parshat Shoftim: Shema Yisrael
Posted onThis week’s Parsha, Parshat Shoftim, discusses the Torah concept and details of war. Rashi writes that the merit of Shema Yisrael will protect Jewish soldiers. Rabbi Reichman explains this idea, based on the Shem MiShmuel, in terms of the connection between the mind and the heart of every Jew.
Parshat Re’eh: Dwelling of G-d: Shilo vs. Jerusalem
Posted onThis week’s Parsha of Re’eh, the Torah discusses a dwelling for G-d within this world. In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Reichman compares the spiritual significance between the Mishkan in Shilo and the Beis HaMikdash in Jerusalem based on the explanation of the Shem Mishmuel.
Parshat Eikev: Mind and Heart United
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman teaches Chassidut on the parsha, Parshat Eikev. The elements of mind and heart often conflict with one another. Yet, the Torah teaches how to combine mind and heart creating one powerful drive in the service of G-d.
Parshat Devarim: The Spiritual Wars of Israel
Posted onIn this class on the Chassidic thought on Parshat Devarim, Rabbi Hershel Reichman elaborates on the interpretations of the Shem Mishmuel to Parshat Devarim. In this shiur, Rabbi Reichman discusses why the appointment of judges is part of the story of the Meraglim, and explains that Jewish wars involve a spiritual war as well as a physical war. Rabbi Reichman expands the topic with an analysis of the two types of yetzer hara, and reveals how the method of defeating all yitzrei hara is commitment to truth.
Parshat Masei: Two Approaches to Evil
Posted onIn this week’s Parsha, Parshat Masei, Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the significance of the Torah’s listing of all of the places where the Jewish People camped during their 40 year sojourn in the desert. The stops in the Desert are symbols of confrontations with evil, either by fleeing from evil or by confronting it. Yosef Hatzadik’s test in Egypt can be seen as reflecting the two methods. In conclusion, Rabbi Reichman discusses living in Eretz Yisael and conquering the forces of evil.
Parshat Matot: The Three Levels of the Jewish Soul
Posted onIn this class on Parshat Matos, Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains how one perfects every level of the Jewish soul. He then discusses how the Jewish holidays focus on the various aspects of the soul.
Parshat Matot: The Power of Speech
Posted onIn this class on Parshat Matot, Rabbi Hershel Reichman talks about the Shem Mishmuel’s discussion of the Torah law permitting personal vows and promises. These personal nedarim do not violate the commandment not to add any commandments to the Torah. The Shem Mishmuel develops this discussion into an exposition on the power of any words uttered by a Jew. Included in this shiur is a discourse on the two types of holiness, individual and communal, and the two types of Jewish leaders described by the Shem Mishmuel.
Parshat Pinchas: Leader of the Nation
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the week’s parsha in which the the qualifications a leader of the Jewish nation is explained. Rabbi Reichman explains these qualifications based on the Shem MiShmuel.
Parshat Balak: Bringing Spirituality into the Mundane
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on the weekly Torah portion Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the hatred Balak and Bilaam had towards the Jewish People, based on the explanation of the Shem MiShmuel.
Parshat Chukat: The Destiny of Yisrael and Edom
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman gives a Chassidic explanation on the relationship between Bnei Yisrael and Edom, based on the natures of Yaakov and Yisrael.
Parshat Chukat: Miracles of Faith
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on the complex episode of mei meriva, which cost Moshe Rabbeinu entrance to the land of Israel, is explained by Rabbi Hershel Reichman as a product of the dual nature of miracles.