Category: Jewish calendar
The Jewish calendar is chock full of special days that have a unique influence on us and help us come closer to Hashem. The Torah calls the holidays, moadim, times of meeting with Hashem. This series of classes explores the transformative power of Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh, the fast days, and other Jewish holidays around the year. Popular classes include insightful lectures on The Days of Awe which takes a comprehensive look at this emotionally charged period, particularly focusing on the Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur prayers, explaining their structure, logical sequence, meaning, and symbolism. Students also examine Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s important work on Jewish Thought, Al HaTeshuva, which discusses repentance and self-improvement as a means to growth and ascension in service of Hashem. In Jerusalem: Echoes of Lament, a range of Naaleh teachers explore such thought-provoking questions as what were the causes of this destruction? What should we do to return to our former glory as G-d’s Holy people? How can we deepen our appreciation of Jewish unity in order to rectify the sin of disunity that caused the destruction? Other topics include classes on Chanuka, Tu B’shevat, Purim, Pesach, Shavuot, Sefira, Lag B’aomer, and the Three Weeks.
Pesach: Potency of Prayer
Posted onIn this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles Discusses the Potency Of Prayer.
Two Purims
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Purim, Rabbi Hershel Reichman teaches an essay by the Shem Mishmuel, which discusses the mystical reasons for the two separate Purim celebrations, on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar.
Torah Leadership, Part 1
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller speaks about the life of Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky.
Connecting To The Core
Posted onThe Four Cups
Posted onIn this class (shiur) Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the four cups.
Walled Celebrations
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Purim, the Shem Mishmuel explains the differences in the Purim celebrations between those cities with walls and those without.
Rosh Hashana
Posted onRosh
Shavuot: True Acceptance of Torah
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), in honor of the holiday of Shavuot, Rabbi Cohen explains the nature of true acceptance and performance of Torah.
Four Languages of Redemption
Posted onIn this class (shiur) Rabbi Hershel Reichman gives us insight into the four languages of redemption.
Amalek: Inner and Outer Enemy
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), the Shem Mishmuel explains Amalek’s significance and gives us instructions on how to fight Amalek in our times.
The Mitzvah of Sefiras HaOmer
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class),Rabbi Ari Jacobson presents an overview of the mitzva of Sefirat HaOmer. Rabbi Jacobson explains the meaning of the mitzva and presents an overview of its related halachot.
Rosh Hashana
Posted onPresenting Rosh Hashana, Malchiyos Shofros and Zichronos.
The Seventh Day of Pesach
Posted onIn this Torah class (shiur) about the last days of Pesach, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller talks about the essence of the day and the unique joy brought by the Splitting of the Sea.
Partial Redemption
Posted onRebbi Hershel Reichman discusses the holiday of Purim which involved a fight against Amalek, our evil enemy. The fight was not only physical but a spiritual war against Amalek within us. The outcome determined the extent of the Purim redemption.
Judging Judiciously
Posted onIn this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the holy day of Yom Kippur and how we must work on judging others favorably so that Hashem will act the same with us.
Sefirat Haomer: Affording Respect
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller speaks about working on Midot and affording respect.
Purim and Geulah
Posted onRabbetzin Heller discusses Purim, the party of our connection with Hashem, and our willingness to get closer.
Sefirat HaOmer
Posted onRabbi Avishai David examines the mitzvah of Sefirat HaOmer, and discusses the two types of “zecher le’mikdash”.
Reliving the Giving of the Torah
Posted onRabbi 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.
Solidarity And Sensitivity
Posted onIn this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the month of Elul
Significant Symbol – Pesach
Posted onIn this class Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Pesach and Lail HaSeder.
A Deeper Look into the Purim Story
Posted onRebbetzin Heller provides an overview and explanation of the Book of Esther.
Dimensions of Sefirat HaOmer
Posted onIn 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.
Selichot: Keys to Forgiveness, Part II
Posted onIn 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.
Shavuos Propitious Prayer
Posted onShavuos Class
Exalted Entourage
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses the holiday of Sukkot.
After the Seder: What’s Next?
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Pesach (Passover), Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about our focus and perspective for the days following the Seder night.
The Essence of Purim
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles addresses the question: What is Purim all about?
Between Man and Man
Posted onThe last five Commandments all deal with man’s relationship to his fellow man. Yet a deeper look into these commandments reveals an outlook on the divinity found in every person and situation.