The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
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.
In this class on Sefirat Haomer, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg discusses the dichotomy of sefirat haomer; on one hand, it is a time of joyous anticipation before Matan Torah, and on the other hand, it is a time of mourning for the deaths of the students of Rabbi Akiva. The class explains how it all fits together.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how the Sukkah is a paradigm for seeing the stars within ourselves. We must recognize the inherent greatness that Hashem imparted to us and that He believes in us and shines His light through us.
Where is Haman in the Torah? Rabbi Hanoch Teller sheds light on this question. This Torah class is available online in streaming video. To purchase mp3 of Rabbi Teller’s shiurim go to www.ishiur.com
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller speaks about the the light of Pesach, and begins discussing the Haggadah.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes delves int the exact halachik nature of the mitzva of counting the omer. Through an understanding of it’s halachik definition, one comes to understand the purpose of this mitzva.
In this class (shiur) Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller discusses the Holiday of Sukkot
Mrs. Shira Smiles addresses the following questions: What is the Jewish vision of joy? Specifically, how do we understand the joy inherent in the day of Purim?
In this class Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller discusses the month of Elul in the midst of summer
Rebbetzin Heller discusses the concepts of honoring G-d and one’s parents.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Avishai David explores the essence of the mitzva of teshuva and it’s everlasting effects, as illustrated in the Book of Yona.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tu B’Av, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the greatness of the holiday.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Purim, Rabbi Hanoch Teller provides a basic reading of the Megilla, which provides great insight.
In this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Rosh Hashana,
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the Holiday Of Succos.
Rebbetzin Heller expounds on the deeper understanding of the Ten Commandments.
Rebbetzin Heller discusses how Sefirat HaOmer teaches us to utilize the Middot (attributes) of Hashem, in our attempt towards self perfection.
Mrs. Shira Smiles delves into the deeper meaning of the Seder.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how Succot is a continuation of the holidays that precede it, and how they are connected.
This Torah class by Mrs.Shira Smiles is describes the unique relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people in the Chodesh of Elul.
Why is the holiday of Purim named after Haman’s Lottery? Mrs. Shira Smiles describes the mindset of Haman and Amalek, who ascribe all events to mere chance, as opposed to the Jewish mindset of seeing the Divine plan in every event.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller continues with a review of the Haggadah.
Rebbetzin Heller discusses the last chapter in the Book of Ruth, which describes the unique process in which the Mashiach is brought into this world and its relevance for our own personal redemption.
Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg outlines four reasons that we celebrate the holiday of Succot in the month of Tishrei, and explains how they relate to the Simcha (joy) of the holiday.
Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the holiday of Purim and how the day is a unique once-a-year opportunity where Hashem opens his vaults for our prayers to ascend unhindered.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the unique spiritual characteristics of the month of Iyar. As the month in between Pesach and Shavuot, Iyar represents a more distant relationship with G-d. Yet, despite this distance, Rabbi Reichman explains the strong connection that bonds the Jewish people with the Almighty.
Rebbetzin Heller discusses Ruth’s mysterious midnight visit to Boaz in his fields and unravels the depth of this seemingly inexplicable episode.
In this class (shiur) Rebbetzin Leah Kohn discusses the Jews in Egypt.
Why does Yom Kippur, the Day of Forgiveness, come after the Day of Judgment? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
In this shiur (Torah class), which focuses on the month of Elul, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the mood of the month, and examines the seeming ‘trickery’ of being on our best behavior during the month of Elul, when the judgment is approaching.
