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 question and answer session, Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller addresses real issues and struggles sent in by Naaleh students all over the world. Issues such as how to relate to the war in Southern Israel, dealing with the loneliness of singlehood, strategies to deal with the ‘off the derech’ phenomenon, how to create the right atmosphere on Shabbat and many others, are related to with sensitivity, wisdom, and humor.
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman learns the halachik topic of candle lighting of the menorah right before Shabbat. Delivered in a classroom setting, this shiur provides a elemental understanding of the issue as well as relevant questions.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman provides a Chassidic outlook on the essence of the light of Chanuka. taken from the Bnei Yissaschar, a classic Chassidic work, this shiur enlightens and inspires the soul.
Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the halachik concept of mehadrin min mehadrin in relation to the Chanuka menorah.
Rabbi Hershel Reichman analyzes the differences between the lights of Chanuka and the lights of Shabbat.
Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the inner and outer connections of Chanuka.
Rabbi Avishai David expounds on the various miracles of Chanuka, and on the anava (humbleness) of the Maccabees, which was the responsible for their victory.
Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the symbolism of putting the mezuza on the right, the channukiah on the left, and the person lighting the candles in the middle.
Rebbetzin Heller speaks about the Greek way of thinking, which is a fragmented outlook on the world, versus the Jewish unified perspective, and how this distinction relates to the miracles of the war and the lights.
Rabbi Avishai David discusses the background of Chanuka, the distinctions between Chanuka and Purim, Pirsumei Nisa, the Yesod of Chanuka, and the difference of order between the Rambam and the Shulchan Aruch, in memorial of the Mumbai victims.
Mrs. Shira Smiles reveals its essence and inner depth in memory of the Mumbai Victims.
Rabbi Michael Taubes explores the final moments of the Yom Kippur davening (prayers) and the joy that comes with true forgiveness.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller sums up the philosophical truths and principles of life that are presented by Shlomo Hamelech (King Solomon) in Sefer Kohelet.
Rabbi Michael Taubes examines how the bulk of the Yom Kippur davening (prayers) is comprised of Mussaf, in which the details of the Yom Kippur service are described.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller speaks about the transience of all physical goals and even our own bodies’ eventual demise. Only Yirat Hashem endures.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller shows how complex people and situations can be remedied by using the mind, heart, and body in the right way.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explores the difficulty in resolving the seeming similarity between the fate of the Tzaddik and Rasha.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller talks about how living a life of morality and awareness makes life better in this world, even though we often see Tzaddikim who suffer n this world.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller continues an anaylsis of Perek 7.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explores Perek 7.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller continues teaching the fifth perek (chapter) of the megilla. Shlomo Hamelech (King Solomon) speaks about seeing the big picture as one lives one life and finding proper focus in both material and spiritual areas.
On Megillat Kohelet, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller reads and explains the fifth chapter of the Megilla. This chapter begins with admonishments not to speak disrespectfully of Hashem if one doesn’t understand His ways, and of the importance of keeping one’s word.
On Megillat Kohelet, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the fourth perek of the Megilla. In this perek, Shlomo Hamelech (King Solomon) discusses the falsehood of this material world and its accompanying fantasies, the tikkun (fixing) of Gehinom (Hell), and the strength of togetherness and positive human relationships.
On Megillat Kohelet, Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller discusses our relationship with time. Time is a backdrop for many of life’s challenges. If we respond to our current challenges with a realization that our response forms us, we will be able to maximize the opportunities we encounter.
Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the fundamental aspects of the Yom Kippur Davening (prayers), in particular Kol nidrei and viddui (confession).
On Megillat Kohelet, continuing the first perek (chapter) and the beginning of the second perek
On Megillat Kohelet, Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller discusses the uniqueness of the five Megillot, and the specific theme of this Megilla. She begins learning the first perek (chapter) inside the text, analyzing the words of the pesukim and delving into their timely messages.
Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the Musaf prayer of Rosh HaShana, which contains essential themes of the holiday.
Rabbi Taubes discusses the significance of the Shofar that is blown during the Rosh HaShanah davening. Rabbi Taubes also discusses the custom to eat the simanim, the signs of Rosh Hashana.
In this question and answer session by Rebbetzin Heller, Jewish women throughout the world reach out with their daily challenges. Rebbetzin Heller addresses each question with sensitivity, wisdom, and humor. Some of the question included in this class are how to feel ready for judgement without attending shul on Rosh Hashana, how to cope with children who are struggling with their Judaism, and how one should deal with the attraction of secular novels and music.
