The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Shlach, in which the tragic episode of the meraglim, spies takes place. Rabbi Reichman, based on the Shem MiShmuel, explains the underpinnings of sin of the spies and the Jewish People.
Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Shelach, and the sin of the spies.
Rabbi Reichman discusses Aharon and Hashem’s interchange, in this week’s Parsha, regarding his service in the Mishkan, based on the Shem Mishmuel’s understanding of the essence of a Kohen’s role among the Jewish People.
In this Torah class on Parshat Naso, Rabbi Hershel Reichman uses a Chassidic approach based on the Shem MiShmuel,to explain the differences of service of G-d among the sons of Levi.
The Shem MiShmuel explains in reference to this week’s parsha the unique connection every Jew has to the entire Jewish People
Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Bamidbar.
Based on the verses in the Book of Numbers, it seems as if the tribes of Reuben and Gad placed more importance on their livestock than their children. Through an in-depth analysis and exploration of the text as well as various commentaries, we will understand the mistake these tribes made, their true intentions, as well as the tremendous lessons that may be derived from this narrative regarding priorities in life.
Mrs. Smiles discusses Parshat Balak.
Mrs. Shira Smiles provides a description of the personality and legacy of Miriam within the Torah, and the deeper meaning of her lifetime connection to water.
Parshat Korach serves as a model for how we can behave properly and with the correct middos in life. This parsha also teaches us about the behavior of envy.
Mrs. Shira Smiles explores and develops the perplexing episode of the spies’ journey to Israel and the Jews’ subsequent sin and punishment. Mrs. Smiles explains how this episode ultimately teaches important life lessons to each of us.
From the beginning to the end of this Torah parsha, Parshat Beha’alotcha, Mrs. Shira Smiles weaves the theme of character development and refinement as a basis for success in Torah.
The fire, water, and desert that accompanied the Jews during their sojourn for forty years, symbolize deep lessons of devotion to G-d, passion for spirituality, and a willing to sacrifice oneself to fulfill G-d’s Will. We can incorporate these powerful lessons into our daily lives, to become more passionate, spiritually-focused people.
Parshat Mattot-Masei, Rebbetzin Heller teaches that Hashem’s intention in bringing us to new places is for us to tap into the spiritual potential of each place.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses this week’s parsha, Parshat Mattot-Masei. In this shiur, she speaks about how the tribes of Reuven and Gad wanted to settle by the Jordan river for the sake of their children. G-d blessed them with lots of cattle and it was therefore through taking care of their cattle that they served G-d. But, we must not lose focus that our children take precedence over everything.
Rebbetzin Heller discusses how Yehoshua’s performance as one of the “spies” and his subsequent leadership of the Jewish People teaches us how to live our lives within the boundaries of this world.
The comparison, made by the Mishna, between Avraham and Bilaam teaches us a lifelong lesson in choosing to use our strengths in the right way.
Parshat Chukat, the episode of Moshe and the “Mei Meriva” sheds light on the role of Moshe Rabbeinu as our leader and the lessons of prayer he imparted to us.
In Parshat Chukat, we learn about Parah Adumah. The chok of Parah Adumah is in essence the mystery of death, where on one hand there is a spiritual loss and yet G-d Himself is completely within the picture.
Parshat Korach, Korach’s sons believed their father’s intentions and became champions of peace as seen in Tehillim.
Rabbi Avishai David discusses the weekly parsha, Parshat Korach and how Korach’s problem was his misunderstanding of the significant distinction between kedusha and bechirah, holiness and choice.
Rabbi Hanoch teller discusses how the Torah’s description of the spies’ journey in the Land of Israel teaches us the essence of what it means to live in the Holy Land.
Parshat Beha’alotcha, Aharon HaKohen is designated with the task of kindling the flames of the menorah, teaching us an important lesson about our relationship with those around us.
Rabbi Avishai David discusses this week’s Torah parsha, Parshat Beha’alotcha. From the exchange between Moshe Rabbeinu and his father in law, Yisro, we can learn a timely lesson of what is our ultimate goal in life.
The episode of the “sotah” in this week’s Torah parsha, Parshat Nasso, provides us with an essential insight into who is truly deserving of blessing.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller discusses Parshat BaMidbar and explains that in the Torah the holiness of a Jewish family is emphasized in a concrete way.
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.
Rabbi Avishai David discusses how the contrast between the story of the spies in Parshat Shelach, and the one found in the Haftorah, provides us with a proper lens focused on the Land of Israel.
