Providence Proxy Pardon
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In this class (shiur) on Parshat Vayigash, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Yosef’s revelation of his identity to his brothers and the sensitivity he displayed in reassuring them that he bore them no grudge.
Category: Chumash Bereishit
Vine Vignette
Posted onIn this class (Shiur) on Parshat Vayashev, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the dreams of the cup bearer and the baker and Yosef’s interpretation.
Edom’s Enigma
Posted onIn this class (Shiur) Mrs Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayishlach
Genuinely Grateful
Posted onThis Shiur examines the Midrash that Leah Imenu was the first person to give thanks to Hashem. The different dimensions of thanksgiving are examined, as well as the need to continue to ask after giving thanks
Greatness Guaranteed
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the verse, “The man became great and kept becoming greater until he was very great. He had acquired flocks and herds and many enterprises; and the Philistines envied him.” Mrs. Smiles explains what true greatness means and how it was actualized through Yitzchak who sanctified the name of Hashem by his example and by reaching out to others.
Divinely Directed
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Chaya Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the test Eliezer contrived to find a match for Yitzchak. The class discusses the significance of kindness and how it is intertwined with emunah.
Sodom Secret
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Vayira, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the incident of Lot and his two daughters.
Ogs Odyssey
Posted onExamines the verse in Parshat Lech Lecha (14:13), “And the fugitive came and he told Avraham…” This class discusses Og’s dual motives and the repercussions that resulted after he informed Avraham that Lot was captured.
Deluge Delusion
Posted onExamines the verse in Parshat Noach, “And Noah went in and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him into the ark because of the flood waters.” This class discusses how Noach only had intellectual emunah and did not believe the flood would actually come until the waters were at his feet. Mrs. Smile discusses how to live with true emunah and integrate it into our essence.
Wondrous Whisper
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On Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the meaning of the verse, “Baruch shem kavod malchuto l’olam v’aed,” which the children of Yaakov recited at his deathbed.
Ceding The Cedar
Posted onOn Parshat Vayigash, Mrs Shira Smiles discusses the significance of the cedar wood that Yaakov brought down to Egypt which was later used to build the Mishkan in the desert.
Pits Purpose
Posted onOn Parshat Vayeshev, Mrs Shira Smiles discusses the connection between the pit that Yosef was thrown into and the holiday of Chanukah.
Timna’s Trajectory
Posted onon Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Timna, the concubine of Elifaz, and the lessons we can learn from her.
Majestic Maidservants
Posted onOn Parshat Vayetzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the role of the maidservants, Bilha and Zilpa, and why they were not counted among the Imahot.
Blindness and Brachos
Posted onOn Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the deeper meaning of Yitzchak’s blindness.
Gauging Goodness
Posted onOn Parshat Chayei Sara, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the verse, “The life of Sarah was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years, these were the years of the life of Sarah,” in particular Rashi’s explanation which says that all of her years were equally good.
Trail Travails
Posted onOn Parshat Vayera Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the odyssey of Hagar and Yishmael in the desert.
Presence And Presents
Posted onOon Parshat Lech-Lecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Avraham’s legacy of faith.
Rainbow Rays
Posted onOn Parshat Noach, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the covenant of the rainbow that Hashem made after the Great Flood.
Inspired Internment
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On Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Yosef’s oath to Yaakov to bury him in the land of Israel.
Royal Revelation
Posted onMrs. Shira smile discusses Parshat Vayigash and Yosef’s surprising revelation to his brothers.
Curious Cloak
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Sinew’s Significance
Posted onMrs. Shira Smile discusses the significance of Yaakov Avinu’s sinew being targeted during the struggle with the angel of Esav in Parshat Vayishlach.
Indelible Impression
Posted onOn Parshat Vayeitzei, Mr. Shira Smiles examines the verse, “And Yaaakov departed from Be’er Sheva and went towards Charan,” and the impression a righteous person has on his surroundings.
Forgiveness and Fortitude
Posted onMrs. Shira Smile discusses forgiveness and fortitude from within Parshat Toldot.
Coming Into Completeness
Posted onOn Parshat Chayei Sara, Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about Avraham Avinu at the end of his life.
Seeing is Believing
Posted onon Parshat Vayeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the concept of Hashem Yireh, the name Avraham gave the site of Akeidat Yitzchak.
Parshat Lech Lecha
Posted onOn Parshat Lech Lecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Sarah’s relationship with Hagar and its ramifications for future generations.
Dove’s Directive
Posted onOn Parshat Noach, Mrs. Shira Smiles delves into the episode of the dove bringing Noach the olive branch and its symbolism for our lives.
Living Life
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On Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the first passuk which states that Yaakov lived in Egypt for seventeen years, and that Yaakov lived for 147 years. Why was this passuk is necessary at all?