Acquiring Serenity
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On Parsha Vayeishev, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on one pasuk, to uncover some of the most fundamental aspects of the way Hashem interacts with us.
Category: Chumash Bereishit
The Second Dream
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Explaining the symbolism of Yosef’s second dream, of the sun, moon, and stars.
Parshat Vayeishev: Gathering the Sparks
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In his class on this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayeishev, Rabbi Hershel Reichman explores Yaakov’s mission, which became the mission of the entire Jewish People: to gather the hidden sparks of holiness found in all corners of the world.
Parshat Vayishlach
Posted onIn this shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the function of the angels in heaven as well as the Jewish people’s mission in this world. Stemming from an explanation of Yaakov’s encounter with Eisav, this class presents a fundamental view of life’s purpose.
Preparation for Battle
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the beginning of Parshat Vayishlach. Mrs. Prero analyzes Yaakov’s preparation for meeting Eisav. Each of Yaakov Avinu’s actions set a precedent for later events in Jewish history. In the course of the class, Mrs. Prero also expound on the concept of Maaseh Avot Siman Labanim.
Parshat Vayishlach
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller learns the parsha, Parshat Vayishlach.
Struggle for Simcha
Posted onOn Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles concentrates on the struggle between Yaakov and the angel, and explains how the struggle represents the quintessential struggle between good and evil.
The First Dream
Posted onDiscussing Yosef’s first dream, the dream of the stalks of wheat.
Parshat Vayeitzei
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller learn the story of Parshat Vayeitzei.
Parshat Vayeitzei: Surviving Darkness
Posted onIn this shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the Medrash which says that the angels of Yakov’s dream represent the four kingdoms which will subjugate the Jewish people. Based on the Shem MiShmuel’s understanding of this medrash, Rabbi Reichman explains how Yaakov Avinu paved the way for our survival in the trying times of exile.
Dreaming of Angels
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses Yaakov’s dream of the angels ascending and descending a ladder to Heaven, as he travels to Charan. This class, which does not assume any knowledge of Hebrew or familiarity with textual study, discusses why Yaakov received the vision at this juncture, and what this dream represents.
Well Well Well
Posted onOn Parshat Veyeitzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the significance of Yaakov’s interaction with the shepherds at the well.
Antidote for Jealousy
Posted onExploring the motivations for Jealousy and the antidote for it.
Parshat Toldot: Approaches to Evil
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the fundamental difference between Yaakov and Eisav and why Yitzchak wanted to bless Eisav. Based on the teachings of the Shem MiShmuel, this class presents two approaches towards dealing with evil.
Parshat Toldot
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller goes through the parsha, Parshat Toldot, providing a basic overview of the story as well as inspiring insights to the parsha.
Stolen Blessings
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Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the blessings that Yitzchak wanted to bestow on Esav. This class, which does not assume any prior knowledge of the text or of Hebrew language, answers questions such as why Yitzchak wanted to give Esav the brachot (blessings), why Rivka intervened, and why Yaakov did not tell the truth.
Potent Prayer
Posted onOn Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the concept of prayer.
Characteristics of Yosef Hatzadik
Posted onDescribing the unbelievable gifts and characteristics of Yosef Hatzadik (the Righteous).
Parshat Chayei Sarah: Overcoming Self Interest
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses Eliezer’s mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. The Shem MiShmuel focuses on Eliezer’s ability to overcome his own interest and his subsequent success.
The Divine Path
Posted onOn Parshat Chayei Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Eliezer’s search for a wife for Yitzchak, and why Hashem performed a miracle of shortening the journey for Eliezer.
Parshat Chayei Sarah: Avraham – Combination of Din and Chessed
Posted onAvraham’s essence was one of pure chessed, total giving to another. Yet despite his desire for complete chessed, Avraham Avinu was able to combine din (justice) within his chessed personality. This class on Parshat Chayei Sarah discusses Avraham’s ability to combine the attributes of din and chessed.
Life of Growth
Posted onExploring the Sale of Yosef through the verses and the commentaries that discuss the first passuk of Parshat Vayeishev.
Eliezer’s Mission
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero elucidates Avraham Avinu’s instruction to his servant Eliezer, as Eliezer embarks on a mission to find a wife for Yitzchak Avinu. The class discusses why Yitzchak could not marry a Cananite woman, and why Eliezer chose to use a sign to help him complete his mission. The class, which assumes no prior knowledge of the Chumash or of the Hebrew language, encourages use of the Artscroll Sapirstein Rashi Chumash.
Laughter Lessons
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero compares Avraham, Sara, and Ishmael’s tzchok (laughter), to determine which laughter is appropriate in different situations. She also discusses Hagar’s behavior when she is sent out of Avraham’s home.
Parshat Vayeira: Chessed and Din
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Reichman explains how Avraham, the epitome of Chessed (kindness) has a son, Yitzchak who is the epitome of Din (judgement). Based on the Shem MiShmuel, this class analyzes the essence of our forefathers and mothers.
Height of Hospitality
Posted onIn Parshat Vayera, Avraham exemplifies the model of Hachnasat Orchim, hospitality. Mrs. Shira Smiles examines what was unique about these acts of hachnasat orchim, and why, in their merit, Avraham was blessed with a son.
Parshat Vayeira: Overflowing Reward
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah Class) Rabbi Reichman discussing this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayeira, in accordance with the interpretation of Chassidut using the Shem MiShmuel.
Parshat Lech Lecha- Brit Milla
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explores Parshat Lech Lecha. This class, based on the verses with the commentary of Rashi, talks about the commandment to Avraham to perform a brit mila (circumcision) on himself. No prior textual skills or knowledge of Hebrew required for this class.
Parshat Lech Lecha: Man’s Search for Meaning
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the underlying motives of Avraham’s quest to find G-d. Based on the Shem MiShmuel, Rabbi Reichman demonstrates that Avraham’s journey is symbolic of all mankind’s search for meaning in life.
The Tower of Bavel
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the sin and the punishment of the Dor Haflagah, the generation after the Flood that built the Tower of Bavel. The class goes through the relevant verses and the corresponding comments of Rashi. This class is suitable to anyone wanting to explore the topic inside, regardless of knowledge of Hebrew or level of textual skills.