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 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.
In this shiur (Torah Class) Rabbi Reichman discussing this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayeira, in accordance with the interpretation of Chassidut using the Shem MiShmuel.
Mrs. 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.
In 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.
Mrs. 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.
Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the story of Kayin and Hevel, the sons of Adam and Chava. The actions of Hevel and Kayin teach us how to serve G-d and do Teshuva (return to Him). This class does not assume any previous knowledge of Hebrew or of the Parsha.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller discusses the narrative in Parshat Chayei Sarah. Avraham buys the Machpela Cave and adjoining field in Chevron and buries his wife Sarah there, and then dispatches his servant Eliezer to find a shidduch (marriage partner) for his son Yitzchak.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller relates the story of Parshat Vayeira. Rabbi Teller discusses more of the trials of Avraham Avinu and the destruction of Sodom and Amorah.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller explains the story of Avraham’s trials and his departure to the Land of Israel. This class focuses on the narrative of Parshat Lech Lecha, with some added insights.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman delves into the personality of Noach and his unique righteousness. Based on the teachings of the Shem MiShmuel, the class explains three levels of soul and the mitzvot which correspond to each level.
On Parshat Noach, Mrs. Smiles explores who Noach really was, and for what merit Noach was saved, offering a goal of what to aspire to so that one can be saved from the deluge that surrounds a person in today’s world.
In this shiur (class), , Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the significance of the episode in this week’s parsha, Parshat Breishit, where Adam and Chava (Eve)’s sin upon eating from the Eitz HaDaaS (Tree of Knowledge). based on the Shem Mishmuel, Rabbi Reichman discusses man’s fundamental purpose of life according to Chassidic thought.
In this class on Parshat Bereishit, Rabbi Reichman discusses how the banishment of Adam from the Garden of Eden teaches us lifelong lessons, and in particular helps us understand the purpose of Jewish exile and suffering.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller goes through the major episodes in Parshat Noach and explains their lessons.
Rabbi Teller takes his students on a journey through the first parsha in the Torah, Parshat Bereishit. This basic class relates the topics, themes, and general storyline of the parsha in a captivating manner.
On Parshat Lech Lecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the question of why Avraham Avinu was chosen as the father of our nation.
Mrs. Shira Smiles uncovers how humility leads a person to greatness.
Mrs. Shira Smiles analyzes the identity of the angel in Jacob’s dream and discusses the special relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Continues the in depth look at Jacob’s Dream.
Shira Smiles speaks about how the stones were used as a protection, as well as the symbolism of the ladder.
Mrs. Shira Smiles explains how Yaakov placed the stones, and the symbolism of the argument between them.
Mrs. Smiles talks about Yaakov’s prayer to Hashem at night, which is the precedent for the Tefilla of Maariv.
Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the fast day of the Tenth of Tevet, as well as the parsha for this week, Parshat Vayechi.
An analysis of the Torah’s topic of Jacob’s dream.
In discussing this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayechi, Rabbi Hershel Reichman speaks about the individual strengths of each of the Tribes of Israel and their beauty as a whole nation.
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayigash. Rabbi Reichman teaches that Yosef’s greatness lies in his ability to be a perfect tzadik unbeknown to the outside world.
Mrs. Shira Smiles provides a discussion of the unfortunate incident of Shechem’s violation of Yaakov’s daughter, Dina.
Mrs. Shira Smiles addresses the many questions that arise concerning the episode of Rachel stealing the idols of her father Lavan as Yaakov flees Lavan’s home.
Continues the analysis of Jacob’s dream and discusses the lessons learned from every word in the first passuk of the Parsha.
Last installment of Akeidat Yitzchak class series, Expounds upon the topic of Akeidat Yitzchak.
