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 class (shiur) on Parshat Tetzaveh, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the Urim V’tumim, the holy breastplate, worn by the high priest that contained the Divine Name. The class further explains that although Hashem took away the tangible medium through which He spoke to us, He left us with the Torah through which He speaks to us constantly.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Teruma Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the keruvim and what they represent.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Mishpatim Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the enigmatic incident of the blood that Moshe sprinkled on the Jewish people and how this cemented the relationship between them and Hashem.
In this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the role of women in building a Torah home, as understood from the recounting of Matan Torah, the giving of the Torah, in Parshat Yitro.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Beshalach, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the Song of the Sea focusing on the verse, “Hashem shall reign for all eternity.”
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the verse, “They baked the dough that they took out of Egypt into cakes of matzot.” This class discusses how matzah is both the bread of affliction and a symbol of redemption.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Vaeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles analyzes the verse, “They did not heed Moshe because of shortness of breath and hard work.” The class further discusses how Moshe and Aharon were commanded to display respect to Pharaoh and patience to the Jewish people.
In this class (Shiur) on Parshat Shemot, Mrs. Smiles discusses the verse, “And a new king arose in Egypt who did not Yosef.” How was it possible for the Egyptians to forget Yosef?
Continuing the discussion on the book of Shemot, Rebbetzin Kohn discusses the turning point of the Jews in Egypt.
Rebbetzin Leah Kohn continues to discuss the book of Shemot.
Rebbetzin Leah Kohn starts the history of the Jewish people in the book of Shemot.
Mrs. Shira smiles gives us insight into Parshat Emor .
On Parshat Pekudei, Mrs. Shira smiles discusses the correlation between building the mishkan and building a mini sanctuary in our homes.
On Parshat Vayakhel, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the donations the Jewish people brought to the Tabernacle. There is never anything superfluous in one’s service of Hashem . The process of giving of ourselves and of our material wealth for spirituality may have started with our ancestors, but it continues to this day.
On Parshat Ki Tisa, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how to bring the beauty and joy of Shabbat into the home.
On Parshat Tezaveh, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the priestly garments and how clothes define a person’s function and mission.
On Parshat Terumah, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how just as the planks of the Mishkan needed to be set up in a specific order, our lives too must be structured and ordered to achieve perfection in Avodat Hashem.
On Parshat Mishpatim, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the verse, “You shall not taunt or oppress a stranger for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” The class examines the great weight placed in heaven on being sensitive to the feelings of others.
On Parshat Yitro, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the Jewish people’s arrival at Har Sinai and the unity that reigned among them as they prepared to accept the Torah.
On Parshat Beshalach, Mrs, Shira Smiles discusses Moshe’s act of taking the bones of Yosef out of Egypt.
On Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses man’s role on this world. While the results are up to Hashem, man is meant to toil to reach the tzurat ha’adam, the perfected human form Adam was before the sin.
On Parshat Va’eira, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the plague of hail and how Moshe had to go to a world above the heavens to bring down the miraculous seemingly paradoxical hailstones.
On Parshat Shemot, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the meaning behind Moshe hiding his face when Hashem spoke to him from the burning bush.
On Parshat Ki Tisa, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Moshe’s request to Hashem, “Show me now Your glory.” The class examines the nature of divine acts and man’s true purpose on this world.
On Parshat Teruma, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the significance of the Shulchan that was positioned near the northern wall of the Tabernacle.
on Parshat Mishpatim, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how studying the laws of damages leads to kindness and perfection of character.
On Parshat Yisro, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the first commandment, “Onochi Hashem Elokecha,” and the different facets of emunah.
on Parshat Beshalach, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the nature of Miriam’s song at the splitting of the Red Sea.
On Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how Torah and the world parallel each other, specifically as it relates to the exodus of Egypt which occurred in the spring time.
