Batya, Devoted Daughter
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On Parshat Shemot, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Batya, Pharaoh’s daughter, who offers insight into our own lives.
Category: Chumash Shemot
Parshat Emor: The Four Kingdoms
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the four kingdoms that oppressed the Jewish People. Each kingdom had a specific negative characteristic which the Jewish People must fight against.
Parshat Emor
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller presents an overview of Parshat Emor, specifically highlighting some of the major mitzvot discusses in the parsha.
Parshat Vayakhel and Pekudei
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller gives a overview of Parshiot Vayakhel and Pekudei.
Parshat Vayakhel: The Secret of One
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses how this week’s Torah reading involves the prohibition of work on Shabbat. Through a unique understanding of the sin of the Golden Calf, the Shem Mishmuel understands the essence of Shabbat.
Conduit of Holiness
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On Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Betzalel, a key figure in the mishkan experience.
Parshat Ki Tisa
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller presents an overview of the Parsha.
Ki Tisa: Reaching for Holiness
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), by Rabbi Hershel Reichman, the sin of the Golden Calf is explained from a Chassidic point of view.
The Cloud of Glory
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the cloud of glory that rested on the Mishkan, and analyzes the last verses in the Book of Shmot. This class delves into the commentaries in a clear and simple manner, and does not assume any prior knowledge of Hebrew.
Parshat Tetzaveh: Losing the Self
Posted onIn discussing Parshat Tetzave, Rabbi Reichman analyzes the making of the Menorah in the Mishkan and provides insight into our ultimate relationship with G-d.
Parshat Tetzaveh: Spiritual Clothing
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) on Parshat Tetzaveh, Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the clothing of the Kohen Gadol. The Shem MiShmuel explains the significance of these unique garments.
Parshat Ki Tisa: Bound to Our Creator
Posted onParshat Ki Tisa contains a puzzling passage referring to the Tefillin of G-d. The Shem Mishmuel explains this allegory in terms of the Jewish people’s complete connection to their Creator.
Two Covenants
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the brit (covenant) between Hashem and the Jewish people at Har Sinai vs. the brit that took place after the chet ha’egel (sin of Golden Calf).
The Silent Pair
Posted onOn Parshat Tetzaveh, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses why the names of the tribes appear two times on the Kohen Gadol’s garments, and examines the connection between the different stones, and the tribes that were engraved on them.
Parshat Teruma: The Mishkan
Posted onIn his shiur on Parshat Teruma, Rabbi Reichman discusses the concept of the Mishkan as the physical representative of our connection to the One Above.
The Eifod (Holy Apron)
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explains why the Kohanim wore special garments during their service, the Bigdei Kehunah, and then focuses on the significance of the Eifod (holy apron worn by the Kohen Gadol), according to the Malbim and other commentaries.
A Give and Take Relationship
Posted onOn Parshat Teruma, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the question of why the Torah says “take for me a portion,” when technically it should state to give a portion, and discusses the five main ingredients of what tzedaka is about.
Why Build a Sanctuary?
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the reasons for building a Mikdash or Mishkan, a physical place for Hashem’s Presence, and also discusses the dimensions and symbolism of the Shulchan, the holy table.
Protecting the Vulnerable
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the Torah prohibitions against oppressing the vulnerable elements of society, and the obligation to lend money.
Parshat Mishpatim: The Seventh Point
Posted onIn discussing this weeks`s parsha, Parshat Mishpatim, Rabbi Reichman relays the laws of a Jewish servant and provides a critical perspective on our relationship with G-d and the Torah.
The Whole Truth
Posted onOn Parshat Mishpatim, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the concept of certain laws which are specific to the judges, to ensure a judgment of truth.
Parshat Mishpatim: G-d’s Emblem of Truth
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Reichman discusses this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Mishpatim, in accordance with the interpretation of the Shem MiShmuel.
Parshat Yitro: Torah and Shabbat
Posted onIn his discussion on this week’s parsha, Parshat Yitro, Rabbi Hershel Reichman addresses the question of why the Torah was given on Shabbat.
Parshat Yitro: The Origin of Yitro’s Soul
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the significance of various names of Yitro, Moshe Rabbeinu’s father in law. The names of Yitro teach us important elements of his spiritual makeup which affected Moshe and the entire Jewish People.
The Ten Commandments
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explains each of the Ten Commandments and their applications. The class does not asume familiarity with Torah study or knowledge of Hebrew.
Desiring the Desired
Posted onOn Parshat Yitro, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the tenth of the Ten Commandments, ‘lo tachmod’, do not covet, and compares it with a later mention in Parshat Va’etchanan which states ‘to tit’aveh’, do not desire.
Parshat Tetzaveh: Priestly Garments
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller explains various aspects of the seven priestly garments described in this parsha.
Parshat Teruma: A Dwelling Place for Hashem
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller describes the various parts of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), specifically the menorah (holy candelabra), the aron (holy ark), and the shulchan (sanctified table).
Parshat Mishpatim: Laws to Live By
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller describes some of the laws that are mentioned in Parshat Mishpatim.
Parshat Yitro: A Nation of Priests
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller narrates the basic storyline of Parshat Yitro with added commentary and insights.