Category: Chumash Vayikra
Peddlers Preaching
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Collateral Confirmed: Parshat Behar – Bechukotai
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In this class (shiur) on Parshat Behar – Behukotai, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the verse, “I will remember My covenant with Jacob and also My covenant with Isaac and also My covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land… The Land will be bereft of them… because they were revolted by My ordinances… But despite all this, while they are in the land of their enemies, I will not… have rejected them to obliterate them… I am Hashem.” She notes the unusual spelling of Yaakov with a vav maleh and contrasts it with the spelling of Eliyahu missing the final vav.
Galvanizing Greatness: Parshat Emor
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Emor, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the role of the kohen gadol and the definition of greatness.
Nation’s Nemesis: Acharei Mot, Kedoshim
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on the Parshiyot Of Acharei-Mot and Kedoshim, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the verse, “Speak to Bnei Yisroel and say to them, ‘I am Hashem your God. Do not perform the practices of the land of Egypt in which you dwelled; do not perform the practices of the land of Canaan to which I bring you, and do not follow their traditions. Carry out My laws and safeguards…”
Mrs. Smiles addresses the following questions: If Egypt and Canaan were so terrible, why did Hashem put Bnei Yisrael there to begin with? What practices did Hashem want them to avoid? The major ones, idol worship and promiscuity were already covered in other verses and commandments. Are these different practices Hashem wanted them to avoid?
Confronting Confession
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In this class (shiur) on Parshat Bechukotai, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the concept of confession
Indebted Or Intrinsic: Parshat Behar
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Behar Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the idea of slavery and freedom and how it applies to us today
Spiritual Separateness Parshat Kedoshim
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Kedoshim, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the connection between the prohibition of mixed breeding and the positive commandment of V’ahavta l’reiacha komocha
Deception And Dependency
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In this class (shiur) on Parshat Behar Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the concept of Shemittah and how it teaches us that Hashem is constantly providing for us regardless if we work or not. We need to have faith and let go.
Separation And Sanctity
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshas Achrei Mot -Kedoshim, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the dichotomy between remaining separate from the nations and keeping away from negative influences and going out into the world and sanctifying Hashem’s name.
Completely Covered
Posted onIn this class (Shiur) on Parshat Tazria-Metzorah, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how the laws of tzoraat teach us that the most dangerous information is that in which truth and falsehood are combined. The class further examines how when all seems lost and there appears no hope, Hashem Himself will help us.
Haphazardness and Happenstance
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On Parshat Bechukotai, Mrs. Shira Smiles gives us insight into the verse, “If you behave casually towards me then I too will behave casually towards you.” The class further discusses how a Jew must make spiritual pursuits the focal point of his life.
Jubilee Jubilation
Posted onOn Parshat Behar, Mrs. Shira Smiles gives us insight into the Yovel (jubilee) year and the purpose of sounding the shofar on Yom Kippur of the fiftieth year.
Cautionary Closeness
Posted onMrs. Shira smiles gives us insight into Parshat Smemini.
Sweet And Sour
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayikra.
Covenant Considered
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On Parshat Behar – Bechukosai, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses atonement of sins and the connection to our forefathers.
Perfecting Perfect Perfection
Posted onOn Parshat Emor, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses that how much we try to accomplish in our service of Hashem is less important than the wholeness and perfection of mind toward that service.
Productive Planting
Posted onOn Parshat Acharei Mot – Kedushim, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the prohibition of orlah.
Redemption
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Mrs. Shira smile discuses Parshat Tazria – Metzora.
Removing The Roadblock
Posted onOn Parshat Shmini, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the idea that first a Jew must dedicate himself to do the will of Hashem. Only then will blessing flow from above.
Helping Hand
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On Parshat Behar, Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the mitzva of Shmitta.
Blasphemer’s Battle
Posted onOn Parshat Emor, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the lessons which can be learned from the episode of the blasphemer. By studying the causes of his deed, we can each correct parts of our actions and thoughts, especially the midda of ‘leitzanut’, mockery, to enrich our mitzva observance and our relationship with Hashem.
Life Force
Posted onOn Parshat Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the importance of living a true spiritual life.
Mirror Image
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles gives a fascinating perspective on the kohen’s role in the treatment of the affliction of tzara’at, spiritual leprosy.
Consequences of Complacency
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On Parshat Bechukotai, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores how Rashi explains that someone who observes the mitzvot but does not toil and exert effort in Torah can reach a level of not believing in G-d.
Shabbat and Mikdash; Awareness and Awe
Posted onOn Parshat Behar, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the juxtaposition between Shabbat and the Beit Hamikdash in the last pasuk of the parsha. Mrs. Smiles also explains how we can take what we learn about having awe of the temple, and relate it to how we behave in our study halls and synagogues.
The Curses: A Historical Perspective
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Mrs. Chana Prero analyzes the curses in parshat Bechukotai and discusses when they were fulfilled.
Rewarding Reward
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On Parshiyot Behar and Bechukotai, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the blessings and curses contained in Bechukotai, which is relevant to our preparation for Shavuot.
Purity in the Land of Israel
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the requirements to live in the Land of Israel.
Respecting the Respected
Posted onOn Parshiyot Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the pasuk that speaks about rising in the presence of an elderly person and honoring a sage.