Parshat Bo: Freedom from Slave Mentality
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In this shiur (Torah class) on this week’s parsha, Parshat Bo, Rabbi Reichman uses the interpretation of the Shem Mishmuel to expound on both our physical and spiritual freedom from Egypt.
Category: Sefarim
This series of classes gives listeners a unique opportunity to study classic Jewish texts in-depth. Choose from a plethora of sequential lectures on Chassidut, Mussar, and Jewish Ethics. In these classes, popular Naaleh teachers study such groundbreaking works as Derech Hashem, Ahavat Chesed, Netivot Olam, Ohel Rachel, and Shem Mishmuel.
Meaningful Actions
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen learns the fourth perek (chapter) of Chovos HaLevavot, Shaar HaBechina. The class focuses on discerning G-d’s awesome handiwork in this world. Through recognition of the greatness of G-d, one will feel obligated to act in accordance to His Will.
Parshat Shemot: Fundamentals of Hashem’s Chessed
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) on Parshat Shemot, Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the fundamental question of whether the Jewish people deserved to be redeemed, or if it was an act of Divine Kindness.
Ascending the Levels of Holiness
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Ytzchak Cohen continues learning Shaar HaBechina in Chovot HaLevavot. This shiur focuses on man’s purpose in seeing G-d in this world and how this raises one’s spiritual level.
Discovering Our Inherent Goodness
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller describes how Torah leads a child to discovering his or her inherent goodness, and in developing inner structure and self discipline.
Parshat Vayigash: Two Forms of Leadership
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman explores this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayigash, in which the confrontation between Yosef and Yehuda reveals two forms of leadership and service of G-d.
Learning from Creation
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen begins Shaar Habechinah , the Gate of Discernment, from Chovot Halevavot. This gate focuses on recognizing G-d in all areas of life. Just by looking at the creations of the world, one should be able to discern G-d’s presence and power.
Protecting the Covenant
Posted onRebbetzin Tzipora Heller speaks about the two areas where the Yetzer Hara is most likely to destroy its victim, unless there is protection provided by Torah, Yirat Shamayim (Fear of Heaven), and Anava (Humility).
Internalizing G-d
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen begins learning Sefer Chovot Halevavot. This sefer is considered one of the classic mussar works. Divided into various shearim (gates), Chovot Halevavot focuses on fundamental concepts, particularly concerning man’s personal relationship with G-d. In this class, Rabbi Cohen gives an overview of the sefer and describes its main themes.
Torah Study: Attaching Oneself to G-d
Posted onRebbetzin Heller explains how Torah gives a person an attachment to Hashem’s Will and Wisdom. Torah study transforms the way a person can cleave to Hashem both individually and in his family life.
Based on Sefer Maalot Hatorah.
The Wisdom of the Torah
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller speaks about Torah as the source of Dveykut to Hashem. By bonding to the Torah’s wisdom, we come closer to Hashem’s Will, and ultimately are given the told with which to emulate G-d.
Based on the Sefer Maalot Hatorah by the brother of the Vilna Gaon
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.
Blueprint of the World
Posted onRebbetzin Tzipora Heller defines what Torah is and what our relationship to Torah should be.
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 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.
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.
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.
Parshat Noach: Perfection of Three Levels of Soul
Posted onIn 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.
Parshat Breishit: Gathering the Sparks
Posted onIn 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.
Parshat V’zot Habracha: The Look of Moshe Rabbeinu
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses Hashem’s offer to Moshe Rabbeinu to look at the Land of Israel. Moshe Rabbeinu’s look was not just a physical act; it’s spiritual significance is analyzed according to the Shem MiShmuel.
The Power of Viddui
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In this shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman analyzes the essay concerning viddui (confession) in Rav Soleveitchik’s sefer (book), Al Hateshuva. Viddui’s unique characteristics lie in its halachik significance and its requirement in the teshuva process.
A Woman’s Relationship to Torah
Posted onRebbetzin Heller discusses how women can connect to this mitzvah, and what women can experience on Simchat Torah.
Parshat Ki Tavo: Submission to G-d
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman expounds on the idea of bowing before G-d. This discussion is prompted by a difficult Midrash found in reference to this week’s parsha, Parshat Ki Tavo. Based on the Shem Mishmuel, this class provides a Chassidic interpretation of an essential act of prayer.
Parshat Nitzavim: Steadfast Faith
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman delves into the meaning of the bris (covenant) that takes place between Hashem and the Jewish People, in this week’s parsha, Parshat Nitzavim. The Shem MiShmuel explains the underlying essence of the bris as the commitment to Hashem in all circumstances, both positive and negative.
Returning to Our Essence
Posted onIn this Torah class (shiur), Rabbi Hershel Reichman delves into Rabbi Soleveitchik’s essay on Kaparah (atonement) and Tahara (purification), in his classic work, Al HaTeshuva. The uniqeness of the teshuva process on Yom Kippur lies within the added dimension of Tahara, when one sincerely repents.
Ki Teitzei: The Power of Unity
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman expounds on this week’s parsha, Parshat Ki Teizei, based on the Shem MiShmuel, which explains the secret to the Jewish people’s success in war as a function of unity within us.
Turning Evil into Goodness
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) Rabbi Reichman discusses the idea of teshuva, where past misdeeds have the ability to actually become merits.
Parshat Shoftim: Shema Yisrael
Posted onThis week’s Parsha, Parshat Shoftim, discusses the Torah concept and details of war. Rashi writes that the merit of Shema Yisrael will protect Jewish soldiers. Rabbi Reichman explains this idea, based on the Shem MiShmuel, in terms of the connection between the mind and the heart of every Jew.
Hashem as a Witness to Teshuva
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman reveals the the oath aspect of teshuva and the new bris between Hashem and the individual created via teshuva, as discussed in Sefer Al Hateshuva.
Parshat Re’eh: Dwelling of G-d: Shilo vs. Jerusalem
Posted onThis week’s Parsha of Re’eh, the Torah discusses a dwelling for G-d within this world. In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Reichman compares the spiritual significance between the Mishkan in Shilo and the Beis HaMikdash in Jerusalem based on the explanation of the Shem Mishmuel.