The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
This series of classes on Tanach delves into the deeper meaning hidden within the holy texts of the Torah, Prophets, and Scriptures applying its timeless messages to life. Courses focus on the structure and beauty of the texts, the historical background, and the spiritual impact that the timeless words of Tanach have on our lives today. Explore the precision and pathos contained in Tehilim, study the prophecies of Yirmiyahu, Yechezkel, Daniel, and Trei Asar analyzing pivotal concepts such as sin, retribution, repentance, forgiveness, and redemption, and analyze the struggles and the eternal lessons contained within the timeless words of the Megillot.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller describes Nevuchadnetzar’s demand that Chanania, Mishael, and Azaria bow to his image. Rebbetzin Heller analyzes the implications of this choice and the balance of Bitachon in a situation where salvation will necessitate a miracle.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller learns the chapters describing the image Nevuchadnetzar saw in his prophetic dream, and Daniel’s role in interpreting it.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David analyzes Psalm 22, which refers to the struggles of both David Hamelech and Queen Esther. This perek is a beautiful progression from initial feelings of abandonment and helplessness, which lead to prayer and bitachon, to eventual revelation, salvation, and joyous thanks to Hashem. The final praise is so intense that it begins with personal thanks, and spreads to include all of klal Yisrael (the Jewish people), the malachim (angels), and eventually the entire universe.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David analyzes some of the ramifications of going into exile, such as the obligation to pray for the welfare of one’s host country, and the expected reaction to galut – repentance and prayer.
Mrs. Yehudit Weiss explains the qualities of a noun in the Torah, according to Rashi. This class, taught in basic Hebrew with some English, clarifies many important comments of Rashi which are often skipped or misunderstood.
In this class, delivered in basic Hebrew, Mrs. Yehudit Weiss surveys Biblical words Rashi calls ‘notrikon’, contractions or combinations of two or three words into one. This important rule in Biblical grammar allows one to understand many difficult and unfamiliar words found in the Torah.
Mrs. Yehudit Weiss explains numerous examples of root words that have silent or passive letters, called gizrot hapo’al. This unique class, given in simple Hebrew, sheds light on the important but often neglected section of Rashi’s commentary – the grammatical Rashis.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller teaches the famous dream of Nevuchadnezzar which dominates Sefer Daniel,and begins to explain its symbolism. Rebbetzin Heller discussed the idea of four galuyot (exiles) specifically the galut of Yishmael.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller, introduces and begins Sefer Daniel. Sefer Daniel is unique in that it was composed in exile, in Babylonia during the reign of Nevuchadnetzar. In this class, Rebbetzin Heller speaks about the nature of dreams, and why Daniel’s mission came through the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams.
Mrs. Yehudit Weiss demonstrates various examples of ‘vav hahipuch’, the vav at the beginning of a word that reverses the meaning from past to future tense, or from future to past tense.
Mrs. Yehudit Weiss presents a survey of Rashi’s explanations of the three tenses relating to verbs.
Mrs.Yehudith Weiss explores binyan Nif’al, as seen through Rashis’ comments throughout the Chumash. This unique class unveils the beauty of this rarely-explored aspect of the Chumash.
Mrs. Yehudit Weiss discusses various examples of Rashi’s commentaries relating to causative verbs (binyan hif’il and hitpa’el).
Mrs. Yehudit Weiss begins to explore various examples of Rashi’s explanation of Active verbs, and how the meaning of the Biblical text changes as words are conjugated in different forms. This class introduces the Dikduk of Rashi and sheds light on many of his previously inaccessible comments.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller sums up the philosophical truths and principles of life that are presented by Shlomo Hamelech (King Solomon) in Sefer Kohelet.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller speaks about the transience of all physical goals and even our own bodies’ eventual demise. Only Yirat Hashem endures.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller shows how complex people and situations can be remedied by using the mind, heart, and body in the right way.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explores the difficulty in resolving the seeming similarity between the fate of the Tzaddik and Rasha.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller talks about how living a life of morality and awareness makes life better in this world, even though we often see Tzaddikim who suffer n this world.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller continues an anaylsis of Perek 7.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explores Perek 7.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller continues teaching the fifth perek (chapter) of the megilla. Shlomo Hamelech (King Solomon) speaks about seeing the big picture as one lives one life and finding proper focus in both material and spiritual areas.
On Megillat Kohelet, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller reads and explains the fifth chapter of the Megilla. This chapter begins with admonishments not to speak disrespectfully of Hashem if one doesn’t understand His ways, and of the importance of keeping one’s word.
On Megillat Kohelet, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the fourth perek of the Megilla. In this perek, Shlomo Hamelech (King Solomon) discusses the falsehood of this material world and its accompanying fantasies, the tikkun (fixing) of Gehinom (Hell), and the strength of togetherness and positive human relationships.
On Megillat Kohelet, Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller discusses our relationship with time. Time is a backdrop for many of life’s challenges. If we respond to our current challenges with a realization that our response forms us, we will be able to maximize the opportunities we encounter.
On Megillat Kohelet, continuing the first perek (chapter) and the beginning of the second perek
On Megillat Kohelet, Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller discusses the uniqueness of the five Megillot, and the specific theme of this Megilla. She begins learning the first perek (chapter) inside the text, analyzing the words of the pesukim and delving into their timely messages.
In her final shiur (Torah class), on Righteous Women in Tanach, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller reviews the characteristics of some special women, showing how today’s Jewish woman can reach for these levels as well. Included in this class are a discussion on how to bring people together in marriage, the importance of Jewish burial, and the distinct categories of the righteous women discussed in the course.
Rebbetzin Heller discusses the special qualities of King David’s wives Michal, Batsheva, and Avigail, the wise woman of Tekoa, the wife of the Navi Ovadia, and other women in the time of the Prophets.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller discusses the final perek of the megilla. In this chapter, Yirmiyahu speaks of the helpless, weakened state of the Jewish people under the ravages of the Churban. He states that it is the destruction of the Temple, not the physical suffering of the Jews, that is the greatest source of sorrow. The megilla ends with a plea to Hashem to return His people to their former glory, for they have suffered enough.
