Shimon and Levi
Posted onDiscusses the naming of Shimon and Levi, and how they represent the eradication of evil and the ultimate connection to Hashem.
Category: Tanach
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.
Perek 38: Gog and Magog: The Final War
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains the navi Yechezkel’s description of Gog and Magog, who they are and why they will fight against us.
Rachel and Leah’s Roles
Posted onExplains what it means when the Torah describes Leah as being hated, and explores Leah’s ability to have children while Rachel becomes childless. Mrs. Smiles also speaks about the naming of Leah’s first child, Reuven.
Perek 37: The Revival of the Dry Bones
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains the famous prophesy of the revival of the dry bones, and the message it has for each of us.
Selflessness for the Greater Good
Posted onSpeaks about Yaakov’s ability to step outside of his own need to keep the Torah, and to recognize that the ultimate good for Klal Yisrael was to marry Rachel and Leah.
Perek 36: Final Return
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains the prophesies relating to the Geula, redemption, of the Jewish people, and the return to our land and ourselves.
The Power of the Sechel
Posted onSpeaks about the power of the sechel, as seen in Rachel putting aside her jealousy, and Yaakov not getting angry at Lavan. Mrs. Smiles also examines the roles of Bilha and Zilpa.
The Signs
Posted onDiscusses Rachel’s mesirut nefesh in giving over the signs, and Leah’s part in it.
Lavan’s Trickery
Posted onSpeaks about the emphasis on Rachel being Lavan’s younger daughter, the seven years that Yaakov worked for Rachel, and Lavan’s trickery.
Perek 35: The Fate of Edom
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the prophesy regarding the future of Edom, the descendants of Esav. This prophesy is connected to the historical relationship between Yaakov and Esav.
Two Daughters
Posted onOn Yaakov’s sojourn to Charan, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Rachel’s and Leah’s personae and Yaakov’s plan to work for Rachel for seven years.
Yaakov’s Cries
Posted onOn Yaakov’s sojourn to Charan, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the reasons for Yaakov’s crying when he see Rachel.
Taking the Stone Off the Well
Posted onOn Yaakov’s sojourn to Charan, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Yaakov Avinu meeting Rachel for the first time.
Perek 34: The Fate of the Jewish People
Posted onRebbetzin Heller teaches about the fate of the Jewish People, which presents huge implications for the present.
Perek 33: How to Relate to Rebuke
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains what could have changed had the people accepted Yechezkel’s rebuke, and the proper way to listen to rebuke.
Perek 32: The Fate of Mitzrayim
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller continues her discussion of the future of Egypt and its character, as predicted by the navi Yechezkel. Mitzrayim embodies narrowness, and this affected all cultures.
Perek 32: Egypt’s End
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the prophesies describing Egypt’s final destruction.
Perek 31: The Rise and Fall of Ashur
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the beautiful description of the might and success of the kingdom of Achur, Assyria, and its ultimate downfall. The history of Ashur is recounted as a prophesy to Pharoah, warning him that his empire will also meet destruction.
Perek 29: The Cycle of Destruction In Egypt
Posted onRabbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches perek 29, which describes the destruction and return of the kingdom of Mitzrayim, and how it applies to our lives.
Perek 28, Part 2: The Fall of Tzidon
Posted onRebetzin Tzporah Heller teaches the flaws in the society of Tzidon, and what we can learn from their life-view. By rejecting materialism, we become ready for the spiritual time of Moshiach.
Perek 28, Part 1: Chiram’s Downfall
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the kinna, sorrowful poem, which Yechezkel composes for Chiram, the king of Tzur. Chiram was a talented king who helped build the Beit Hamikdash by generously sharing of the various resources of his country. He became haughty and eventually fell into the trap of self-deification.
Yaakov and the Shepherds
Posted onOn Yaakov’s sojourn to Charan, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the conversation that Yaakov has with the shepherds.
The Trap of Consumerism
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller talks about the nation of Tzur and its fall from power. Tzor’s defeat teaches an ageless lesson, that consumerism and materialism lead to defeat and disillusion.
The Fate of Tzur and its Relevance
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the prophesy regarding the future fall of the nation of Tzur and the relevance of these prophesies to the Jewish People.
The Symbolism of the Well
Posted onOn Perek 29 and 30 of Sefer Bereishit, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines two approaches to the symbolism of the well in the field.
Perek 25: The Fate of the Nations
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches chapter 25. This perek talks about the future destinies of Edom, Amon, Moav, and Plishtim.
Perek 24: The Siege of Jerusalem
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches chapter 24, which describes the siege of Jerusalem and the life of Yechezkel as a symbol for the fate of the Jewish people.
Yaakov’s Journey
Posted onOn Perek 29 and 30 of Sefer Breishit, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Yaakov’s journey to and arrival in Charan. Mrs. Smiles speaks about Yaakov’s clarity of ratzon Hashem upon his leaving, and his awareness that Hashem is still with him upon his arrival in Charan.
Sarah’s Laughter
Posted onThe laughter of Sorah Imeinu when told about Yitzchak’s birth and her denial of it.
Perek 52: The Final Chapter
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David completes his in-depth course on the Sefer. Rabbi David shows the parallels between this chapter and the chapter in Melachim describing the capture of Tzidkiyahu, and the final suffering of the Jewish captives. The reason for this repetition is to demonstrate the truth of Nevua, prophesy. The class ends with the legendary tales of Yirmiyahu and Plato and Yirmiyahu and the Ari Hakadosh.