The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
Shira Smiles discusses the narrative of the story of Yitzchak’s blessings to his sons Yaakov and Esav, found in Parshat Toldot. Yitzchak’s main strength was that of Gevura (inner strength), and therefore he is tested specifically in this area.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Terumah, the parsha for the week. The shiur discusses several opposing views concerning exactly when the sin of the golden calf occurred in relationship to the command and implementation of the building of the Tabernacle. The differences of opinion regarding the chronology of these events reveals an essential perspective on life: preparing ourselves to become a sanctuary for G-d.
Mrs. Smiles explains the puzzling episode of the “Dudaim”, the fertility herbs that Reuven brought for his mother Leah, and Leah’s deal with Rachel to give her the Dudaim in return for more time with Yaakov, their husband.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayakhel.
Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayishlach, delving into the episode of Rachel’s death and her burial in Beit Lechem instead of in Chevron.
Mrs. Shira Smiles provides an inside look into Parshat Kedoshim.
Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the life question that Parshat Vayeishev addresses: What has man been placed in this world to accomplish?
From the beginning to the end of this Torah parsha, Parshat Beha’alotcha, Mrs. Shira Smiles weaves the theme of character development and refinement as a basis for success in Torah.
Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayigash, and the significance of the wagons Yosef sent from Egypt to bring his father Yaakov from the Land of Canaan.
Mrs. Shira Smiles explores and develops the perplexing episode of the spies’ journey to Israel and the Jews’ subsequent sin and punishment. Mrs. Smiles explains how this episode ultimately teaches important life lessons to each of us.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how in Parshat Vayeira, Avraham Avinu is put to the ultimate test, Akeidat Yitchak. Shira Smiles explains what the Akeida means to us today.
Parshat Korach serves as a model for how we can behave properly and with the correct middos in life. This parsha also teaches us about the behavior of envy.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Beshalach. Mrs. Smiles delves into the essence of shira, and the importance of incorporating shira into our daily lives. In addition, she speaks about the attack of the Amalekites on the Jewish people, the character of Amalek, and how to spiritually battle this force.
Mrs. Shira Smiles provides a description of the personality and legacy of Miriam within the Torah, and the deeper meaning of her lifetime connection to water.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Bo. The commandment to sanctify every Jewish month is the first commandment the Jewish nation received following their redemption from Egypt. By exploring this directive, we will discover the crucial aspect of living in a state of constant rejuvenation.
Mrs. Smiles discusses Parshat Balak.
Shira Smiles discusses the weekly parsha, Parshat Shemot, and the intriguing episode of Moshe and Tziporah at the Inn on the way to Egypt.
Based on the verses in the Book of Numbers, it seems as if the tribes of Reuben and Gad placed more importance on their livestock than their children. Through an in-depth analysis and exploration of the text as well as various commentaries, we will understand the mistake these tribes made, their true intentions, as well as the tremendous lessons that may be derived from this narrative regarding priorities in life.
The fire, water, and desert that accompanied the Jews during their sojourn for forty years, symbolize deep lessons of devotion to G-d, passion for spirituality, and a willing to sacrifice oneself to fulfill G-d’s Will. We can incorporate these powerful lessons into our daily lives, to become more passionate, spiritually-focused people.
Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Chayei Sarah. In this parsha, the tenth and final test of Avraham Avinu takes place.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the weekly parsha, Parshat Yitro. The experience of receiving the Torah forces one to recognize that the only option one is faced with in this world is serving their Creator. Possession of the Torah, the guidebook that directs our life, similar to a manual for a sophisticated machine, is a tremendous source of joy.
Shira Smiles discusses how the different tribes each reflect a specific quality of the Jewish people.
