Passing Judgment
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On Parshat Kedoshim, Shira Smiles speaks about judging one’s fellow Jew favorably.
Series: Living the Parsha 5768
Path to Redemption
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles talks about the theme of redemption.
Parshat Shekalim
Posted onMrs. Smiles discusses the goal of each of the four Parshiyot read between Adar and Nissan, and reveals the goal of Parshat Shekalim.
Creating Sensitivities
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Va-eira. The story of the Jews’ enslavement in Egypt can be seen through the lense of developing proper middot (character traits), especially that of hakarak hatov (gratitude).
Holy Bites
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Shemini. The Torah lists Kosher and non-Kosher animals. What is the significance of the mitzvah of keeping Kosher?
Parshat Vayechi & The Tenth of Tevet
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles talks about the fast day of the Tenth of Tevet, as well as the parsha for this week, Parshat Vayechi.
Narrow Vision
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles teaches Parshat Tazriah. The Parsha speaks at length about the laws of Tzara’at, leprosy.
Bells and Pomegranates
Posted onMrs. Smiles explores the symbolism of the coat of the Kohen Gadol, which was edged with bells and pomegranates.
Divination and Prayer
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles addresses the many questions that arise concerning the episode of Rachel stealing the idols of her father Lavan as Yaakov flees Lavan’s home.
Maintaining the Spiritual Spark
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the challenge of maintaining moments of inspiration, using them to fuel our constant spiritual journey.
Aharon’s Vision
Posted onIn this Parsha, the famous Chet Ha-egel, Sin of the Golden Calf, was committed. Mrs. Smiles discusses Aaron’s role in this event, and talks about the power of Teshuva.
Esav’s Message
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles expounds upon Parshat Toldot by delving into the message that Esav gives us.
Building Infrastructure
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Bamidbar.
Priestly Clothing, Stitches for Life
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses the special garments of the Kohanim, the priests.
Creating the “I”
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles gives an analysis of the extraordinary episode of the search for Yitzchak’s wife, and a discussion of the lessons gleaned from this story for our personal lives.
Maintaining Perspective
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Bechukotai. The Parsha teaches us the importance of constantly investing in our relationship with G-d.
Inner Sanctuary
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles delves into Parshat Terumah. Parshat Terumah discusses the buliding of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. The task of building a Sanctuary for Hashem (G-d) is applicable to every Jew, who is charged with building a Sanctuary for G-d in is heart.
Connection
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles explores the episode of the angels’ promise to Avraham and Sarah that they will be blessed with a son. Shira Smiles clarifies this difficult-to-understand episode with both the classical understanding and with the novel approach of the Belzer Rebbe.
Mediums of Merit
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Shelach, and the sin of the spies.
Totality of Torah
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles talks about Parshat Yitro. Parshat Yitro describes Matan Torah, the giving of the Torah to the Jewish Nation at Sinai. This class discusses Torah’s purpose and application to every aspect of our lives. Specifically, it focuses on the Ten Commandments and their application.
Inner Journey
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses the fact that G-d’s command to Avraham to travel to the Land of Israel was not simply a command to move physically. She discusses that this charge instead echoes to every Jew and commands each of us to embark on an inner journey of self-perfection.
Inner Dynamics
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Korach.
Living Faith
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Beshalach. The song of the Jews as they crossed the Yam Suf (Red Sea) and witnessed the final destruction of the Egyptian empire, was an expression of faith and joy.
Living Judaism
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Behar. The message of Shmitta and other topics in this Parsha is one encouraging us to constantly struggle and grow through every challenge G-d brings.
Life’s Illusions
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Bo. As the Jews left Egypt, they received gold, silver, and many valuables from the Egyptians. Mrs. Smiles explores this episode and its significance,and discusses the proper perspective to material possesions.
Woman’s Role
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles provides a discussion of the unfortunate incident of Shechem’s violation of Yaakov’s daughter, Dina.