The One Who Cursed
Posted on
Mrs. Chana Prero analyzes the topic of a person who “blessed G-d” and the relevant laws.
Series: Parsha Study Group
More than Mold
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero gives an overview of the affliction of tzaraat, and its causes.
Father’s Merit
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses why the blessings to Yaakov invoke Hashem as G-d of Yitzchak and not as G-d of Avraham.
The Plagues
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explains some of the reasons for the plagues.
The Curses: A Historical Perspective
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the curses in parshat Bechukotai and discusses when they were fulfilled.
Parshat Acharei Mot & Kedoshim
Posted onEliezer’s Mission
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero elucidates Avraham Avinu’s instruction to his servant Eliezer, as Eliezer embarks on a mission to find a wife for Yitzchak Avinu. The class discusses why Yitzchak could not marry a Cananite woman, and why Eliezer chose to use a sign to help him complete his mission. The class, which assumes no prior knowledge of the Chumash or of the Hebrew language, encourages use of the Artscroll Sapirstein Rashi Chumash.
The Leviim’s Job
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the jobs of the Leviim in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and Beit Hamikdash (Temple).
The Mitzvah of Peah
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the mitzvah of Peah, leaving a corner of one’s filed unharvested, to benefit the poor. The mitzvah is mentioned in the previous parsha as well. Mrs. Prero explains the root of this mitzva, and analyzes its repetition in the Chumash.
The Ten Commandments
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explains each of the Ten Commandments and their applications. The class does not asume familiarity with Torah study or knowledge of Hebrew.
Yitro’s Visit
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the conversation between Yitro and Moshe when Moshe urges Yitro to join the Jewish Nation on their journey to the Promised Land.
Blessings from G-d
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero delves into the blessings listed in this parsha.
Stolen Blessings
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the blessings that Yitzchak wanted to bestow on Esav. This class, which does not assume any prior knowledge of the text or of Hebrew language, answers questions such as why Yitzchak wanted to give Esav the brachot (blessings), why Rivka intervened, and why Yaakov did not tell the truth.
Two Battles
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero teaches the classical commentaries in analyzing Amalek’s attack on the Jewish People.
Protecting the Vulnerable
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the Torah prohibitions against oppressing the vulnerable elements of society, and the obligation to lend money.
Send for Yourself
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the first words of the parsha and whether Moshe was guilty for the sin of the Spies.
The Levites and the Firstborn
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the tasks of the Levites in the Mishkan and in the Temple, and explains the connection between the Bechorim, the firstborns, and the Levi’im.
Dreaming of Angels
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses Yaakov’s dream of the angels ascending and descending a ladder to Heaven, as he travels to Charan. This class, which does not assume any knowledge of Hebrew or familiarity with textual study, discusses why Yaakov received the vision at this juncture, and what this dream represents.
Preparation for Battle
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the beginning of Parshat Vayishlach. Mrs. Prero analyzes Yaakov’s preparation for meeting Eisav. Each of Yaakov Avinu’s actions set a precedent for later events in Jewish history. In the course of the class, Mrs. Prero also expound on the concept of Maaseh Avot Siman Labanim.
Reasons for Rebellion
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the motivations of Korach and his congregation.
Nazir – Saint or Sinner?
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the nature of the Nazir, based on a thorough reading and explication of the basic commentaries.
Yehuda and Tamar
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero delves into the enigmatic topic of Yehuda and Tamar’s relationship. Why did their relationship need to develop in an extraordinary way, and was their behavior considered appropriate?
Why Build a Sanctuary?
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the reasons for building a Mikdash or Mishkan, a physical place for Hashem’s Presence, and also discusses the dimensions and symbolism of the Shulchan, the holy table.
Strong Roots
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes Bilaam’s first blessing to the Jewish People.
Moshe Rabbenu and the Complainers
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the episode of the Jews’ complaints about the Manna, and Moshe Rabbenu’s reaction to it.
Bewildering Encounters
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explains the verses and comments of Rashi and others which describe the first encounter between Yosef and his brothers, twenty two years after he was sold into slavery. This class assumes no prior knowledge of Hebrew or experience with reading Biblical texts.
Beams of Unity
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the physical and symbolic components of the kerashim, beams, of the Mishkan.
The Eifod (Holy Apron)
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explains why the Kohanim wore special garments during their service, the Bigdei Kehunah, and then focuses on the significance of the Eifod (holy apron worn by the Kohen Gadol), according to the Malbim and other commentaries.
Cities of Leviim
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the dimensions of the Leviim’s cities and their fields.
Parshat Shlach
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero speaks about Moshe’s prayer to Hashem and his request that Hashem not punish the Jewish people.