Protecting the Vulnerable
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the Torah prohibitions against oppressing the vulnerable elements of society, and the obligation to lend money.
Series: Parsha Study Group
Send for Yourself
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Mrs. 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.
Altar Analysis
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the first commandment after the Revelation at Sinai, Matan Torah.
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?
Two Angels
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero contrasts the two times G-d says He is sending an angel to lead the Jews both before and after the Sin of Golden Calf.
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.
The Tower of Bavel
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the sin and the punishment of the Dor Haflagah, the generation after the Flood that built the Tower of Bavel. The class goes through the relevant verses and the corresponding comments of Rashi. This class is suitable to anyone wanting to explore the topic inside, regardless of knowledge of Hebrew or level of textual skills.
Laughter Lessons
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero compares Avraham, Sara, and Ishmael’s tzchok (laughter), to determine which laughter is appropriate in different situations. She also discusses Hagar’s behavior when she is sent out of Avraham’s home.
The Non-Wandering Jew
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero addresses the questions of why does G-d command Yitzchak to remain in Israel and why does Yitzchak receive the blessings of Avraham?
Parshat Toldot
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explores the classical commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the blessings that Yaakov and Eisav received from Yitzchak.
Truth or Lies?
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes Yaakov and Lavan’s conversation after Lavan fails to find his idols.
Yaakov’s Escape from Lavan
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explores the classical commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the events surrounding Yaakov’s departure from Lavan.
Our Forefathers’ Blessings
Posted onChana Prero analyzes the six blessings G-d gives Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
Yosef’s Dreams
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes Yosef’s dreams. (This class, based on classical Biblical commentaries, does not assume any prior knowledge of Hebrew or familiarity with textual study.)
The Blessing to Ephraim and Menashe
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the brachot (blessings) that Yaakov Avinu bestowed on his grandsons Ephraim and Menashe.
The Immortal Donkey?
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes Moshe’s actions after he leaves the burning bush.