Purity in the Land of Israel
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Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the requirements to live in the Land of Israel.
Series: Parsha Study Group
Moshe and Aharon’s Disagreement
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explains a cryptic episode in Parshat Shemini, where it seems that the revered Moshe Rabbeinu and his holy brother Aharon the Kohen Gadol, have an intense disagreement. This class does not assume any prior knowledge of Hebrew or familiarity with Biblical texts.
Kayin and Hevel
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the story of Kayin and Hevel, the sons of Adam and Chava. The actions of Hevel and Kayin teach us how to serve G-d and do Teshuva (return to Him). This class does not assume any previous knowledge of Hebrew or of the Parsha.
Pharoah’s Iron Heart
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explores the justification for hardening Pharoah’s heart, and restricting his free will.
The One Who Cursed
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the topic of a person who “blessed G-d” and the relevant laws.
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 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.
What Your Parents Never Saw
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the use of G-d’s different names at the beginning of parsha.
Pyramidal Geometry
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the Jews’ exit from Egypt.
Mara – Bittersweet Waters
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the test the Jewish people encountered at Mara, and the laws they were taught there.
Altar Analysis
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the first commandment after the Revelation at Sinai, Matan Torah.
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.
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.