Surmounting Sinat Chinam
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In this Torah shiur (class) on the Three Weeks, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the issue of sinat chinam, one of the things that led to the churban, and how we can begin to rectify the sinat chinam.
Videos
Introduction to Hilchot Muktza
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In this Torah class on the laws of Shabbat, Rabbi Shimon Isaacson introduces the Rabbinic prohibition of Muktza. Rabbi Isaacson explains why Chazal, our Sages, instituted this gezeira (Rabbinic decree), and what its parameters are.
Non-Verbal Communication
Posted onRabbi Beinish Ginsburg presents the secrets of non-verbal communication.
Perek 19
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Through an analysis of Tehillim Perek 19, Rabbi David explores man’s struggle to emulate nature’s service of God.
Growing in Ruchniyus During the Three Weeks
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on the three weeks, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg discusses a few different ideas relating to the time between the seventeenth of Tamuz, and the ninth of Av.
The Prohibition of Tying Knots
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In this short Torah shiur (class) on practical applications of the laws of Shabbat, Rabbi Shimon Isaacson introduces the Melacha (prohibited action) of Koshair, tying permanent knots on Shabbat.
Why Cry?
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller talks about what we are mourning for on Tisha B’Av, and how to feel the tragedy of the Churban today.
The Three Weeks: Attaining Dveikut
Posted onIn this guest lecture, Rabbi Alexander Cohen of Shearim College of Jewish Studies for Women discusses the opportunity for gaining dveikut with Hashem during the Three Weeks.
Perek 10
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Rabbi Avishai David analyzes the position of the goyim and of Klal Yisrael regarding astrology,and explains the significance of ‘Tamim T’hiyeh Im Hashem Elokecha.’
Halachot of Tisha B’Av: A Window to the Essence of the Day
Posted onIn this shiur on Tisha B’av, Rabbi Shimon Isaacson demonstrates how the halachot of the day are designed to arouse one to awareness of our national tragedy and feelings of mourning for our loss.
Tisha B’Av – Short Idea with Big Impact
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles gives us a deeper understanding of Tisha B’Av, the day that we mourn the destruction of the two Batei Hamikdash, Holy Temples.
Truthful Prophecy: Perek 18
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David explicates the prophecies and events of chapter 18. In this class, Rabbi David discusses the process of testing a Navi (prophet), according to the Rambam (Maimonides), and talks about the distinction between a positive Nevua (prophesy) and a negative Nevua.
Mourning Over the Real Jerusalem
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on the Three Weeks, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg explains what the true mourning for Jerusalem should be, a yearning for the deep spirituality that was once intrinsic to the city, and is no longer there. True mourning for Jerusalem will help us merit its rebuilding.
Chodesh Av – Focus on Faith
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles explores the message of the month of Av.
Nevua: Cleaving to Our Creator
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In this Torah class (shiur) on the nature of Prophesy, Rabbi Avishai David introduces the concept of nevua, prophesy. Prophesy is a level of dveikut B’Hashem, connection to G-d, which is attained by a select group of individuals who have studied, worked to perfect themselves, and have trained under a master Navi. However, every Jew should strive to cleave to G-d as much as possible, with the ultimate goal of attaining Nevua.
The Three Weeks, A Recurring Pattern
Posted onIn this guest lecture by Rabbi Ilan Segal of Afikei Torah Seminary in Jerusalem, Rabbi Segal explores Bein Hamitzarim as part of a pattern of three week time periods which recur in Nissan and Tishrei. For more information about Afikei Torah, go to www.Afikeitorah.org.
Personal and Communal Mourning
Posted onIn analyzing our obligation of personal and communal mourning of the Churban (destruction of the Beit HaMikdash), Rabbi Avishai David gives us a legal and philosophical understanding of the Torah’s approach to mourning.
Torah Parenting – An Introduction
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In this class (shiur) Rabbi Reichman starts a new series on Parenting. Rabbi Reichman explains that Jewish Parenting is defined as v’shinantam l’vanecha, teaching Torah to children and students.
Overview of the Three Weeks, Part 2
Posted onIn this guest lecture in honor of the Three Weeks, Rabbi Ilan Segal of Afikei Torah Seminary of Jerusalem completes his overview of the period of mourning between the 17th day of Tammuz and Tisha B’av. For more information about Afikei Torah, go to www.Afikeitorah.org.
Expressing Pain
Posted onFollowing last week’s class, Rabbi Avishai David delves into the philosophical perspectives on mourning and consolation.
Mishnayot Brachot Perek One
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In this shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman learns Mishnayot Brachot, Perek Alef in memory of the victims of the Mumbai tragedy.
Elul: Island of Refuge
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In this shiur (Torah class), Mrs. Shira Smiles examines three different acronyms used to describe the month of Elul. In this class, Mrs. Smiles focuses on the verse, “Ina Le’yado, V’Samti Lecha”. Mrs. Smiles explains how Elul is the place we run to when we realize how inadequate our service of Hashem has become. Through ELul, Hahem fills the vacuum created by our failings, and helps us to rise to our true potential.
Elul: The Sweetness of Tikkun Hamidot
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Elul and repentance, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller describes the sweetness of returning to Hashem through correcting one’s character traits, and outlines four systems for Tikun Hamidot. The methods of the Rambam, the Ba’al HaTanya, Sefer Cheshbon Hanefesh, and R’ Nachman MiBreslov are all described in detail.
Parshat Bo: Hardening Pharoh’s Heart
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In discussing this week’s parsha, Parshat Bo, Rabbi Reichman uses the commentary of the Shem Mishmuel to explain the puzzling traditional interpretation that G-d took away Pharoh’s free will.