The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
In this class (Shiur) on Parshat Tazria-Metzorah, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how the laws of tzoraat teach us that the most dangerous information is that in which truth and falsehood are combined. The class further examines how when all seems lost and there appears no hope, Hashem Himself will help us.
In this class (shiur) on Parshiyot Vayakhel and Pekudai, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how Hashem values our inspired intentions, whether in building the communal Mikdash or in building the personal Mikdash within our hearts.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Tetzaveh, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the Urim V’tumim, the holy breastplate, worn by the high priest that contained the Divine Name. The class further explains that although Hashem took away the tangible medium through which He spoke to us, He left us with the Torah through which He speaks to us constantly.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Teruma Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the keruvim and what they represent.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Mishpatim Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the enigmatic incident of the blood that Moshe sprinkled on the Jewish people and how this cemented the relationship between them and Hashem.
In this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the role of women in building a Torah home, as understood from the recounting of Matan Torah, the giving of the Torah, in Parshat Yitro.
In this class (Shiur) Rabbi Reichman discusses the Holy Day Of Shabbos and the nature of the holiness.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Beshalach, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the Song of the Sea focusing on the verse, “Hashem shall reign for all eternity.”
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the verse, “They baked the dough that they took out of Egypt into cakes of matzot.” This class discusses how matzah is both the bread of affliction and a symbol of redemption.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Vaeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles analyzes the verse, “They did not heed Moshe because of shortness of breath and hard work.” The class further discusses how Moshe and Aharon were commanded to display respect to Pharaoh and patience to the Jewish people.
In this class (Shiur) on Parshat Shemot, Mrs. Smiles discusses the verse, “And a new king arose in Egypt who did not Yosef.” How was it possible for the Egyptians to forget Yosef?
In this class (shiur)on Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Yaakov’s gift to Yosef of the city of Shechem and its underlying message which teaches us the power of prayer.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Vayigash, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Yosef’s revelation of his identity to his brothers and the sensitivity he displayed in reassuring them that he bore them no grudge.
Rebbetzin Leah Kohn discusses the Holiday of Chanukah.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Chanuka, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller shows us how to incorporate the lessons of Chanuka, and the struggle with the forces of Yavan (Hellenism), into our daily existence.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the underlying spiritual conflict between the Jews and the Greeks. Based on the Shem MiShmuel, this class provides an understanding of the basic Jewish belief system.
Continuing the discussion on the book of Shemot, Rebbetzin Kohn discusses the turning point of the Jews in Egypt.
In this shiur (Torah class) on Chanuka, Mrs. Shira Smiles raises the question of what is so unique and special about the miracle of Chanuka? Additionally, why are we thanking G-d for the war in the prayer of Al Hanissim?
In this Torah shiur (class) on the connection between Chanuka and the parshiot of Vayeishev and Mikeitz, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg explains five ways in which the themes of Chanuka and the story of Yosef being sent down to Egypt are intrinsically related.
In this class (Shiur) on Parshat Vayashev, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the dreams of the cup bearer and the baker and Yosef’s interpretation.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Chodesh Kislev, Mrs. Shoshie Nissenbaum explores the essence of the month and the hidden light.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Chanuka, Mrs. Shira Smiles raises the question of why, in Al HaNissim, we give thanks to Hashem for wars.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Chanuka, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the idea that within the galut of Yavan, there was rectification of the sale of Yosef.
In this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira smiles gives insight into Chanuka.
In this class (Shiur) Mrs Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayishlach
This Shiur examines the Midrash that Leah Imenu was the first person to give thanks to Hashem. The different dimensions of thanksgiving are examined, as well as the need to continue to ask after giving thanks
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the verse, “The man became great and kept becoming greater until he was very great. He had acquired flocks and herds and many enterprises; and the Philistines envied him.” Mrs. Smiles explains what true greatness means and how it was actualized through Yitzchak who sanctified the name of Hashem by his example and by reaching out to others.
