Yaakov’s Escape from Lavan
Posted on
Mrs. Chana Prero explores the classical commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the events surrounding Yaakov’s departure from Lavan.
Videos
Perek 4: Symbols of Atonement
Posted on
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches perek 4 in Sefer Yechezkel. Yechezkel is told to perform all sorts of symbolic actions as both a prophesy of future events and as a way to be mechaper (to atone) for the sins of Klal Yisrael before the Churban (destruction of the Beit Hamikdash).
Tamar’s Intentions
Posted on
An exploration of Tamar’s intentions in initiating a relationship with Yehuda.
Perek 35: The Children of Yonadav
Posted on
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David teaches perek 35, which tells of the righteous Yonadav, his family, and their reward. Yonadav is a symbol of simplicity and satisfaction with limited material acquisitions, and his family is held up as an example of steadfast loyalty to their father. In contrast, the Jewish Nation has neglected to listen to Hashem’s commandments.
Secretive Signs
Posted on
On Parshat Vayetzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the episode of Rachel sharing Yaakov’s and her secret signs with Leah.
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.
The Power of Intent
Posted on
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman explicates the Talmud’s discussion of ‘Hakoreh BaTorah Im Kiven Libo’, one who reads from the Torah and has intent to be yotzei the mitzva of Kriat Shma.
Emet and Sheker: Helping our Children Differentiate
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) on chinuch, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller guides parents and educators on how to imbue the value of honesty and the recognition of falsehood in children of all ages.
Interrupting the Shema
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the parameters which allow one to interrupt the recitation of Kriat Shma.
Yehuda’s Intentions
Posted onAn explanation of Yehuda’s intentions ,his motivation in being with Tamar, and his mindset at the time.
Perek 34: The Failed Release of Jewish Servants
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David teaches perek 34, which begins with the prophesy of the destruction of Jerusalem and the capture of King Tzidkiyahu. Yirmiyahu commands the Jewish people to free their servants, yet many people free their slaves, only to recapture them and force them back into servitude. This sin elicits a strong prophesy of destruction and suffering to the Jewish people.
Emerging Worlds
Posted onOn Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the different worldviews and dynamics of Yaakov and Esav, to gain an appreciation of why their brachot were given as they were.
Serving G-d
Posted onRabbi Michael Taubes continues to learn the first perek of Pirkei Avot. The teachings discussed in this class focus on the best way to serve G-d. Rabbi Taubes relays the mishnayot with pertinent examples in our everyday lives.
Leader of a Generation: Reb Chaim Ozer Grodzenski
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller digresses and dedicates a class to the legendary Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzenski, the phenomenal scholar who led Torah Jewry with dedication and fortitude during the early 20th century.
Perek 2 & 3
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller continues with the second and third perakim of the sefer.
Molding Giants: Slabodka, Part 2
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller completes his description of the Slabodka Yeshiva and its impact on the Jewish world.
The Greatness of Man: Slabodka, Part 1
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller introduces the philosophy of the Slabodka Yeshiva, which focused on Man’s capacity for spiritual greatness.
The Mistakes of Er and Onan
Posted onAnalysis of the actions of Er and Onan, the sons of Yehuda, and their punishment.
Kibud Av V’aim
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller continues her chinuch series, focusing on how to teach children the mitzva of Kibud Av V’aim, honoring parents.
Mindful Middot
Posted onOn Parshat Vayetzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Rashi’s medrash on the idea that Hashem has ‘”gathered in” Rachel’s shame.
Finding G-d, friendship and leadership
Posted onRabbi Michael Taubes continues to learn the first perek of Pirkei Avot. This class discusses the mishnayot which deal with issues of friendship, leadership and G-d.
Parshat Vayeira: Understanding Judgement
Posted on
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the spiritual underpinnings of Akeidat Yitzchak, the binding of Yitzchak. The events that lead up to that test provide insight in our present day understanding of life and its challenges.
Perek 33: Creation for Our Benefit
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David teaches perek 33. This perek contains within it elements of both destruction and rebuilding, and emphasizes the everlasting covenant that Hashem keeps with the Davidic dynasty and with the Kohanim and Leviim, which will ultimately herald the era of Mashiach. The many words used to describe Creation in this perek convey the message that the world was created for our sake, yet everything depends on our observance of Torah and Mitzvot.
Father of a Movement: R’ Yisrael Salanter, Part 2
Posted onRav Yisrael Salanter: Revolutionary Philosopher
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller introduces the legendary founder of the Mussar movement, Rabbi Yisrael Salanter. This giant of Torah and character used his vast talents to reach out to his brethren across the world and bring them to higher levels of Torah-observance and spiritual awareness.
The Four Forces
Posted onRebbetzins Heller speaks about Yechezkel’s prophecy of the four forces.
Reciting Kriat Shema from a Sefer Torah
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman begins learning daf 13A, with a discussion of the halacha which states that one who is reading from a Sefer Torah fulfills his obligation to recite Kriat Shma daily if he reads the Kriat Shma from the Torah.
Yehuda’s Marriage
Posted onExplains Yehuda’s marriage and the significance of the names of his sons.
Ultimate Benefit
Posted onOn Parshat Lech Lecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles delves into the deeper understanding of Avraham’s test of Lech Lecha.
Teaching Children the Power of the Tongue
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on chinuch habanim, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller guides parents on how to teach children to be careful with their speech, specifically being sensitive about the halachot (laws) of Onaat Devarim, hurtful speech.