Parshat Vayikra
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller points out some of the important themes of Sefer Vayikra in general and specifically Parshat Vayikra.
Videos
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.
Rashi’s Discussion of ‘Female’ Nouns
Posted onMrs. Yehudith Weiss continues her discussion of the topic of nouns as they are addressed in Rashi’s commentary. This class explains and cites examples of nouns that have ‘female’ conjugations. This unique class, given in simple Hebrew, sheds light on the important but often neglected section of Rashi’s commentary – the grammatical Rashis.
Birchot Kriat Shema: Birkat HaMitzvah?
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Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman analyzes the machloket rishonim (dispute between early commentaries) regarding Birchot Kriat Shma, the blessings preceding Kriat Shma, can be recited after the recitation of Kriat Shma.
Lowly Origins
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses why the story of the redemption from Egypt begins with the lowly beginnings of the Jewish people as the children of idol-worshipers.
Causing Sin
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In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim and the laws of proper speech, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg teaches three of the many transgressions one commits when speaking lashon hara. Specifically, he focuses on the danger of causing others to sin, known as ‘lifnei iver’, and the pleasure derived from speaking lashon hara.
Perek 22, Part 2: From Desperation to Salvation
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In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his analysis of Psalm 22, which was said by Esther before she went to Achashverosh. This poignant prayer reflects both the helpless desperation felt in a time of harsh decrees, as well as the overwhelming joy and light of salvation.
Matzah: The Essence of Faith
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the spiritual understanding of matzah. According to Chassidic thought, matzah represents ultimate faith in G-d, which was seen in the Jewish Nation’s redemption from Egypt.
Perek 29-30
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Writing on Shabbat
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes explains the halachik nature of writing on Shabbat.
The Heroism of Chanania, Mishael, and Azaria
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller describes Nevuchadnetzar’s demand that Chanania, Mishael, and Azaria bow to his image. Rebbetzin Heller analyzes the implications of this choice and the balance of Bitachon in a situation where salvation will necessitate a miracle.
Torah: The Garment of Hashem
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains how Torah is so to speak the ‘garment’ of Hashem. Based on the Sefer Maalot HaTorah, Rebbetzin Heller outlines the prerequisites for wearing Hashem’s garment of Torah; yirah (awareness of G-d), and anavah (humbleness).
Nevuchadnetzar’s Symbolic Image
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller learns the chapters describing the image Nevuchadnetzar saw in his prophetic dream, and Daniel’s role in interpreting it.
Parshat Vayakhel and Pekudei
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller gives a overview of Parshiot Vayakhel and Pekudei.
Parshat Vayakhel: The Secret of One
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In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses how this week’s Torah reading involves the prohibition of work on Shabbat. Through a unique understanding of the sin of the Golden Calf, the Shem Mishmuel understands the essence of Shabbat.
The Mitzvah of Sitting in a Sukkah
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman analyzes the discussion in the Gemara and the commentaries, regarding the mitzvah of dwelling in a sukkah. In this class, Rabbi Reichman differentiates between the chiyuv hamitzvah (the obligation to perform the mitzvah), and the kiyum hamitzvah (the fulfillment of the mitzvah).
History of the Haggadah
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero traces the development of the Hagaddah which is used at the Pesach Seder.
Perek 22, Part 1: From Abandonment to Revelation
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David analyzes Psalm 22, which refers to the struggles of both David Hamelech and Queen Esther. This perek is a beautiful progression from initial feelings of abandonment and helplessness, which lead to prayer and bitachon, to eventual revelation, salvation, and joyous thanks to Hashem. The final praise is so intense that it begins with personal thanks, and spreads to include all of klal Yisrael (the Jewish people), the malachim (angels), and eventually the entire universe.
Conduit of Holiness
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On Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Betzalel, a key figure in the mishkan experience.
The Spritual Characteristics of Chametz
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman explains the prohibition of chametz from a Chassidic perspective. The Shem MiShmuel presents the negative spiritual characteristics which chametz represents, and explains how one should work on eradicating those characteristics during the time of Pesach.
Perek 29: Galut: Resposibilities and Reactions
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David analyzes some of the ramifications of going into exile, such as the obligation to pray for the welfare of one’s host country, and the expected reaction to galut – repentance and prayer.
Serving G-d
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In ths shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen begins a new shaar (chapter) in Sefer Chovot HaLevavtot. This shaar, shaar Avodat Hashem, focuses on the methods of serving G-d with one’s whole being.
The Halachot of Shema
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Ari Jacobson learns the halachot regarding reciting and interrupting the Shema prayer.
Thirty Days before Pesach
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the practice of beginning to learn the halachot of Pesach thirty days before the holiday. Rabbi Taubes discusses whether it is an halachik obligation or a recommended measure, and goes through the various sources involving this concept.
Parshat Ki Tisa
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller presents an overview of the Parsha.
Ki Tisa: Reaching for Holiness
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), by Rabbi Hershel Reichman, the sin of the Golden Calf is explained from a Chassidic point of view.
The Cloud of Glory
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the cloud of glory that rested on the Mishkan, and analyzes the last verses in the Book of Shmot. This class delves into the commentaries in a clear and simple manner, and does not assume any prior knowledge of Hebrew.
Inhibiting Chochmas Hashem
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen discusses the factors that inhibit one from recognizing G-d. Based on the Chovot Halevatot, this class wraps up Shaar HaBechina.
Rashi’s Comments on Nouns in the Torah
Posted onMrs. Yehudit Weiss explains the qualities of a noun in the Torah, according to Rashi. This class, taught in basic Hebrew with some English, clarifies many important comments of Rashi which are often skipped or misunderstood.
Dikduk Rashis on Contractions
Posted onIn this class, delivered in basic Hebrew, Mrs. Yehudit Weiss surveys Biblical words Rashi calls ‘notrikon’, contractions or combinations of two or three words into one. This important rule in Biblical grammar allows one to understand many difficult and unfamiliar words found in the Torah.