The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
Mrs. Chana Prero discusses Yaakov’s dream of the angels ascending and descending a ladder to Heaven, as he travels to Charan. This class, which does not assume any knowledge of Hebrew or familiarity with textual study, discusses why Yaakov received the vision at this juncture, and what this dream represents.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses how the exemption of “osek b’mitzvah patur min hamitzvah” applies to giving tzedaka.
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Reichman discusses this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayeitzei, according to the interpretation of the Shem MiShmuel.
In his discussion on Parshat Vayetzei, Rabbi Hershel Reichman expounds upon Yaakov Avinu’s dream of angels going up and down the ladder from heaven. In addition, he explains this dream’s particular significance in our understanding of crossroads in our lives.
On Parshat Veyeitzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the significance of Yaakov’s interaction with the shepherds at the well.
Exploring the motivations for Jealousy and the antidote for it.
In this shiur (class), Rabbi Ari Jacobson presents the halachot (laws) regarding actions before and during the daily prayers. Based on the Kitzur Shulcha Aruch, this class provides a clear framework for our approach to praying before G-d.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller defines what Torah is and what our relationship to Torah should be.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the fundamental difference between Yaakov and Eisav and why Yitzchak wanted to bless Eisav. Based on the teachings of the Shem MiShmuel, this class presents two approaches towards dealing with evil.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller goes through the parsha, Parshat Toldot, providing a basic overview of the story as well as inspiring insights to the parsha.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman analyzes the Machloket Rishonim (halachic dispute between the Early Commentaries) of “Osek B’Mitzva Patur min Hamitzvah”, and the halachic ramifications thereof.
Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the blessings that Yitzchak wanted to bestow on Esav. This class, which does not assume any prior knowledge of the text or of Hebrew language, answers questions such as why Yitzchak wanted to give Esav the brachot (blessings), why Rivka intervened, and why Yaakov did not tell the truth.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues to explain how one should try to act in a similar manner to G-d. This idea, of emulating G-d, is the basis of the work, Tomer Devora.
In his discussion on Parshat Toldot, Rabbi Hershel Reichman uses the interpretation of the Shem MiShmuel to explain the puzzling phenomenon of how Eisav could become so wicked while having been brought up in the home of Yitzchak and Rivka.
On Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the concept of prayer.
Describing the unbelievable gifts and characteristics of Yosef Hatzadik (the Righteous).
In this Torah shiur (class) on self-improvement, Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen describes various middot (character traits) of G-d that the Tomer Devora explains how to emulate. These middot are not just an exercise in imitation, but help perfect oneself to become a better person. In this class, Rabbi Cohen discusses the middah of ‘yichbosh avonoteineu’, ‘He Holds back’ our sins. Hashem waits with our aveirot and ignores them until we erase them with our repentance. Man can also reach levels of self-denial and acceptance, which will lead him to wholeheartedly forgive those who wrong him.
In this shiur (class), Rabbi Ari Jacobson discusses the prohibition of eating before davening. This class includes the pertinent Halachot concerning Shabbat and women.
In this shiur (class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the various halachot of an Onan, one whose close relative has passed away and is still not buried. Rabbi Taubes provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the halachot, complete with modern day cases.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the machlokes (Talmudic dispute) between Rashba and Rav Hai Gaon and between Tosefot and the Ra regarding the nature of the Talmudic dictum- “Oseik B’Mitzvah Patur Min Hamitzvah”, one who is currently involved in a Mitzva is exempt from fulfilling a different mitzvah that he encounters simultaneously.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses Eliezer’s mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. The Shem MiShmuel focuses on Eliezer’s ability to overcome his own interest and his subsequent success.
On Parshat Chayei Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Eliezer’s search for a wife for Yitzchak, and why Hashem performed a miracle of shortening the journey for Eliezer.
Avraham’s essence was one of pure chessed, total giving to another. Yet despite his desire for complete chessed, Avraham Avinu was able to combine din (justice) within his chessed personality. This class on Parshat Chayei Sarah discusses Avraham’s ability to combine the attributes of din and chessed.
Exploring the Sale of Yosef through the verses and the commentaries that discuss the first passuk of Parshat Vayeishev.
Mrs. 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.
In this shiur (class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the often misunderstood mitzvah of Tochacha- rebuke. Rabbi Taubes defines the mitzvah and then explains various Gemaras which explain the parameters of the mitzvah.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues learning the classic mussar sefer, Tomer Devorah. In this segment, the Tomer Devorah provides practical examples of how G-dliness is portrayed in mankind.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the Gemara on Daf 11A, regarding a Chosson (bridegroom)’s exemption from reciting Kriyat Shema.
Mrs. 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.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Reichman explains how Avraham, the epitome of Chessed (kindness) has a son, Yitzchak who is the epitome of Din (judgement). Based on the Shem MiShmuel, this class analyzes the essence of our forefathers and mothers.
