New Fundamentals Class!
Practical Judaism is geared to people who want to learn the fundamentals of Jewish faith and practice.
This course, based on the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, the Abreviated Code of Jewish Law by Rabbi Shlomo Gantzfried, (ca.1886), focuses on the concrete application of Jewish Law. Some of the topics covered include how to pray, keep kosher, and observe Shabbos.
The course does not assume any prior knowledge of Judaism or Torah concepts, and can be enjoyed by both beginners and advanced students.
Repentance and Self-Improvement are developed in Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik's work Al HaTeshuva. Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the main topics covered in this important work of Jewish Thought.
Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are days of repentance, introspection, and self-definition. They are also days of tefillah, prayer. A close look at the Tefillot of the Yamim Noraim reveals that these tefillot were designed to help us increase our awareness of Hashem, acceptance of His Malchut, and recognition of Din, as well as properly complete the teshuva process. This course goes through the Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Machzorim, explaining their structure, the logical sequence of the prayers, and the meaning and symbolism of key tefillot.
Though separated by physical realities, the Jewish People share a collective soul and a shared mission that bind us to one another. During the Three Weeks, deepen your appreciation for your fellow Jews, by studying various perspectives on Jewish Unity.
Jerusalem was once a city that shone with the Divine Presence and rang with the sounds of people serving their Creator. Today, the Beit Hamikdash no longer stands, and our primary goal of kiddush Hashem seems to be muted. What were the causes of this destruction? What should we do to return to our former glory as G-d's Holy people, serving Him in Jerusalem? Explore these questions, and other topics relating to the Three Weeks and Tisha B'Av, in this special series.
Almost 30 days ago, a hate-filled terrorist drove a bulldozer wildly down the main streets of Jerusalem, leaving chaos in his wake. Just a few weeks later, another terrorist attempted to harm innocent people by misusing the machinery he operated. Naaleh.com asks you to join the rest of our students in memorializing the three deceased victims of the first Jerusalem bulldozer attack, and praying for the recovery of the injured survivors of both attacks. In this four class series, Rabbi Hershel Reichman learns Mishnayot Taanit in memory of the victims of the Jerusalem Bulldozer Attacks in the month of Tammuz 5768.
Megillat Eicha is the book of lamentations written by Yirmiyahu Hanavi as he witnessed the conquest of Eretz Yisrael by the Romans, the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, and the exile of the Jewish People. This Megilla, read every Tisha B'av, is a chilling description of the suffering of the Jews throughout Exile, and a tearful plea for Hashem to return us to His Embrace. Rebbetzin Heller explains the Megilla and it's timeless messages perek by perek, providing new insights into this poignant sefer.
This series on the Jewish Calendar incorporates lectures from all members of the Na'aleh staff. The class includes shiurim on topics relating to Pesach, Sefirat Haomer, Lag B'omer, and Shavuot.
Rabbi Avishai David explains the timely messages of the prophet Yirmiyahu. The course focuses on both the structure and beauty of the text, as well as the inspiration and spiritual impact words of Yirmiyahu should have on our lives today.
Rabbi Avishai David analyzes the precision and pathos of the Psalms, chapter by chapter. Through the use of many commentaries, Rabbi David breaks down every perek into its components and clarifies the distinctions between them.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller explores the prophesies of the 'Trei Asar', the shorter prophesies of the late Era of Prophesy. These prophesies speak of such important concepts as sin, retribution, repentance, forgiveness, and redemption.
The relevant lessons of the Torah portion of the week are explored, based on the Sefer Shem MiShmuel. An inspirational eye-opener for both veteran admirers of Chassidic thought and newcomers to this way of serving G-d.
Rabbi Isaacson explores the Halachic sources and practical applications of the thirty nine Melachot, forbidden activities, of Shabbat. Incorporates an introduction to the concept of Melacha.
The Mesillat Yesharim ("Path of the Just") is an ethical text composed in 1740 by the influential Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato. Considered by many to be the core text for anyone engaged in a serious quest for self-improvement, the Mesillat Yesharim answers such basic questions as the nature of Man’s purpose in life as well as the proper and improper methods of drawing close to G-d. In this course, Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues to develop the ideas presented in this important work, and makes each point relevant to the daily lives of his listeners.
Rebbetzin Heller traces the lives of the women of the Bible, starting with Chava, the first woman. Rebbetzin Heller examines the episodes mentioned in Tanach, sketching out the unique character traits of each woman and how we can use the lessons from their lives to oversome our personal challenges.
Through a close reading of the verses involved, and a combination of a vast array of commentaries, Mrs. Smiles explores the difficult episode of the Sale of Yosef.
Shira Smiles delves into the symbolism, hidden meanings and G-dly promises of success and survival in Exile that are contained in Jacob's famous dream of the ladder. This advanced class incorporates a close reading of the text being examined with a practical application of lessons learned.
Mrs. Smiles delivers lectures covering selected texts from a wide range of sources from which she brings out the unique moral lessons that can be learned from every moment in time. Each class is based either on the Torah portion of the week or on the Yamim Tovim, the Jewish holidays. Mrs. Smiles begins with basic primary sources, usually a verse from the Torah, and delves into its meaning and message through extensive selections from both the Early Commentators of the Middle Ages and the Later Commentators of the Modern Era. Mrs. Smiles adds excerpts from classical works produced by both the Chassidic and Mussar Movements, and ties together all components of the lecture to bring home a new insight into our lives as inspired Torah Jews.
Rabbi Avishai David analyzes the precision and pathos
of the Psalms, chapter by chapter. Through the use of many commentaries, Rabbi David breaks down every perek into its components and clarifies the distinctions between them.
Rabbi Avishai David explains the timely messages of the prophet Yirmiyahu. This course incorporates an
introduction to the nature of Prophesy, as well as textual
analysis of the chapters covered.
The history and the impact of the leading Torah
luminaries of the past 100 years. Filled with biographical
information, anecdotal insights and meaningful stories, we will
probe into the vast accomplishments of these saintly scholars that have shaped the communities we live in today.
The relevant lessons of the Torah portion of the week are explored, based on the Sefer Shem MiShmuel. An inspirational eye-opener for both veteran admirers of Chassidic thought and newcomers to this way of serving G-d.
An in-depth study of
the Laws of Shabbat, focusing on both the Halachik underpinnings
and reasonings behind the laws, and the practical details of their
execution.
The Mesillat Yesharim ("Path of the Just") is an ethical text composed in 1740 by the influential Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato. Considered by many to be the core text for anyone engaged in a serious quest for self-improvement, the Mesillat Yesharim answers such basic questions as the nature of Man’s purpose in life as well as the proper and improper methods of drawing close to G-d. Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen develops the ideas presented in this important work, and makes each point relevant to the daily lives of his listeners.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller delves into the nature of Bitachon, Trust in G-d, as described by the Maharal, the Sefer Chovot Halevavot, and the Chassidic masters.
A study of the nature of the Jews' role as the people chosen by G-d, as seen through the Chumash (Bible), Navi, and other Jewish texts. No
prior textual skills necessary.
Tisha B'Av, the themes of loss and redemption in the haftarot of the months of Av and Elul, and an analysis of the obligations we have to each other during the month of Elul.
The Maharal in his Sefer Netzach Yisrael delves into the roots of the Temple's destruction, and reveals the secrets of the redemption that will flow forth from within this tragedy. A lucid and profound explanation of the Maharal's ideas.
Through her unique question and answer technique for learning Tanach, Mrs. Smiles analyzes many aspects of Avraham Avinu's final test. An in depth look into this brief but powerful section of Chumash. Classical and modern Commentaries will be analyzed. The ultimate goal of every learning session is not only to fully understand the Chumash, but also internalize its lessons. Chumash Mikraot Gedolot with Ohr HaChaim and Kli Yakar required for the class.
Sefer Tehillim is replete with praise, joy, tears, and entreaty to Hashem. At times one can fail to recognize the uniqueness of each perek, as the praise and pleading seemingly repeat themselves again and again. Through the use of many commentaries, Rabbi David breaks down every perek into its components and clarifies the distinctions between them. What emerges is a new understanding and appreciation of the precision and pathos contained in Sefer Tehillim.
The history and the impact of the leading Torah luminaries of the past 100 years. Filled with biographical information, anecdotal insights and meaningful stories, we will probe into the vast accomplishments of these saintly scholars that have shaped the communities we live in today.
The Maharal of Prague is a paradigm of depth and sophistication of Torah thought that forms the foundation for many of the teachings of Chassidus, Mussar and Machshava. His Sefer Netivot Olam, on Man's obligations of conduct, is an important text for one who is focused on self-improvement and ethical behavior guided by Torah. Rebbetzin Heller focuses on the words of the Maharal and their meaning, and then applies them to our lives through concrete examples. For the Spring Semester, Rebbetzin Heller will be covering Netiv Hayissurim and selections from Neztach Yisrael in relation to the exile and redemption of the Jewish People.
In this class on the holiday of Shavuot, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller offers an in-depth analysis of the Book of Ruth, based on the text and the commentary of Rashi, combined with the approaches of the other commentaries. Discover the challenges and greatness of Ruth, the mother of the Davidic dynasty. Rudimentary knowledge of Hebrew preferred, but not necessary for the class. This class continues with an analysis of the Ten Commandments, followed by a discussion of the Meaning of Mitzvot.
Mrs. Smiles delivers lectures covering selected texts from a wide range of sources from which she brings out the unique moral lessons that can be learned from every moment in time. Each class is based either on the Torah portion of the week or on the Yamim Tovim, the Jewish holidays. Mrs. Smiles begins with basic primary sources, usually a verse from the Torah, and delves into its meaning and message through extensive selections from both the Early Commentators of the Middle Ages and the Later Commentators of the Modern Era. Mrs. Smiles adds excerpts from classical works produced by both the Chassidic and Mussar Movements, and ties together all components of the lecture to bring home a new insight into our lives as inspired Torah Jews.
Through her unique question and answer technique for learning Tanach, Mrs. Smiles analyzes many aspects of Moshe’s famous entreaty to G-d in Parshat Va-etchanan. An in depth look into this brief but powerful section of Chumash. Covers Chapter 3 of Devarim Verse 23-29 . The Classical Commentaries from Rashi to present day will be analyzed. The ultimate goal of every learning session is not only to fully understand the Chumash, but also internalize its lessons.
Sefer Tehillim is replete with praise, joy, tears, and entreaty to Hashem. A superficial will be unable to truly appreciate the uniqueness of each perek, as the praise and pleading seemingly repeat themselves again and again. Through the use of many commentaries, Rabbi David breaks down every perek into its components and clarifies the distinctions between them. What emerges is a new understanding and appreciation of the precision and pathos contained in Sefer Tehillim.
The goal of the Workshop on the Holocaust is to make our history alive and relevant to our lives. Through the use of stories of real people and their struggles, as well as vivid descriptions of Jewish life under Nazi rule, Rabbi Teller makes the tragedy of the Holocaust a clearer and better-understood chapter in Jewish History. Some of the topics discussed during the workshop are ghetto life, camps, resistance, religious life under the Nazis, and liberation.
The foundations of classical Jewish thought and belief, the Principles of Faith define what G-d requires of us in order to be considered believing Jews. The Principles of Faith have been enumerated, defined, discussed, and expanded upon by countless Rabbinic scholars over the ages. Rebbetzin Heller will base her course primarily upon the teachings of Maimonides and MahaRal (R’ Yehudah Loewe), among others. The course will begin with the sources, and clarify the depth of each Principle of Faith. Through examples and stories, Rebbetzin Heller weaves together the Intellectual Truths with their concrete application, enabling her students to emerge from her lessons with new direction and clarity, and rock-solid Emunah/Faith.
The Maharal of Prague is a paradigm of depth and sophistication of Torah thought that forms the foundation for many of the teachings of Chassidus, Mussar and Machshava. His Sefer Netivot Olam, on Man’s obligations of conduct, is an important text for one who is focused on self-improvement and ethical behavior guided by Torah. Rebbetzin Heller focuses on the words of the Maharal and their meaning, and then applies them to our lives through concrete examples. This text-based class simultaneously helps advance students’ textual and analytical skills while inspiring them to strive for greatness.
