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Parshat Vayishlach: Kever Rachel	show hide	Parsha for Our Lives 5770	8	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this shiur (Torah class) on Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the concept of Kever Rachel, and why Rachel is buried "baderech," on the way.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Chumash, Our Forefathers, Parsha, Parshat Vayishlach Class: Parsha for Our Lives 5770 Class Number: 8 of 18 Time: 59:04 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Parshat Toldot: Emerging Worlds	show hide	Parsha for Our Lives 5770	6	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this shiur (Torah class) on 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.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Chumash, Our Forefathers, Parsha, Parshat Toldot Class: Parsha for Our Lives 5770 Class Number: 6 of 18 Time: 60:57 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Parshat Chayei Sarah: Mindful Midot	show hide	Parsha for Our Lives 5770	5	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this shiur (Torah class) on Parshat Chayei Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the story of Eliezer going to look for a wife for Yitzchak.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Chumash, Middot, Our Forefathers, Parsha, Parshat Chayei Sarah Class: Parsha for Our Lives 5770 Class Number: 5 of 18 Time: 62:47 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Parshat Vayeira: Lessons of Laughter	show hide	Parsha for Our Lives 5770	4	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this shiur (Torah class) on Parshat Vayeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the theme of laughter which is connected to the birth of Yitzchak.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Chumash, Our Forefathers, Parsha, Parshat Vayeira Class: Parsha for Our Lives 5770 Class Number: 4 of 18 Time: 64:33 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Divine Packaging	show hide	Chumash in Depth: The Sale of Yosef	6	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this Torah shiur (class) on the Sale of Yosef, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the verse 'Vayishalchehu M'emek Chevron', which relates how Yaakov sent Yosef to his brothers.  There were deep reasons for the sale of Yosef.  Hashem presents us with goodness, it often is presented to us in ways we would not imagine.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Chumash in Depth: The Sale of Yosef Class Number: 6 of 13 Time: 51:33 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Parshat Vayeishev: Acquiring Serenity	show hide	Parsha Topics 5769	8	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this shiur (Torah class) on Parsha Vayeishev, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on one pasuk, to uncover some of the most fundamental aspects of the way Hashem interacts with us.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Middot, Our Forefathers, Parsha, Parshat Vayeishev Class: Parsha Topics 5769 Class Number: 8 of 29 Time: 64:01 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Parshat Vayishlach: Struggle for Simcha	show hide	Parsha Topics 5769	7	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this shiur (Torah class) on Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles concentrates on the struggle between Yaakov and the angel, and explains how the struggle repersents the quintessential struggle between good and evil.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Inspiration, Middot, Our Forefathers, Parsha, Parshat Vayishlach Class: Parsha Topics 5769 Class Number: 7 of 29 Time: 58:00 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Antidote for Jealousy	show hide	Chumash in Depth: The Sale of Yosef	3	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this Torah shiur (class) on the Sale of Yosef, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the motivations for Jealousy and the antidote for it.  The roots and solutions to kinah (jealousy), can be learned from the behaviour of the brothers of Yosef, described in Parshat Vayeishev. Topics: Chumash, Middot, Our Forefathers, Parsha, Parshat Vayeishev Class: Chumash in Depth: The Sale of Yosef Class Number: 3 of 13 Time: 52:44 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Parshat Vayeitzei: Well, Well, Well	show hide	Parsha Topics 5769	6	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this shiur (Torah class) on Parshat Veyeitzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the significance of Yaakov's interaction with the shepherds at the well.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Our Forefathers, Parsha, Parshat Vayeitzei Class: Parsha Topics 5769 Class Number: 6 of 29 Time: 62:07 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Parsha Toldot: Potent Prayer	show hide	Parsha Topics 5769	5	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this shiur (Torah class) on Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the concept of prayer.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Our Forefathers, Parsha, Parshat Toldot, Prayer Class: Parsha Topics 5769 Class Number: 5 of 29 Time: 64:01 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Characteristics of Yosef Hatzadik	show hide	Chumash in Depth: The Sale of Yosef	2	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this Torah shiur (class) on the Sale of Yosef, Mrs. Shira Smiles describes the unbelievable gifts and characteristics of Yosef Hatzadik (the Righteous).  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Chumash, Our Forefathers, Parsha, Parshat Vayeishev Class: Chumash in Depth: The Sale of Yosef Class Number: 2 of 13 Time: 55:26 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Life of Growth	show hide	Chumash in Depth: The Sale of Yosef	1	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this Torah shiur (class) exploring the Sale of Yosef, Mrs. Shira Smiles teaches both the verses and the commentaries that discuss the first passuk of Parshat Vayeishev.  The Torah requires one to constantly grow, by actively struggling and persevering in challenging situations. Even Yaakov Avinu's desire for tranquility in which to serve Hashem was not fulfilled, as Yosef and the other Tribes begin to show signs of friction.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Chumash, Our Forefathers, Overcoming Adversity, Parsha, Parshat Vayeishev Class: Chumash in Depth: The Sale of Yosef Class Number: 1 of 13 Time: 50:27 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Parshat Chayei Sarah: The Divine Path	show hide	Parsha Topics 5769	4	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this shiur 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.  This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Our Forefathers, Parsha, Parshat Chayei Sarah Class: Parsha Topics 5769 Class Number: 4 of 29 Time: 63:18 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Parshat Vayeira: Ultimate Trust and Love	show hide	Parsha Topics 5767	1	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this week's parsha, Parshat Vayeira, Avraham Avinu is put to the ultimate test, Akeidat Yitchak. Shira Smiles explains what the Akeida means to us today. Topics: Chumash, Our Forefathers, Parsha, Parshat Vayeira Class: Parsha Topics 5767 Class Number: 1 of 23 Time: 56:56 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Connecting Heaven and Earth	show hide	Chumash in Depth: Jacob's Dream	7	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Mrs. Shira Smiles continues her in depth look at Jacob's Dream. This class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Chumash in Depth: Jacob's Dream Class Number: 7 of 9 Time: 53:21 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Ein Od Mil'vado	show hide	Chumash in Depth: Jacob's Dream	6	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In her discussion on Jacob's dream, Shira Smiles speaks about how the stones were used as a protection, as well as the symbolism of the ladder. This class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Chumash in Depth: Jacob's Dream Class Number: 6 of 9 Time: 58:16 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Prayer of Darkness	show hide	Chumash in Depth: Jacob's Dream	4	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Mrs. Shira Smiles continues her discussion on the topic of Jacob's Dream. In this class, Mrs. Smiles talks about Yaakov's prayer to Hashem at night, which is the precedent for the Tefilla of Maariv This class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Chumash in Depth: Jacob's Dream Class Number: 4 of 9 Time: 51:25 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Mindset	show hide	Chumash in Depth: Jacob's Dream	3	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Mrs. Shira Smiles continues her analysis of the Torah's topic of Jacob's dream. This class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video format. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Chumash in Depth: Jacob's Dream Class Number: 3 of 9 Time: 52:08 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Impression	show hide	Chumash in Depth: Jacob's Dream	2	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Mrs. Shira Smiles continues her analysis of Jacob's dream and discusses the lessons learned from every word in the first passuk of the Parsha. This class is available online in streaming video and for downloading in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Chumash in Depth: Jacob's Dream Class Number: 2 of 9 Time: 1:00 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Heel of Messiah	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	18	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In the last installment of her Akeidat Yitzchak class series, Mrs. Shira Smiles expounds upon the topic of Akeidat Yitzchak. This class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 18 of 18 Time: 47:30 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Beginning and End	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	17	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this class, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains how the ending of the episode of Akeidat Yitzchak is actually a new beginning in his Avodat Hashem. This class is available online in streaming video, mp3 and ipod video download formats. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 17 of 18 Time: 44:31 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Avraham's Ram	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	16	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this class, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the meaning of Avraham's ram. This class is available online in streaming video and for downloading in mp3 and ipod video formats. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 16 of 18 Time: 48:36 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Akeidat Yitzchak	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	15	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this class, Mrs. Shira Smiles expounds upon the topic of Akeidat Yitzchak. This class is available online in streaming video, mp3 and ipod video download formats. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 15 of 18 Time: 00 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Call of the Angel	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	14	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this class, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the conclusion of Akeidat Yitzchak, with the angel's call to Avraham to stop what he is doing and not to harm his son. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 14 of 18 Time: 56:04 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Tears of a Father, Tears of a Son	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	13	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this class, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the poignant moments of Avraham actually performing the Akeida. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 13 of 18 Time: 46:43 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
The Binding of Yitzchak	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	12	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Reaching the climax of the Akeida, Avraham binds Yitzchak and lays him above the branches they have collected. In this class, Mrs. Shira Smiles addresses many of the glaring questions that appear in the Torah's narrative of this episode. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 12 of 18 Time: 273:16 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Simple Faith	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	11	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Mrs. Shira Smiles continues her discussion of the Akeidat Yitzchak. In this class, Mrs. Smiles speaks about how Yitzchak did not question Avraham until the third day of their ascending the mountain, when Avraham told him that they will both be returning home.  The centrality of prayer learned from Avraham Avinu's prayer to Hashem at the top of the mountain is also analyzed. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 11 of 18 Time: 45:46 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Meaningful Dialogue	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	10	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this class, Mrs. Shira Smiles continues her discussion of Akeidat Yitzchak. Avraham Avinu tells Yitzchak Avinu that they will now set out together to bring a korban to Hashem.   Yitzchak Avinu asks his father where the korban is.  This dialogue is replete with hidden messages about love between a father and son, self-nullification before G-d, serving Hashem with joy, .and self-sacrifice.   Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 10 of 18 Time: 40:27 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
'Stay Here with the Donkey'	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	9	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Why did Avraham, known throughout the Torah as the personification of love for one's fellow-man, disparagingly refer to his son and servant as 'the nation that is similar to a donkey?' In this shiur, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains that the answer to this question lies in Avraham's tremendous self-sacrifice before G-d. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 9 of 18 Time: 00:00 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
'He Saw the Place From Afar'	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	8	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Why does the Torah refer to the location of the Akeida as 'the place'? A seemingly simple question reveals deep insights into the nature of G-d-given tests, the single-minded focus of Avraham to connect to G-d, and the miracles that G-d performed as a precursor to the Akeida. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 8 of 18 Time: 47:10 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
The Chamor: Harnessing Materialism	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	7	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this class, Mrs. Shira Smiles continues her exploration of the Akeidat Yitzchak. We learn of the great speed and desire with which Avraham Avinu performs the Akeida. Through a variety of sources, we come to understand significance and symbolism of our forefather’s use of the donkey. In addition to the unique zrizut of Avraham Avinu, we find Avraham concerned with ‘hiddur Mitzva’, the desire to further beautify his deed. Avraham Avinu has a spiritual awakening as he finds the place of the Akeidah, and concretizes this inspiration by immediately harnessing these feelings and performing an action, beginning to chop the wood for the sacrifice. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 7 of 18 Time: 21:28 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Father and Son Set Out	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	6	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Fulfilling a mitzvah completely entails pure devotion,joy, and alacrity. In this class, Shira Smiles discusses the poignant moments as Avraham and Yitzchak set out together to fulfill G-d's Will. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 6 of 18 Time: 49:57 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
The Land of Moriah	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	5	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Mrs. Shira Smiles continues to discuss Akeidat Yitzchak by exploring the words Eretz Hamoriah. Mrs. Smiles delves into the commentaries on these words in order to clarify unique character of the city of Yerushalayim, Jerusalem. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Jerusalem, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 5 of 18 Time: 46:00 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Lech Lecha	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	4	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this class on the second passuk of Akeidat Yitzchak, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the deeper meaning of the words Lech Lecha and their message for every person's spiritual journey. Included in this shiur is a discussion of why the command to Avraham is so verbose, and why Hashem doesn't mention Yitzchak's name immediately. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 4 of 18 Time: 113:35 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Reasons Behind Life's Tests	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	2	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Mrs. Shira Smiles continues her discussion of Akeidat Yitzchak, focusing on the nature of Heavenly tests. Mrs. Smiles compares the approaches of the Ramban, Rambam, Seforno, Malbim and others who discuss the purpose of a nisayon. The shiur concludes by explaining why Avraham Avinu needed ten tests, and could not have achieved the same goals with only one nisayon. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 2 of 18 Time: 49:05 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Motivating Factors of the Akeida	show hide	Akeidat Yitzchak	1	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Mrs. Shira Smiles presents Torah insights on the motivation behind the Akeida, using Rashi, Rashbam, and the Netziv. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for downloading in mp3 and ipod video format. Topics: Chumash, Advanced Chumash, Our Forefathers Class: Akeidat Yitzchak Class Number: 1 of 18 Time: 45:44 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Parshat Vayishlach: Chevron - Inner Essence	show hide	Parsha Topics 5767	5	Mrs. Shira Smiles
Shira Smiles discusses the weekly parsha, Parshat Vayishlach, delving into the episode of Rachel's death and her burial in Beit Lechem instead of in Chevron. Topics: Chumash, Our Forefathers, Parsha, Parshat Vayishlach Class: Parsha Topics 5767 Class Number: 5 of 23 Time: 49:02 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)
Parshat Toldot: Testing the Essence	show hide	Parsha Topics 5767	3	Mrs. Shira Smiles
In this Torah (shiur) class on the weekly Parsha (Torah portion) Shira Smiles discusses the narrative of the story of Yitzchak's blessings to his sons Yaakov and Esav, found in Parshat Toldot.  Yitzchak's main strength was that of Gevura (inner strength), and therefore he is tested specifically in this area. Topics: Chumash, Our Forefathers, Parsha, Parshat Toldot Class: Parsha Topics 5767 Class Number: 3 of 23 Time: 51:18 Free Preview (Login for Full Access)