Akeidat Yitzchak
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.
Fulfilling a mitzvah completely entails giving over of one's heart, 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.
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.
In this class on the Akeidat Yitzchak, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the deeper meaning of the words Lech Lecha and their message for every person's spiritual journey.
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. Available online in streaming video.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
