In analyzing our obligation of personal and communal mourning of the Churban (destruction of the Beit HaMikdash), Rabbi Avishai David gives us a legal and philosophical understanding of the Torah's approach to mourning. This class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats.
Mrs. Shira Smiles describes The Three Weeks of Mourning as a time when we observe laws of mourning in lieu of the destruction of the Temple. On a personal level we reflect on how the divine presence is in exile from ourselves. We must focus on our connection to Hashem during this time. This Torah class is available in streaming video.
On the 17th of Tammuz five horrible events occurred in Jewish history. One of these events was the chet ha'agel, the sin of the golden calf. A calf symbolizes the power of the people- the Jewish people were essentially worshiping themselves. From here we learn how to have a complete connection with Hashem, G-d. This Torah class is available on streaming video.
