Birchat Hatorah: Bracha of Praise or Birchat Hamitzvah?
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Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the views of the various commentaries as to the nature of Birchat HaTorah.
Author: Baila Greenblatt
The Plagues
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explains some of the reasons for the plagues.
Hark to the Bark
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On Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the pasuk which states that “against the children of Israel, no dog shall wet its tongue.”
Measure for Measure
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Talks about the brother’s explanation of Yosef’s absence to their father.Emphasizing how our actions have ramifications.
Rashi’s Explanation of Active Verbs
Posted onMrs. Yehudit Weiss begins to explore various examples of Rashi’s explanation of Active verbs, and how the meaning of the Biblical text changes as words are conjugated in different forms. This class introduces the Dikduk of Rashi and sheds light on many of his previously inaccessible comments.
The Obligation of Birchat HaTorah
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the Machloket (dispute) over whether Birchat haTorah is recited on Chumash only or also on Torah SheBaal Peh (Talmud, Mishna, and Midrash).
Pharoah’s Iron Heart
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explores the justification for hardening Pharoah’s heart, and restricting his free will.
Awe of the Abode
Posted onOn Parshat Va’eira, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the plague of ‘barad’ (hail).
Symbolism of the Shoe
Posted onPresents a deeper view on why the brothers sold Yosef for a pair of shoes.
The Brocha of Ahava Rabba
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman explains why Ahava Rabba is recited specifically during the day, and discusses the prohibition against learning Torah without a brocha.
Reluctant Messenger
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero dissects the episode of the Burning Bush, Hashem’s command to Moshe, and Moshe’s refusal. This Torah shiur does not assume any previous knowledge of Hebrew or experience with Biblical texts.
Fabulous Flame
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On Parshat Shemot, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the incident of the burning bush.
The Measure of Life
Posted onTalks about the sweet smelling spices that accompanied Yosef on his way down to Egypt. Emphasizing the lesson that everything Hashem does is clearly measured out.
Discovering Our Inherent Goodness
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller describes how Torah leads a child to discovering his or her inherent goodness, and in developing inner structure and self discipline.
Extending Brachot
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the prohibition to add or shorten brachot.
The Blessing to Ephraim and Menashe
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the brachot (blessings) that Yaakov Avinu bestowed on his grandsons Ephraim and Menashe.
Parshat Bo
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller discusses Parshat Bo.
Parshat Va’eira: Promised Redemption
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller discusses G-d’s promises to the Jewish nation in Parshat Va’eira, as Moshe Rabbenu and his brother Aharon begin ‘negotiating’ with Pharoah to let the Jews leave Egypt.
The Bat Kol
Posted onDiscussing the Bat Kol (Heavenly voice), and what we can learn from our lives with each answer.
Bestowing Blessings
Posted onOn Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles looks at what the concept of giving brachot is about, and more specifically, what the Friday night blessing for sons to be like Ephraim and Menashe is about.
Parshat Shemot: Persecution and Slavery
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller discusses the beginning of Parshat Shemot, which describes the subjugation and persecution of the Jewish people in Egypt.
False Accusations
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explores why Yosef chose to falsely accuse and imprison his brother Binyamin. The class is based on the text of the verses of the Parsha along with the comments of Rashi. No previous knowledge of Hebrew or textual skills are required for the class.
Parshat Vayechi: Final Blessings
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller explains the final blessings of Yaakov Avinu to his sons, the Twelve Tribes, and his two grandsons Menashe and Ephraim in Parshat Vayechi.
Parshat Vayigash: Confrontation of Kings
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller talks about the narrative of Parshat Vayigash. presents the confrontation between Yosef and Yehuda, and Yosef’s shocking revelation to his brothers.
Heavenly Messengers
Posted onDiscussing the angel who met Yosef on his way to his brothers, as a representation of all of us.
Parshat Miketz
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller learns Parshat Miketz.
Protecting the Covenant
Posted onRebbetzin Tzipora Heller speaks about the two areas where the Yetzer Hara is most likely to destroy its victim, unless there is protection provided by Torah, Yirat Shamayim (Fear of Heaven), and Anava (Humility).
Bewildering Encounters
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explains the verses and comments of Rashi and others which describe the first encounter between Yosef and his brothers, twenty two years after he was sold into slavery. This class assumes no prior knowledge of Hebrew or experience with reading Biblical texts.
Divine Packaging
Posted onDiscussing how Hashem presents us with goodness, while it often is presented to us in ways we would not imagine.
Torah Study: Attaching Oneself to G-d
Posted onRebbetzin Heller explains how Torah gives a person an attachment to Hashem’s Will and Wisdom. Torah study transforms the way a person can cleave to Hashem both individually and in his family life.
Based on Sefer Maalot Hatorah.