Golden Growth
Posted onThe Aron Hakodesh in the Mishkan as an allegorical paradigm for the character of a Talmid Chacham, and every Jew dedicated to perfecting his or her character.
Author: Rebbetzin Shira Smiles
Awareness, Acceptance, Attachment
Posted onThe key to accepting the Torah.
Legitimizing Lies
Posted onAn exploration of the prohibition to bear false witness.
The Blessing of Flour and oil
Posted onIn this Torah class Rebbetzin Shira Smiles discusses Eliyahu Hanavi and the Gift of flour and oil he gave
Shulamit
Posted onIn this Torah class Rebbetzin Tzipora Smiles discuses Eliyahu Hanavi and Shulamit
The Power Of Love
Posted onIn this Torah class Rebbetzin Shira Smiles discusses the Power of Love
Dough: Double and Delectable
Posted onAn exploration of the gift of mann in the desert, and the double portion which fell on Fridays.
Firstborn Focus
Posted onDiscussion of plague of the firstborn
Hailing Humility
Posted onWe explore the messages that can be learned from the plague of hail, makas barad.
Righteous Reward
Posted onAn exploration of the self-sacrifice of the midwives Shifra and Puah in Egypt, and the reward that they merited for their actions.
Core Connection
Posted onAn overview of Yaakov’s bracha and rebuke to Reuven regarding his midda of ‘pachaz kamayim’.
Yaakov and Yisrael
Posted onThe passuk which describes the vision which Yaakov had on his down to Egypt switches from Yisrael to Yaakov. In this class, we explore the significance of the shift from Yisrael to Yaakov, and what each name represents.
Fiery Facets and Faces
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An exploration of the miracle of the oil on Chanuka.
Fire, Flames and Flax
Posted onThe relationship between Yaakov, Esav, and Yosef, based on the Midrash, and how this Midrash relates to Chanuka.
Existential Exiting
Posted onMrs. Smiles discusses Yaakov’s decision to leave Charan.
Attitudinal Aversion
Posted onWhat was the essence of Esav’s error in during the episode of his selling his birthright to Yaakov for a bowl of lentil soup?
Avowing Allegiance
Posted onAvowing Allegiance
Vayeira Earthly Existence
Posted onVayeira
Lech Lecha – Influencing , Indulging and Inculcating
Posted onInfluencing , Indulging and Inculcating
Constant Connectivity
Posted on
Parshat Noach
Balak Bedrock Beginings
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Rebbetzin Shira Smiles teaches important lessons from Parshat Balak, specifically from the brachot/ blessings of Bilaam.
Source of Sustenance: Song & Struggle
Posted on
Source of Sustenance:
Song & Struggle
Egocentricity or Envy
Posted on
korach
Graves Guardianship
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5778-36-shelach-Graves-Guardianship
Honorable Humility
Posted on
Honorable Humility
Visceral Viewing
Posted onnaso
Fortuitous Fruits
Posted onBehukosai class which is about Shavuos
Yehuda’s Marriage
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Explains Yehuda’s marriage and the significance of the names of his sons.
Seder: Splitting of Songs
Posted onWhy is the recitation of Hallel split into two parts at the Seder?
Compassion and Connection
Posted onConnection between Pesach and Avraham Avinu.