The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
This shiur on Parshat Toldot attempts to explain the seeming contradiction between Yaakov Avinu’s essence, which was the embodiment of Truth, with his actions in taking the brachot fro Yitzchak, which seemed to be the ultimate deception.
Parshat Chayei Sara begins with the sale of the Mearat Hamachpela, the Cave of Machpela, from Efron to Avraham Avinu, for the burial of his wife Sarah. An exploration of this episode.
We compare and contrast the intention of the residents of Sodom in Parshas Vayeira to harm Lot’s visitors, with the terrible episode of Pilegesh Bigiva found in Sefer Shoftim.
In this shiur of Parshat Lech Lecha, we exploring Avraham Avinu’s impact on his many disciples.
An exploration of the episode of Shem and Yafet’s act of respect for their father Noach after he planted a vineyard and was affected by the wine he drank, and their subsequent reward for their ‘kibud av’.
An explanation of the Midrash describing the complaint of the moon and the shrinking of its size during the world’s Creation.
An in-depth exploration of the ‘al chet’ recited during Yom Kippur, ‘b’siach siftotenu’, ‘with our endless prattling’.
Exploring the brit, the covenant, between G-d and the Jewish People, at Har Sinai and in Arvot Moav at the end of 40 years in the Desert.
Understanding the ‘Briti Shalom’, ‘Covenant of peace’, which Pinchas was blessed with as reward for his actions in ending the plague through the killing of Zimri.
Why did Bilam wish for a death like the ‘death of the upright’ while he blessed the Jewish people?
Understanding the power of the Nachash Hanechoshet, the Copper Serpent, to heal the people afflicted by plague in Parshat Chukat.
An explication of the episode of Aharon Hakohen’s staff blossoming with almond blossoms overnight after the failed rebellion of Korach.
Rebbetzin Smiles explores one of the questions that Moshe Rabbenu asked the Meraglim, the spies, about the Land of Israel: Does it have trees? What is the deeper message behind this question? What does it mean for our daily life?
Why is Aharon the Kohen Gadol praised when he did not deviate from the exact instructions for lighting the menorah daily?
The uniqueness of Jewish lineage, ‘Yichus’.
What do the Sages mean when they state that the Torah was given ‘by force’, as Hashem held Mt. Sinai over the Jewish nation and provided a seeming ultimatum on accepting the Torah? An in-depth journey into this topic.
Understanding the bracha which Hashem promises the Jewish people regarding the times of Moshiach, which states ‘I will lead you upright’, v’olich etchem komemiyut’.
An exploration of the prohibition against charging interest, and its ramifications for our inner lives.
Exploring the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem, sanctifying Hashem’s Name.
Exploring the mitzva of loving our fellow Jews, V’Ahavta L’rai’acha Kamocha.
In this Torah class Rebbetzin Shira Smiles discusses Eliyahu Hanavi and the gift of life
In this Torah class Rebbetzin Shira Smiles discusses Eliyahu Hanavi showing the world the glory of Hashem
In this Torah class Rebbetzin Shira Smiles discusses Eliyahu Hanavi and the events on Har Carmel
In this Torah class Rebbetzin Shirs Smiles continues discussing the Miracle of Life
In this Torah class Rebbetzin Shira Smiles discusses how Eliyahu Hanavi pleads to bring life back and the extraordinary miracle of resurrection
The Mishkan as repentance, teshuva, for the sin of the Golden Calf, chet Ha’gel.
An exploration of the women in the desert who were rewarded for their eagerness to contribute to the Mishkan in contrast to their refusal to participate or contribute to the Golden Calf, and their reward for their choices.
Understanding the comparison of the gift of Torah to a Kalla, a bride.
A discussion of the bells sewn on the bottom of the clothing of the Kohen Gadol, and their purpose in heralding his arrival and departure at the Beis Hamikdash.
The 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.
