Architecting an Abode
Posted onThe connection between Yaakov Avinu, tefilla, and the Beit Hamikdash is explored within the context of the episode in Parshat Vayeitzei when Yaakov awakens on Har Hamoriah and calls the place ‘the House of Hashem’.
Author: Rebbetzin Shira Smiles
Toldot: Targeting the Truth
Posted onThis 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.
Title Transference
Posted onParshat 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.
Dogma or Desire
Posted onWe 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.
Influencing Individuals
Posted onIn this shiur of Parshat Lech Lecha, we exploring Avraham Avinu’s impact on his many disciples.
Incredible Initiative
Posted onAn 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’.
Moon’s Musings
Posted onAn explanation of the Midrash describing the complaint of the moon and the shrinking of its size during the world’s Creation.
Yom Kippur: Persistent Prattle
Posted onAn in-depth exploration of the ‘al chet’ recited during Yom Kippur, ‘b’siach siftotenu’, ‘with our endless prattling’.
Continuous Covenant
Posted onExploring 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.
Personification of Peace
Posted onUnderstanding 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.
Ultimate Uprightness
Posted onWhy did Bilam wish for a death like the ‘death of the upright’ while he blessed the Jewish people?
Glorious Gazing
Posted onUnderstanding the power of the Nachash Hanechoshet, the Copper Serpent, to heal the people afflicted by plague in Parshat Chukat.
Blossoming Bough
Posted onAn explication of the episode of Aharon Hakohen’s staff blossoming with almond blossoms overnight after the failed rebellion of Korach.
Towering Tree
Posted onRebbetzin 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?
Continuous Commitment
Posted onWhy is Aharon the Kohen Gadol praised when he did not deviate from the exact instructions for lighting the menorah daily?
Geneological Greatness
Posted onThe uniqueness of Jewish lineage, ‘Yichus’.
Mountain Momentum
Posted onWhat 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.
Upright Utopia
Posted onUnderstanding the bracha which Hashem promises the Jewish people regarding the times of Moshiach, which states ‘I will lead you upright’, v’olich etchem komemiyut’.
Interest Intrigue
Posted onAn exploration of the prohibition against charging interest, and its ramifications for our inner lives.
Steadfast Sanctification
Posted onExploring the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem, sanctifying Hashem’s Name.
Loving Likeness
Posted onExploring the mitzva of loving our fellow Jews, V’Ahavta L’rai’acha Kamocha.
The Gift of Life
Posted onIn this Torah class Rebbetzin Shira Smiles discusses Eliyahu Hanavi and the gift of life
The Glory of Hashem
Posted onIn this Torah class Rebbetzin Shira Smiles discusses Eliyahu Hanavi showing the world the glory of Hashem
Eliyahu and Har Carmel
Posted onIn this Torah class Rebbetzin Shira Smiles discusses Eliyahu Hanavi and the events on Har Carmel
The Miracle of Life
Posted onIn this Torah class Rebbetzin Shirs Smiles continues discussing the Miracle of Life
Eliyahu Brings Life Back
Posted onIn this Torah class Rebbetzin Shira Smiles discusses how Eliyahu Hanavi pleads to bring life back and the extraordinary miracle of resurrection
Egel Expiation
Posted onThe Mishkan as repentance, teshuva, for the sin of the Golden Calf, chet Ha’gel.
Prettifications Purified
Posted onAn 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.
Gracious Gift
Posted onUnderstanding the comparison of the gift of Torah to a Kalla, a bride.
Elaborate Entering and Exiting
Posted onA 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.