The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
In this class, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses that we cannot get caught up only in the technical requirements of counting each night of the Omer and the customs of mourning during this time. Sefirat Haomer is a time for spiritual accounting in preparation for receiving the Torah, specifically in the areas of loving one’s fellow man and increasing our consciousness of G-d.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David teaches perek 6, the heatfelt cry to Hashem during one’s hour of need.
In his explanation of Tehillim Perek 148, Rabbi Avishai David extrapolates on the duality of the heavenly bodies and earthly bodies in the mizmor praising G-d, and he speaks about the parallel structure of the two segments. The praise is initiated by Klal Yisrael, the Jewish people, and the heavenly bodies respond to that praise. Rabbi David further discusses the mizmor’s connection to Ashrei.
In this shiur (Torah class) on Sefirat HaOmer, Mrs. Shira Smiles delves into the commentaries that speak about the death of Rabbi Avkiva’s students, thereby getting a sense of the depth and breadth of Torah.
In this class on chapter 95 in Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the overall structure of this mizmor and the following chapter’s, which form a part of the Kabbalat Shabbat prayers said on Friday night. Specifically regarding this mizmor, Rabbi David discusses the two segments of the chapter as being universal to mankind and particular to the Jewish people, and examines the difference between the anger of Hashem after the Sin of the Meraglim, the Spies, and the Anger of Hashem after the Sin of the Eigel, the Golden Calf.
Mrs. Shira Smiles addresses the question: What is Purim all about?
In his discussion Tehillim Perek 126, Rabbi Avishai David presents an exploration of Am Yisrael’s descent into Galus and their subsequent redemption
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his exposition of Hallel, with an in-depth explanation of the second half of Psalm 116. David Hamelech undergoes a transformation in this perek, from one with gratitude for Hashem’s kindness, to a completely devoted servant who never stops thinking of his Master
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his explanation of chapter 80. This chapter describes the Tefillot of the Jewish people as they are attacked by their enemies, and Hashem’s response. The themes of the perek include ‘hester panim’ (Hashem ‘hiding’ Himself) vs. ‘giluy panim’ (Hashem revealing Himself), the distinctions between Esav and Yishmael, and differences between an ‘oyev’ and a ‘sonei’.
Where is Haman in the Torah? Rabbi Hanoch Teller sheds light on this question. This Torah class is available online in streaming video. To purchase mp3 of Rabbi Teller’s shiurim go to www.ishiur.com
In this class on Sefirat Haomer, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg discusses the dichotomy of sefirat haomer; on one hand, it is a time of joyous anticipation before Matan Torah, and on the other hand, it is a time of mourning for the deaths of the students of Rabbi Akiva. The class explains how it all fits together.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David begins an exposition of perek 116. The Psalm can be divided into two parts, one focusing on a person’s troubles and challenges, while the second focuses on prayers for salvation. Any time of pain or struggle should be a cause of increased prayer and dependence on Hashem.
In his discussion on Tehillim Perek 147, Rabbi Avishai David reviews a few segments of the mizmor, examining its evolution and development
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi David teaches mizmor 80, which describes the Jewish Nation as a vineyard that has been broken into and trampled, and begs Hashem to tend to His vineyard again. This perek has many thematic and linguistic comparisons with mizmor 44 and 79, which are pointed out and explained in the class.
In this class on Tehillim, chapter 95, Rabbi Avishai David speaks about the structure of the mizmor, famous as the opening Psalm in the prayer of Kabbalat Shabbat. Rabbi David explains how the two segments of the mizmor reflect the dual nature of Hashem’s Kingdom; universal on the one hand, and particular to the Jewish people on the other hand. Rabbi David also shows how this mizmor also relates to people traveling up to the Beit Hamikdash to serve Hashem.
In continuing with the theme of trust, Rabbi Avishai David discusses Tehillim Perek 121, which describes the ascent of closeness between Hashem and the “boteach”, one who trusts in Him.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues to explain the profound messages in the chapters which make up the Hallel prayers. Rabbi David shows how trust in Hashem leads to prayer, and ultimately, to praise and thanksgiving.
Rabbi Avishai David presents the Radak’s three approaches to this mizmor, and examines the mizmor’s intensification and evolution
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes delves int the exact halachik nature of the mitzva of counting the omer. Through an understanding of it’s halachik definition, one comes to understand the purpose of this mitzva.
In his shiur on Tehillim Perek 147, Rabbi Avishai David discusses two different structures of the mizmor, as well as the Radak’s commentary on the mizmor.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his analysis of perek (chapter) 44, looking at the perek from another angle.
In this class on Tehillim Perek 91, Rabbi Avishai David provides a deeper look at the relationship between the “boteach”, one who trusts in G-d, and the Almighty.
Mrs. Shira Smiles addresses the following questions: What is the Jewish vision of joy? Specifically, how do we understand the joy inherent in the day of Purim?
In this class (shiur) Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller discusses the Holiday of Sukkot
In this shiur (Torah class) on Tehillim Perek 115, Rabbi Avishai David continues to explain the mizmor. The Psalm begins on a troubled note, teaching that even in the midst of distress, there is a place for praise and prayer to Hashem. The theme of Hashem’s blessing is found throughout this chapter of Hallel, teaching that the world is available for our enjoyment, as long as we recognize Hashem as the ultimate Ruler of heaven and earth.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David explicates perek (chapter) 44. The perek begins with an expression of Hakara Hatov (gratitude) to Hashem for all of His Kindness, specifically His Kindness to the Avot, Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov. In the second part of the perek, Dovid Hamelech bemoans the chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d’s Name) that occurs when the Jewish People are exiled form their land, Eretz Yisrael, yet proclaims our everlasting commitment to Hashem and His Torah despite the tragedy.
In his analysis of Tehillim Perek 20, Rabbi Avishai David reveals the development of bakasha (requests) into yeshua (salvation).
Rabbi Avishai David shows the connection of this mizmor to Shemoneh Esrei, and to matan Torah.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Purim, Rabbi Hanoch Teller provides a basic reading of the Megilla, which provides great insight.
Rabbi Avishai David continues with his analysis of the structure of Tehillim, Perek 146.
