The Trap of Consumerism
Posted on
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller talks about the nation of Tzur and its fall from power. Tzor’s defeat teaches an ageless lesson, that consumerism and materialism lead to defeat and disillusion.
The Gift to the Yetzer Hara
Posted on
Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the Nesivos Shalom’s essay of how one can overcome the yetzer hara, drawing on lessons found in Parshat Vayishlach.
Parshat Vayishlach: Two Types of Yetzer Hara
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman explains two forms of the Yetzer Hara and how one can defeat them both.
Formula for Respecting Others
Posted on
In this short Torah class (shiur) on human relations, Rabbi Hanoch Teller illustrates the maxim of the sage Hillel, who summarized the Torah with the motto: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor.”
Jarring Jars
Posted on
On Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the Rashi that says that Yaakov was left alone because he had returned for some forgotten pitchers. Mrs. Smiles focuses on the question of what the connection is between Yaakov going back for his pitchers, and the attack from the angel.
The Fate of Tzur and its Relevance
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the prophesy regarding the future fall of the nation of Tzur and the relevance of these prophesies to the Jewish People.
Created in G-d’s Image
Posted onIn this short Torah shiur (class) respecting others, Rabbi Hanoch Teller illustrates the uniqueness of the human race, as created in G-d’s image.
Harmonizing Household Harmony
Posted onOn Parshat Vayetzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Rashi’s medrash on the idea that Hashem has ‘”gathered in” Rachel’s shame.
The Symbolism of the Well
Posted onOn Perek 29 and 30 of Sefer Bereishit, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines two approaches to the symbolism of the well in the field.
Perek 25: The Fate of the Nations
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches chapter 25. This perek talks about the future destinies of Edom, Amon, Moav, and Plishtim.
Parshat Toldot: The Potential of Eisav
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman explains why Yitzchak wanted to give Eisav the blessings.
Preferential Parenting
Posted onOn Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the pasuk which states that Yitzchak loved Eisav for his hunting, and Rivka loved Yaakov. Mrs. Smiles examines the different approaches to this pasuk to gain insight into our avodat Hashem.
Perek 24: The Siege of Jerusalem
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches chapter 24, which describes the siege of Jerusalem and the life of Yechezkel as a symbol for the fate of the Jewish people.
Yaakov’s Journey
Posted onOn Perek 29 and 30 of Sefer Breishit, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Yaakov’s journey to and arrival in Charan. Mrs. Smiles speaks about Yaakov’s clarity of ratzon Hashem upon his leaving, and his awareness that Hashem is still with him upon his arrival in Charan.
Efron Expression of Earthliness
Posted onOn Parshat Chayei Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines why the narrative of Avraham’s acquisition of the land for Mearat HaMachpela is so detailed. Additionally, Mrs. Smiles discusses why Ephron’s name is spelled without a ‘vav’ in the pasuk in which the transaction took place.
Respect for All
Posted on
In this short Torah class on relating to other people, Rabbi Hanoch Teller explains why every human being is deserving of respect.
Fear of Heaven, Part 2
Posted on
In this short shiur (Torah class) on relating to others, Rabbi Hanoch Teller concludes his discussion of Fear of Heaven as it relates to relationships.
Fear of Heaven, Part 1
Posted onIn this short Torah class (shiur) on human relationships, Rabbi Hanoch Teller explains why fear of G-d is necessary for true morality.
Unchanging Morality
Posted onIn this short Torah class on relating to others, Rabbi Hanoch Teller explains that G-d is the basis for all morality, and why this clarifies our interpretation of right and wrong.
Reliable Emissaries
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller shows how every Torah- abiding Jew can bring honor and respect to Hashem through their actions.
Ambassadors of G-d
Posted onIn this short Torah class on the guidelines to proper interaction with others, Rabbi Hanoch Teller explains that at every moment, every religious Jew is an ambassador of all Jews and for Torah Judaism. This knowledge must affect our behavior at all times.
Kiddush and Chillul Hashem
Posted onIn this Mussar shmuz on being a mentch, Rabbi Hanoch Teller talks about what constitutes a Kiddush Hashem, sanctification of Hashem, and what identifies a chillul Hashem, desecrating Hashem’s Name.
Salt of the Earth
Posted onOn Parshat Vayeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles raises a number of questions on the pasuk that says that Lot’s wife looked behind, and became a pillar of salt.
Permissible Falsehood
Posted onIn this short Torah class (shiur) on relating to others, Rabbi Hanoch Teller talks about the rare instances when one is permitted to lie.
Speaking With Integrity
Posted onIn this short Torah class (shiur) on relating to other people, Rabbi Hanoch Teller talsk about the importance of honesty and integrity in one’s speech.
Accepting Criticism
Posted onIn this shirt Torah shiur on correct behavior when dealing with others, Rabbi Hanoch Teller advises one on how to react to others’ criticisms of us.
Appropriate Criticism
Posted onIn this Mussar talk on respectful human interaction, Rabbi Hanoch Teller talks about choosing when and when not to criticize others.
Benefits of Chessed
Posted on
In this Torah class on Sefer Ahavat Chessed, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg teaches the opening chapter of the book. In this introduction, the Chofetz Chaim lists the unbelievable benefits and rewards for doing chessed.
Chessed: An Unchanging Obligation
Posted onIn this Torah shiur, (class) on Sefer Ahavat Chessed, Rav Beinish Ginsburg discusses Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s perspective on the Torah obligation to do chesed for others. Rav Soloveitchik’s approach is that while society’s mores for acceptable and positive behavior are always changing, the Torah’s standards never change.
Betwixt and Between
Posted onOn Parshat Lech Lecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Lot, whose behavior was not ideal, yet contains lessons about our character development.