Novardok and Kelm
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller speaks about one of Rav Yisrael Salanter’s primary disciples, Rav Simcha Zissel Ziv, the Alter of Kelm, and the famed yeshiva which he founded.
Ma’arichin B’Echad
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Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman explains the discussion in the Gemara that one should elongate and emphasize the last word of Kriat Shma, ‘Echad’.
Evil Eye
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On Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the whole concept of the ayin hara (evil eye) and the idea that Yosef and his descendants are above the ayin hara.
Perek 8: Yerushalayim in Ruins
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller describes Yechezkel’s vision of the destruction of Yerushalayim and its causes, and shows how these prophesies are still relevant today.
Father’s Merit
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Mrs. Chana Prero discusses why the blessings to Yaakov invoke Hashem as G-d of Yitzchak and not as G-d of Avraham.
Kavana During Kriat Shema
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the different views of at what point during Kriat Shema one must have kanava.
Dual Flames
Posted onOn Parshat Vayigash, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the Midrash on the Passuk that says that Yaakov sent Yehuda ahead to Egypt. He was sent ahead to Egypt to make this havdala between the holiness of living a Torah life and the darkness of Egypt.
Perek 36: The Burnt Scroll
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In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David explains the details and nuances of perek 36. In this perek, Yirmiyahu writes a scroll describing the future destruction of the kingdom of Yehuda. Instead of responding with teshuva, the king Yehoyakim burns the scroll, and the result is disastrous for his future.
False Prophesies
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains the nature of false prophets, and their destructive influence on the Jewish people.
Battling the Yetzer Hara
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In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues studying Michtav Me’eliyahu. This class focuses on the constant struggle within every person between his soul and the Yetzer hara, the evil inclination.
Holy Hair
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains the pesukim describing Hashem’s command to Yechezkel to shave his hair as a sign of the impending destruction of Yerushalayim.
Understanding the Yetzer Hara
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen begins learning the introduction to Michtav Me’eliyahu. This mussar work, authored by Rav Eliyahu Dessler, covers a variety of topics relating to one’s character, relationships and faith. This class focuses on understanding the nature of the yetzer hara and our struggle in this world.
Yosef’s Dreams
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes Yosef’s dreams. (This class, based on classical Biblical commentaries, does not assume any prior knowledge of Hebrew or familiarity with textual study.)
Kriat Shma in Other Languages
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the possibility of fulfilling the mitzva of Kriat Shma by reciting the Shma prayer in languages other than Hebrew.
Our Forefathers’ Blessings
Posted onChana Prero analyzes the six blessings G-d gives Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
Teachings of Hillel
Posted onRabbi Michael Taubes discusses the teachings from the great Jewish sage, Hillel.
The Rambam’s Shita on Mitzvot Tzrichot Kavana
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman presents an overview of the Rambam’s opinion abut whether a person must have intention to fulfill a mitzva in order to be yotzeh that mitzva.
Perakim 5 & 6
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains how the prophecies will take place.
Teaching Children the Beauty of Chanuka
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) on chinuch, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller guides parents and educators on how to make Chanukah meaningful for our children, with age-appropriate stories and discussions which will deepen their appreciation for this holiday.
The Collateral
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An explanation of the significance of each of the items Yehuda gave Tamar as collateral.
Kever Rachel
Posted onOn Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the concept of Kever Rachel, and why Rachel is buried “baderech,” on the way.
Yaakov’s Escape from Lavan
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explores the classical commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the events surrounding Yaakov’s departure from Lavan.
Perek 4: Symbols of Atonement
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches perek 4 in Sefer Yechezkel. Yechezkel is told to perform all sorts of symbolic actions as both a prophesy of future events and as a way to be mechaper (to atone) for the sins of Klal Yisrael before the Churban (destruction of the Beit Hamikdash).
Tamar’s Intentions
Posted onAn exploration of Tamar’s intentions in initiating a relationship with Yehuda.
Perek 35: The Children of Yonadav
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David teaches perek 35, which tells of the righteous Yonadav, his family, and their reward. Yonadav is a symbol of simplicity and satisfaction with limited material acquisitions, and his family is held up as an example of steadfast loyalty to their father. In contrast, the Jewish Nation has neglected to listen to Hashem’s commandments.
Secretive Signs
Posted onOn Parshat Vayetzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the episode of Rachel sharing Yaakov’s and her secret signs with Leah.
Parshat Toldot
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explores the classical commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the blessings that Yaakov and Eisav received from Yitzchak.
The Power of Intent
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman explicates the Talmud’s discussion of ‘Hakoreh BaTorah Im Kiven Libo’, one who reads from the Torah and has intent to be yotzei the mitzva of Kriat Shma.
Emet and Sheker: Helping our Children Differentiate
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) on chinuch, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller guides parents and educators on how to imbue the value of honesty and the recognition of falsehood in children of all ages.
Interrupting the Shema
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the parameters which allow one to interrupt the recitation of Kriat Shma.