The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
On 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.
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.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains the nature of false prophets, and their destructive influence on the Jewish people.
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.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains the pesukim describing Hashem’s command to Yechezkel to shave his hair as a sign of the impending destruction of Yerushalayim.
In 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.
Mrs. 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.)
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the possibility of fulfilling the mitzva of Kriat Shma by reciting the Shma prayer in languages other than Hebrew.
Chana Prero analyzes the six blessings G-d gives Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the teachings from the great Jewish sage, Hillel.
Rabbi 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.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains how the prophecies will take place.
In 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.
An explanation of the significance of each of the items Yehuda gave Tamar as collateral.
On Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the concept of Kever Rachel, and why Rachel is buried “baderech,” on the way.
Mrs. Chana Prero explores the classical commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the events surrounding Yaakov’s departure from Lavan.
Rebbetzin 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).
An exploration of Tamar’s intentions in initiating a relationship with Yehuda.
In 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.
On Parshat Vayetzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the episode of Rachel sharing Yaakov’s and her secret signs with Leah.
Mrs. Chana Prero explores the classical commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the blessings that Yaakov and Eisav received from Yitzchak.
Rabbi 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.
In 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.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the parameters which allow one to interrupt the recitation of Kriat Shma.
An explanation of Yehuda’s intentions ,his motivation in being with Tamar, and his mindset at the time.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David teaches perek 34, which begins with the prophesy of the destruction of Jerusalem and the capture of King Tzidkiyahu. Yirmiyahu commands the Jewish people to free their servants, yet many people free their slaves, only to recapture them and force them back into servitude. This sin elicits a strong prophesy of destruction and suffering to the Jewish people.
On Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the different worldviews and dynamics of Yaakov and Esav, to gain an appreciation of why their brachot were given as they were.
Rabbi Michael Taubes continues to learn the first perek of Pirkei Avot. The teachings discussed in this class focus on the best way to serve G-d. Rabbi Taubes relays the mishnayot with pertinent examples in our everyday lives.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller digresses and dedicates a class to the legendary Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzenski, the phenomenal scholar who led Torah Jewry with dedication and fortitude during the early 20th century.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller continues with the second and third perakim of the sefer.
