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 parshiyot Behar and Bechukotai, Mrs. Shira Smiles points out that parshat Behar begins with the mitzvah of shemitah, and then discusses interpersonal relations specifically in the area of monetary help for individuals.
Mrs. Chana Prero delves into the blessings listed in this parsha.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman analyzes the Gemara’s discussion as to why the practice of reading the Aseret Hadibrot during Kriat Shma was abolished.
In this Torah class (shiur) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David analyzes the themes of chapters 70 and 71, focusing on both the distress felt at the beginning of the psalms, and the ultimate thanks and praise that characterize their end.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David explicates perek 30 and its beautiful description of the future redemption of the Jewish people. Through many references in this chapter, Rabbi David shows the connection between the restoration of the Davidic Dynasty with the arrival of Mashiach, and the rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues to study Shaar Avodas Elokim of the Sefer Chovot Halevavot. This class discusses the ways and opportunities man can focus on G-d.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim and Shmirat Halashon, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg explains how respect for a shul (synagogue) and a talmid chacham (learned person) can help a person to avoid speaking lashon hara.
Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the mitzvah of Peah, leaving a corner of one’s filed unharvested, to benefit the poor. The mitzvah is mentioned in the previous parsha as well. Mrs. Prero explains the root of this mitzva, and analyzes its repetition in the Chumash.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the four kingdoms that oppressed the Jewish People. Each kingdom had a specific negative characteristic which the Jewish People must fight against.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller presents an overview of Parshat Emor, specifically highlighting some of the major mitzvot discusses in the parsha.
In this shiur (Torah class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his analysis of the intriguing chapter 22, which refers to the travails of both Queen Esther and King David. The perek is also a parable for the the difficulties of galut and the nature of geula (redemption), and the dual reality of Hashem’s hiddenness and His guidance during difficult periods of history.
In this shiur (Torah class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David analyzes chapter 30, a perek filled with references to the former majesty of the Beit Hamikdash, the horror of its destruction, and its future splendor. Rabbi David analyzes the structure of the perek, as well the beautiful prophesies contained within it.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues with Shaar Avodas Elokim, from Sefer Chovot Halevavot. This class focuses on practical applications of using one’s self in actively serving G-d.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller presents specific mitzvot from Parshat Achrei-Mot and Kedoshim.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the idea of not eating meat together with fish. Based on a vague Gemara, Rabbi Taubes delves into this topic , with practical as well as underlying understandings.
On Parshat Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about how we are to understand and define what keduasha is.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg begins a discussion of the positive mitzvot that are related to Shmirat Halashon (guarding one’s speech). The class discusses speaking lashon hara as a violation of the mitzva of V’ahavta L’rei’acha Kamocha, loving your fellow Jew. It also mentions that judging others favorably helps one to avoid speaking and believing lashon hara.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the fourth perek of the sefer, which describes Nevuchadnetzar’s second dream, Daniel’s interpretation of it, and his subsequent advice to Nevuchadnetzar.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller presents an overview on Parshat Tazria-Metzorah.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim and Shmiras Halashon, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg continues his explanation of the list of transgressions included in the sin of lashon hara. This class discusses the severity of publicly embarrassing someone, hurting a widow or orphan, and the dangers of falsely flattery.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the underlying halachik reasons for the prohibition of damaging someone’s property.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains how Torah, symbolized by fire and light, is on one side of reality, while darkness, naturalism, and chachma chitzonit (external wisdom) form its counterpart.
Mrs. Chana Prero gives an overview of the affliction of tzaraat, and its causes.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller continues teaching perek 3, and describes the steadfast refusal of Chanania, Mishael, and Azaria to bow to Nebuhadnezar’s image. They understood that any kind of submission “dwarfs” Hashem in this world. The resulting miracle opened Nevuchandetzar’s eyes to the constant control that Hashem has over the world, and he recognized that the reason Hashem gave him so much power is to make the world aware of the honor due Hashem.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes analyzes the halachic essence of kiddush on Shabbat, both during the night and day.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller discusses the deeper implications of anava (humility) and yirah (fear of Hashem), and how Torah develops them.
On Parshat Tazria-Metzora, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the tzaraat that effects the home.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the beginning of perek 3, in which Nevuchanetzar interprets his role in history to be one in which he can use his power against Hashem, and win. He attempts to play out this struggle against G-d through building a huge golden statue of himself, and insisting that all of his subjects bow to it.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim and SHmirat Halashon, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg talks about the imortance of making the right friends in order to maintain proper speaking habits. When one has friends who are a good influence on him, the struggle against speaking lashon hara is greatly diminished.
