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 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.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Ari Jacobson learns the details of reciting the Shema prayer.
In honor of the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, in this shiur (Torah class) Rabbi Michael Taubes explores the commandment of learning Torah. Rabbi Taubes explains the source of the mitzvah and discusses the practical applications.
Parshat Tzav relays the importance of the inner spiritual service of G-d.
Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the significance of the Four Questions, based on the Shem Mishmuel explanation of the concept of number four.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the concept of adding time to the beginning and end of Shabbat. He also discusses this idea in terms of Yom Tov and explains the differences.
Mrs. Chana Prero explains the section of Maggid, which contains the story of the slavery and oppression of the Jewish people, the ten plagues, the miraculous redemption, and the discussion of the obligations of the Seder night.
Rabbi Hershel Reichman presents the Chassidic view of the Korban Pesach, the Pascal sacrifice. Rabbi Reichman explains how we can still incorporate the effects and lessons of the korban Pesach even when we no longer have a Temple.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim and Shmirat Halashon, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg teaches more of the Torah prohibitions listed in the introduction to Sefer Chofetz Chaim. One who speaks lashon hara is guilty of creating a chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d’s Name). The sin of lashon hara is is intricately connected with the sins of taking revenge and bearing a grudge, as well as the sin of hating a fellow Jew.
Mrs. Yehudith Weiss continues her study of Biblical nouns, as addressed by Rashi in his commentary on the Torah. This class talks about nouns and their relationship to the words before and after them. This unique class, given in simple Hebrew, sheds light on the important but often neglected section of Rashi’s commentary – the grammatical Rashis.
Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the significance of the number four which prominently appears in the Seder. Specifically focusing in the four cups of wine, this class gives a Chassidic interpretation of the levels of the soul and how each cup represents a particular level.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller points out some of the important themes of Sefer Vayikra in general and specifically Parshat Vayikra.
Mrs. Chana Prero explains a cryptic episode in Parshat Shemini, where it seems that the revered Moshe Rabbeinu and his holy brother Aharon the Kohen Gadol, have an intense disagreement. This class does not assume any prior knowledge of Hebrew or familiarity with Biblical texts.
Mrs. Yehudith Weiss continues her discussion of the topic of nouns as they are addressed in Rashi’s commentary. This class explains and cites examples of nouns that have ‘female’ conjugations. This unique class, given in simple Hebrew, sheds light on the important but often neglected section of Rashi’s commentary – the grammatical Rashis.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman analyzes the machloket rishonim (dispute between early commentaries) regarding Birchot Kriat Shma, the blessings preceding Kriat Shma, can be recited after the recitation of Kriat Shma.
Mrs. Chana Prero discusses why the story of the redemption from Egypt begins with the lowly beginnings of the Jewish people as the children of idol-worshipers.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim and the laws of proper speech, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg teaches three of the many transgressions one commits when speaking lashon hara. Specifically, he focuses on the danger of causing others to sin, known as ‘lifnei iver’, and the pleasure derived from speaking lashon hara.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his analysis of Psalm 22, which was said by Esther before she went to Achashverosh. This poignant prayer reflects both the helpless desperation felt in a time of harsh decrees, as well as the overwhelming joy and light of salvation.
