Reciting the Shema Prayer
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Ari Jacobson learns the details of reciting the Shema prayer.
The Mitzvah of Talmud Torah
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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: Inner Service of G-d
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Parshat Tzav relays the importance of the inner spiritual service of G-d.
The Significance of Four
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the significance of the Four Questions, based on the Shem Mishmuel explanation of the concept of number four.
Adding to Shabbat
Posted onIn 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.
Explication of Maggid
Posted onMrs. 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.
Korban Pesach
Posted onRabbi 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.
The Chillul Hashem of Lashon Hara
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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.
Rashi’s Discussion of Nouns, Part 3
Posted onMrs. 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.
The Four Cups: Levels of the Soul
Posted onRabbi 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.
Parshat Vayikra
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller points out some of the important themes of Sefer Vayikra in general and specifically Parshat Vayikra.
Moshe and Aharon’s Disagreement
Posted onMrs. 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.
Rashi’s Discussion of ‘Female’ Nouns
Posted onMrs. 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.
Birchot Kriat Shema: Birkat HaMitzvah?
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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.
Lowly Origins
Posted onMrs. 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.
Causing Sin
Posted onIn 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.
Perek 22, Part 2: From Desperation to Salvation
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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.
Matzah: The Essence of Faith
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the spiritual understanding of matzah. According to Chassidic thought, matzah represents ultimate faith in G-d, which was seen in the Jewish Nation’s redemption from Egypt.
Perek 29-30
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Writing on Shabbat
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes explains the halachik nature of writing on Shabbat.
The Heroism of Chanania, Mishael, and Azaria
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller describes Nevuchadnetzar’s demand that Chanania, Mishael, and Azaria bow to his image. Rebbetzin Heller analyzes the implications of this choice and the balance of Bitachon in a situation where salvation will necessitate a miracle.
Torah: The Garment of Hashem
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains how Torah is so to speak the ‘garment’ of Hashem. Based on the Sefer Maalot HaTorah, Rebbetzin Heller outlines the prerequisites for wearing Hashem’s garment of Torah; yirah (awareness of G-d), and anavah (humbleness).
Nevuchadnetzar’s Symbolic Image
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller learns the chapters describing the image Nevuchadnetzar saw in his prophetic dream, and Daniel’s role in interpreting it.
Parshat Vayakhel and Pekudei
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller gives a overview of Parshiot Vayakhel and Pekudei.
Parshat Vayakhel: The Secret of One
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses how this week’s Torah reading involves the prohibition of work on Shabbat. Through a unique understanding of the sin of the Golden Calf, the Shem Mishmuel understands the essence of Shabbat.
The Mitzvah of Sitting in a Sukkah
Posted onRabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman analyzes the discussion in the Gemara and the commentaries, regarding the mitzvah of dwelling in a sukkah. In this class, Rabbi Reichman differentiates between the chiyuv hamitzvah (the obligation to perform the mitzvah), and the kiyum hamitzvah (the fulfillment of the mitzvah).
History of the Haggadah
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero traces the development of the Hagaddah which is used at the Pesach Seder.
Perek 22, Part 1: From Abandonment to Revelation
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David analyzes Psalm 22, which refers to the struggles of both David Hamelech and Queen Esther. This perek is a beautiful progression from initial feelings of abandonment and helplessness, which lead to prayer and bitachon, to eventual revelation, salvation, and joyous thanks to Hashem. The final praise is so intense that it begins with personal thanks, and spreads to include all of klal Yisrael (the Jewish people), the malachim (angels), and eventually the entire universe.
Conduit of Holiness
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On Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Betzalel, a key figure in the mishkan experience.
The Spritual Characteristics of Chametz
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman explains the prohibition of chametz from a Chassidic perspective. The Shem MiShmuel presents the negative spiritual characteristics which chametz represents, and explains how one should work on eradicating those characteristics during the time of Pesach.