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 his discussion on Parshat Toldot, Rabbi Hershel Reichman uses the interpretation of the Shem MiShmuel to explain the puzzling phenomenon of how Eisav could become so wicked while having been brought up in the home of Yitzchak and Rivka.
On Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the concept of prayer.
Describing the unbelievable gifts and characteristics of Yosef Hatzadik (the Righteous).
In this Torah shiur (class) on self-improvement, Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen describes various middot (character traits) of G-d that the Tomer Devora explains how to emulate. These middot are not just an exercise in imitation, but help perfect oneself to become a better person. In this class, Rabbi Cohen discusses the middah of ‘yichbosh avonoteineu’, ‘He Holds back’ our sins. Hashem waits with our aveirot and ignores them until we erase them with our repentance. Man can also reach levels of self-denial and acceptance, which will lead him to wholeheartedly forgive those who wrong him.
In this shiur (class), Rabbi Ari Jacobson discusses the prohibition of eating before davening. This class includes the pertinent Halachot concerning Shabbat and women.
In this shiur (class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the various halachot of an Onan, one whose close relative has passed away and is still not buried. Rabbi Taubes provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the halachot, complete with modern day cases.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the machlokes (Talmudic dispute) between Rashba and Rav Hai Gaon and between Tosefot and the Ra regarding the nature of the Talmudic dictum- “Oseik B’Mitzvah Patur Min Hamitzvah”, one who is currently involved in a Mitzva is exempt from fulfilling a different mitzvah that he encounters simultaneously.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses Eliezer’s mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. The Shem MiShmuel focuses on Eliezer’s ability to overcome his own interest and his subsequent success.
On Parshat Chayei Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Eliezer’s search for a wife for Yitzchak, and why Hashem performed a miracle of shortening the journey for Eliezer.
Avraham’s essence was one of pure chessed, total giving to another. Yet despite his desire for complete chessed, Avraham Avinu was able to combine din (justice) within his chessed personality. This class on Parshat Chayei Sarah discusses Avraham’s ability to combine the attributes of din and chessed.
Exploring the Sale of Yosef through the verses and the commentaries that discuss the first passuk of Parshat Vayeishev.
Mrs. Chana Prero elucidates Avraham Avinu’s instruction to his servant Eliezer, as Eliezer embarks on a mission to find a wife for Yitzchak Avinu. The class discusses why Yitzchak could not marry a Cananite woman, and why Eliezer chose to use a sign to help him complete his mission. The class, which assumes no prior knowledge of the Chumash or of the Hebrew language, encourages use of the Artscroll Sapirstein Rashi Chumash.
In this shiur (class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the often misunderstood mitzvah of Tochacha- rebuke. Rabbi Taubes defines the mitzvah and then explains various Gemaras which explain the parameters of the mitzvah.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues learning the classic mussar sefer, Tomer Devorah. In this segment, the Tomer Devorah provides practical examples of how G-dliness is portrayed in mankind.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the Gemara on Daf 11A, regarding a Chosson (bridegroom)’s exemption from reciting Kriyat Shema.
Mrs. Chana Prero compares Avraham, Sara, and Ishmael’s tzchok (laughter), to determine which laughter is appropriate in different situations. She also discusses Hagar’s behavior when she is sent out of Avraham’s home.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Reichman explains how Avraham, the epitome of Chessed (kindness) has a son, Yitzchak who is the epitome of Din (judgement). Based on the Shem MiShmuel, this class analyzes the essence of our forefathers and mothers.
In Parshat Vayera, Avraham exemplifies the model of Hachnasat Orchim, hospitality. Mrs. Shira Smiles examines what was unique about these acts of hachnasat orchim, and why, in their merit, Avraham was blessed with a son.
In this shiur (class), Rabbi Ari Jacobson continues with the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch’s halachot of saying Birchot HaShachar, the blssings meant specifically for the morning.
In this shiur (Torah Class) Rabbi Reichman discussing this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayeira, in accordance with the interpretation of Chassidut using the Shem MiShmuel.
Mrs. Chana Prero explores Parshat Lech Lecha. This class, based on the verses with the commentary of Rashi, talks about the commandment to Avraham to perform a brit mila (circumcision) on himself. No prior textual skills or knowledge of Hebrew required for this class.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the underlying motives of Avraham’s quest to find G-d. Based on the Shem MiShmuel, Rabbi Reichman demonstrates that Avraham’s journey is symbolic of all mankind’s search for meaning in life.
Mrs. Chana Prero analyzes the sin and the punishment of the Dor Haflagah, the generation after the Flood that built the Tower of Bavel. The class goes through the relevant verses and the corresponding comments of Rashi. This class is suitable to anyone wanting to explore the topic inside, regardless of knowledge of Hebrew or level of textual skills.
Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the story of Kayin and Hevel, the sons of Adam and Chava. The actions of Hevel and Kayin teach us how to serve G-d and do Teshuva (return to Him). This class does not assume any previous knowledge of Hebrew or of the Parsha.
In this shiur (class), on the Sefer Tomer Devora, Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen brings specific examples of how one can emulate G-d in all areas of life.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller discusses the narrative in Parshat Chayei Sarah. Avraham buys the Machpela Cave and adjoining field in Chevron and buries his wife Sarah there, and then dispatches his servant Eliezer to find a shidduch (marriage partner) for his son Yitzchak.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller relates the story of Parshat Vayeira. Rabbi Teller discusses more of the trials of Avraham Avinu and the destruction of Sodom and Amorah.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller explains the story of Avraham’s trials and his departure to the Land of Israel. This class focuses on the narrative of Parshat Lech Lecha, with some added insights.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman delves into the personality of Noach and his unique righteousness. Based on the teachings of the Shem MiShmuel, the class explains three levels of soul and the mitzvot which correspond to each level.
On Parshat Noach, Mrs. Smiles explores who Noach really was, and for what merit Noach was saved, offering a goal of what to aspire to so that one can be saved from the deluge that surrounds a person in today’s world.
