Rachav
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller examines Rachav’s history, and explains how and a why sins followed by teshuvah can draw a person close to Hashem.
Kedusha: Reaching the Highest
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In this shiur (class) Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen explains the level of Kedusha, holiness, in the Mesillat Yesharim’s ladder of spiritual growth.
Eating on Erev Yom Kippur
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Rabbi Moshe N. Reichman discusses the fundamental nature of the mitzvah to eat on Erev Yom Kippur, and the halachic ramifications.
Shnayim Mikrah V’Echad Targum
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman explores the halacha that one must recite the weekly Torah portion ‘shnayim mikrah v’echad targum’, and the difference of opinion among Rishonim regarding the language this must be fulfilled in.
Parshat Bamidbar: Unique but United
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The Shem MiShmuel explains in reference to this week’s parsha the unique connection every Jew has to the entire Jewish People
Building Infrastructure
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Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Bamidbar.
The Most Beloved of Songs
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller concludes her study of Shir Hashirim by discussing what makes this book so holy and beloved by G-d and the Jewish People.
The Women of Egypt and the Desert
Posted onIn her class on Righteous Women, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller speaks about Miriam and Tziporah, and explores the idea of the “evil wife” and the “good wife”.
The Nature of Torah Reading
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman examines the nature of the mitzvah of reading the Torah. Is the mitzvah to hear, or to actually read from the Torah?
Parshat Bechukotai: Blessings of Torah
Posted onIn Parshat Bechukotai, the Torah lists the rewards for following in Hashem’s path. While discussing this week’s parsha, Rabbi Reichman uses the commentary of the Shem MiShmuel to explain these rewards and what exactly is incumbent upon us.
Learning During Torah Reading
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman analyzes the Rishonim’s viewpoints regarding learning during Torah reading.
Lag BaOmer: Connecting to Our People
Posted onThe Shem MiShmuel explains the significance of Lag BaOmer and it’s practical relevance for our lives.
Maintaining Perspective
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Bechukotai. The Parsha teaches us the importance of constantly investing in our relationship with G-d.
Fear of Heaven
Posted onRabbi Cohen describes proper fear of G-d based on the Mesillat Yesharim
Perek 8: Together Forever
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller speaks of the glorious future of the Jewish People, when we will be reunited in our inseparable bond with Hashem, never to leave Him again.
Reading the Torah
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman explores the prohibition to leave shul or to learn while the Torah is being read.
The Beit Midrash of Halacha
Posted onRabbi Moshe N. Reichman analyzes the Gemara’s statement that Hashem desires the gates of halacha more than shuls and synagogues.
Parshat Behar: Relinquishing the I
Posted onRabbi Reichman continues his discussion of the Shem MiShmuel’s theme of the individual vs. the community, focusing on how the individual manages to be part of the community without losing his self.
Parshat Behar: Personal and Communal Commitment to Torah
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the Shem MiShmuel’s comparison between shemitah and yovel and explains the difference between the individual’s and the community’s commitment to Torah.
Dina, Miriam, and Yocheved
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller shares insights into the lives of Dina, Yocheved, and Miriam.
Living Judaism
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Behar. The message of Shmitta and other topics in this Parsha is one encouraging us to constantly struggle and grow through every challenge G-d brings.
Perek 7: Reunited
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller begins the seventh chapter, describing the ultimate return of the Jewish People toward Hashem and His bringing them back from exile.
Parshat Emor: Bridging the Gap
Posted onBased on the double usage of the instruction to tell the Kohanim in the first passuk, Rabbi Reichman discusses the connection between intellect and emotion and how to bridge the gap.
Lessons of Humility
Posted onContinuing with the theme of anava, Rabbi Cohen explains the fundamental core of humility, as explained in the Mesillat Yesharim
Rachel & Leah, Part 2
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller discusses the birth of the tribes and the concept of raising a family.
Passing Judgment
Posted onOn Parshat Kedoshim, Shira Smiles speaks about judging one’s fellow Jew favorably.
Perek 6: I Dwell Among You
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller continues her explanation of the sixth chapter, describing Hashem’s affirmation of His love for the Jewish people, as he recalls His Presence amongst the Jews during the Second Temple era.
Parshat Kedoshim: Pathways to Holiness
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Reichman uses the interpretation of the Shem MiShmuel to explain the commandment of “Kedoshim Tihiyu,” (Be Holy) as a specific pathway of achieving holiness.
Understanding Humility
Posted onRabbi Cohen reaches the step of anava, humility, in the Mesillat Yesharim. In this class he explores the essence of humility and how it translates into actions.
Parshat Kedoshim: The Purpose of Israel
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the purpose of the land of Israel and elaborates on its unique characteristics.