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 shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the fundamental difference between Yaakov and Eisav and why Yitzchak wanted to bless Eisav. Based on the teachings of the Shem MiShmuel, this class presents two approaches towards dealing with evil.
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.
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 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.
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.
In this shiur (class), , Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the significance of the episode in this week’s parsha, Parshat Breishit, where Adam and Chava (Eve)’s sin upon eating from the Eitz HaDaaS (Tree of Knowledge). based on the Shem Mishmuel, Rabbi Reichman discusses man’s fundamental purpose of life according to Chassidic thought.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses Hashem’s offer to Moshe Rabbeinu to look at the Land of Israel. Moshe Rabbeinu’s look was not just a physical act; it’s spiritual significance is analyzed according to the Shem MiShmuel.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman analyzes Moshe Rabbeinu’s comparison of Heaven and Earth to fulfilling the Torah’s commandments. The Shem MiShmuel explains the symbolism of heaven and Earth as bodies which act completely in accordance with G-d’s Will, an ideal which we all aspire to.
In this shiur(class) Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains an enigmatic Midrash which explains the word Vayeilech as a form of a rebuke. Based on the Shem Mishmuel, Rabbi Reichman launches into a discussion about the causes of sin and how to prevent sinning.
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman expounds on the idea of bowing before G-d. This discussion is prompted by a difficult Midrash found in reference to this week’s parsha, Parshat Ki Tavo. Based on the Shem Mishmuel, this class provides a Chassidic interpretation of an essential act of prayer.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman delves into the meaning of the bris (covenant) that takes place between Hashem and the Jewish People, in this week’s parsha, Parshat Nitzavim. The Shem MiShmuel explains the underlying essence of the bris as the commitment to Hashem in all circumstances, both positive and negative.
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman expounds on this week’s parsha, Parshat Ki Teizei, based on the Shem MiShmuel, which explains the secret to the Jewish people’s success in war as a function of unity within us.
This week’s Parsha, Parshat Shoftim, discusses the Torah concept and details of war. Rashi writes that the merit of Shema Yisrael will protect Jewish soldiers. Rabbi Reichman explains this idea, based on the Shem MiShmuel, in terms of the connection between the mind and the heart of every Jew.
This week’s Parsha of Re’eh, the Torah discusses a dwelling for G-d within this world. In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Reichman compares the spiritual significance between the Mishkan in Shilo and the Beis HaMikdash in Jerusalem based on the explanation of the Shem Mishmuel.
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman teaches Chassidut on the parsha, Parshat Eikev. The elements of mind and heart often conflict with one another. Yet, the Torah teaches how to combine mind and heart creating one powerful drive in the service of G-d.
In this class on the Chassidic thought on Parshat Devarim, Rabbi Hershel Reichman elaborates on the interpretations of the Shem Mishmuel to Parshat Devarim. In this shiur, Rabbi Reichman discusses why the appointment of judges is part of the story of the Meraglim, and explains that Jewish wars involve a spiritual war as well as a physical war. Rabbi Reichman expands the topic with an analysis of the two types of yetzer hara, and reveals how the method of defeating all yitzrei hara is commitment to truth.
In this week’s Parsha, Parshat Masei, Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the significance of the Torah’s listing of all of the places where the Jewish People camped during their 40 year sojourn in the desert. The stops in the Desert are symbols of confrontations with evil, either by fleeing from evil or by confronting it. Yosef Hatzadik’s test in Egypt can be seen as reflecting the two methods. In conclusion, Rabbi Reichman discusses living in Eretz Yisael and conquering the forces of evil.
In this class on Parshat Matos, Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains how one perfects every level of the Jewish soul. He then discusses how the Jewish holidays focus on the various aspects of the soul.
In this class on Parshat Matot, Rabbi Hershel Reichman talks about the Shem Mishmuel’s discussion of the Torah law permitting personal vows and promises. These personal nedarim do not violate the commandment not to add any commandments to the Torah. The Shem Mishmuel develops this discussion into an exposition on the power of any words uttered by a Jew. Included in this shiur is a discourse on the two types of holiness, individual and communal, and the two types of Jewish leaders described by the Shem Mishmuel.
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the week’s parsha in which the the qualifications a leader of the Jewish nation is explained. Rabbi Reichman explains these qualifications based on the Shem MiShmuel.
In this Torah shiur (class) on the weekly Torah portion Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the hatred Balak and Bilaam had towards the Jewish People, based on the explanation of the Shem MiShmuel.
Rabbi Hershel Reichman gives a Chassidic explanation on the relationship between Bnei Yisrael and Edom, based on the natures of Yaakov and Yisrael.
In this Torah shiur (class) on the complex episode of mei meriva, which cost Moshe Rabbeinu entrance to the land of Israel, is explained by Rabbi Hershel Reichman as a product of the dual nature of miracles.
In this Torah shiur (class) Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Korach, in which we read of the rebellion of Korach. Rabbi Reichman gives a deeper, Chassidic understanding of Korach’s actions and thoughts, based on the Shem MiShmuel.
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Shlach, in which the tragic episode of the meraglim, spies takes place. Rabbi Reichman, based on the Shem MiShmuel, explains the underpinnings of sin of the spies and the Jewish People.
Rabbi Reichman discusses Aharon and Hashem’s interchange, in this week’s Parsha, regarding his service in the Mishkan, based on the Shem Mishmuel’s understanding of the essence of a Kohen’s role among the Jewish People.
In this Torah class on Parshat Naso, Rabbi Hershel Reichman uses a Chassidic approach based on the Shem MiShmuel,to explain the differences of service of G-d among the sons of Levi.
The Shem MiShmuel explains in reference to this week’s parsha the unique connection every Jew has to the entire Jewish People
In 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.
Rabbi 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.
