The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
The Jewish calendar is chock full of special days that have a unique influence on us and help us come closer to Hashem. The Torah calls the holidays, moadim, times of meeting with Hashem. This series of classes explores the transformative power of Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh, the fast days, and other Jewish holidays around the year. Popular classes include insightful lectures on The Days of Awe which takes a comprehensive look at this emotionally charged period, particularly focusing on the Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur prayers, explaining their structure, logical sequence, meaning, and symbolism. Students also examine Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s important work on Jewish Thought, Al HaTeshuva, which discusses repentance and self-improvement as a means to growth and ascension in service of Hashem. In Jerusalem: Echoes of Lament, a range of Naaleh teachers explore such thought-provoking questions as what were the causes of this destruction? What should we do to return to our former glory as G-d’s Holy people? How can we deepen our appreciation of Jewish unity in order to rectify the sin of disunity that caused the destruction? Other topics include classes on Chanuka, Tu B’shevat, Purim, Pesach, Shavuot, Sefira, Lag B’aomer, and the Three Weeks.
In this class, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses that we cannot get caught up only in the technical requirements of counting each night of the Omer and the customs of mourning during this time. Sefirat Haomer is a time for spiritual accounting in preparation for receiving the Torah, specifically in the areas of loving one’s fellow man and increasing our consciousness of G-d.
In this Torah shiur (class) on the Selichot prayers recited before Rosh Hashana and during the Yamim Noraim, Rabbi Avishai David presents an overview of Selichot. Rabbi David discusses the content of the Selichot, their themes, and their purpose. He also discusses why Selichot are recited at night and not during the day
Mrs. Shira Smiles addresses the question: What is Purim all about?
Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the connection between Succot and the previous holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Mrs. Smiles also speaks about the idea that Succot is the time of our rejoicing.
The last five Commandments all deal with man’s relationship to his fellow man. Yet a deeper look into these commandments reveals an outlook on the divinity found in every person and situation.
In this Torah shiur (class) about Passover (Pesach), Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the Maggid section of the Hagaddah, specifically the section which speaks about Lavan and his role in the history of the Jewish people.
In this shiur (Torah class) on Sefirat HaOmer, Mrs. Shira Smiles delves into the commentaries that speak about the death of Rabbi Avkiva’s students, thereby getting a sense of the depth and breadth of Torah.
Where is Haman in the Torah? Rabbi Hanoch Teller sheds light on this question. This Torah class is available online in streaming video. To purchase mp3 of Rabbi Teller’s shiurim go to www.ishiur.com
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how the Sukkah is a paradigm for seeing the stars within ourselves. We must recognize the inherent greatness that Hashem imparted to us and that He believes in us and shines His light through us.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains how the way we keep Shabbos is designed to ensure that it becomes a spiritually meaningful day.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Avishai David contrasts the different levels of repentance and forgiveness, as seen through the various examples of penitents described in the Book of Yona.
Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the mitzva to experience redemption during the holiday of Pesach.
In this class on Sefirat Haomer, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg discusses the dichotomy of sefirat haomer; on one hand, it is a time of joyous anticipation before Matan Torah, and on the other hand, it is a time of mourning for the deaths of the students of Rabbi Akiva. The class explains how it all fits together.
Mrs. Shira Smiles addresses the following questions: What is the Jewish vision of joy? Specifically, how do we understand the joy inherent in the day of Purim?
In this class Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller discusses the month of Elul in the midst of summer
Rebbetzin Heller discusses the concepts of honoring G-d and one’s parents.
In this class (shiur) Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller discusses the Holiday of Sukkot
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller speaks about the the light of Pesach, and begins discussing the Haggadah.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes delves int the exact halachik nature of the mitzva of counting the omer. Through an understanding of it’s halachik definition, one comes to understand the purpose of this mitzva.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Avishai David explores the essence of the mitzva of teshuva and it’s everlasting effects, as illustrated in the Book of Yona.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Purim, Rabbi Hanoch Teller provides a basic reading of the Megilla, which provides great insight.
Rebbetzin Heller expounds on the deeper understanding of the Ten Commandments.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the Holiday Of Succos.
Rebbetzin Heller discusses how Sefirat HaOmer teaches us to utilize the Middot (attributes) of Hashem, in our attempt towards self perfection.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Tu B’Av, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the greatness of the holiday.
Mrs. Shira Smiles delves into the deeper meaning of the Seder.
In this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Rosh Hashana,
Why is the holiday of Purim named after Haman’s Lottery? Mrs. Shira Smiles describes the mindset of Haman and Amalek, who ascribe all events to mere chance, as opposed to the Jewish mindset of seeing the Divine plan in every event.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how Succot is a continuation of the holidays that precede it, and how they are connected.
Rebbetzin Heller discusses the last chapter in the Book of Ruth, which describes the unique process in which the Mashiach is brought into this world and its relevance for our own personal redemption.
