The Levites and the Firstborn
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the tasks of the Levites in the Mishkan and in the Temple, and explains the connection between the Bechorim, the firstborns, and the Levi’im.
Category: Chumash Bamidbar
Load of a Lifetime
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On Parsha Bamidbar, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the pasuk that describes the job of El’azar in preparing the mishkan to be carried through the desert, and what one can learn from this in preparation for Shavuot.
Parshat Matot: The Three Levels of the Jewish Soul
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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.
Parshat Matot: The Power of Speech
Posted onIn 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.
Parshat Pinchas: Leader of the Nation
Posted onIn 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.
Parshat Balak: Bringing Spirituality into the Mundane
Posted onIn 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.
Maintaining the Spiritual Spark
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the challenge of maintaining moments of inspiration, using them to fuel our constant spiritual journey.
Parshat Chukat: The Destiny of Yisrael and Edom
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman gives a Chassidic explanation on the relationship between Bnei Yisrael and Edom, based on the natures of Yaakov and Yisrael.
Parshat Chukat: Miracles of Faith
Posted onIn 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.
Parshat Korach: Bedrock of Faith
Posted onIn 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.
Inner Dynamics
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Korach.
Parshat Shelach: Simple Faith
Posted onIn 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.
Mediums of Merit
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Shelach, and the sin of the spies.
Parshat Behaalotecha: Aharon’s Unique Mission
Posted onRabbi 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.
Parshat Nasso: Fighting Evil
Posted onIn 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.
Parshat Bamidbar: Unique but United
Posted onThe Shem MiShmuel explains in reference to this week’s parsha the unique connection every Jew has to the entire Jewish People
Building Infrastructure
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Bamidbar.
Parshat Mattot-Masei
Posted onBased on the verses in the Book of Numbers, it seems as if the tribes of Reuben and Gad placed more importance on their livestock than their children. Through an in-depth analysis and exploration of the text as well as various commentaries, we will understand the mistake these tribes made, their true intentions, as well as the tremendous lessons that may be derived from this narrative regarding priorities in life.
Introspection
Posted onMrs. Smiles discusses Parshat Balak.
The Well of Miriam
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles provides a description of the personality and legacy of Miriam within the Torah, and the deeper meaning of her lifetime connection to water.
Purity of Motive
Posted onParshat Korach serves as a model for how we can behave properly and with the correct middos in life. This parsha also teaches us about the behavior of envy.
Beyond the Ego
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles explores and develops the perplexing episode of the spies’ journey to Israel and the Jews’ subsequent sin and punishment. Mrs. Smiles explains how this episode ultimately teaches important life lessons to each of us.
Personal En’light’enment
Posted onFrom the beginning to the end of this Torah parsha, Parshat Beha’alotcha, Mrs. Shira Smiles weaves the theme of character development and refinement as a basis for success in Torah.
Fire, Water and Desert
Posted onThe fire, water, and desert that accompanied the Jews during their sojourn for forty years, symbolize deep lessons of devotion to G-d, passion for spirituality, and a willing to sacrifice oneself to fulfill G-d’s Will. We can incorporate these powerful lessons into our daily lives, to become more passionate, spiritually-focused people.
Journeys of the Soul
Posted onParshat Mattot-Masei, Rebbetzin Heller teaches that Hashem’s intention in bringing us to new places is for us to tap into the spiritual potential of each place.
Priorities – Parshat Mattot-Masei
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses this week’s parsha, Parshat Mattot-Masei. In this shiur, she speaks about how the tribes of Reuven and Gad wanted to settle by the Jordan river for the sake of their children. G-d blessed them with lots of cattle and it was therefore through taking care of their cattle that they served G-d. But, we must not lose focus that our children take precedence over everything.
Finding Our Place in This World
Posted onRebbetzin Heller discusses how Yehoshua’s performance as one of the “spies” and his subsequent leadership of the Jewish People teaches us how to live our lives within the boundaries of this world.
The Choice of Every Individual
Posted onThe comparison, made by the Mishna, between Avraham and Bilaam teaches us a lifelong lesson in choosing to use our strengths in the right way.
Power of Prayer
Posted onParshat Chukat, the episode of Moshe and the “Mei Meriva” sheds light on the role of Moshe Rabbeinu as our leader and the lessons of prayer he imparted to us.
The Mystery of Death
Posted onIn Parshat Chukat, we learn about Parah Adumah. The chok of Parah Adumah is in essence the mystery of death, where on one hand there is a spiritual loss and yet G-d Himself is completely within the picture.