Where was Sarah during the Akeida?
Posted onLooking at the manner of Hashem’s call to Avraham Avinu, and the response Avraham’s striking response of Hineni.
Category: Chumash Bereishit
Reasons Behind Life’s Tests
Posted onFocusing on the nature of Heavenly tests. Mrs. Smiles compares the approaches of the mefarshim who discuss the purpose of a nisayon.
Motivating Factors of the Akeida
Posted onTorah insights on the motivation behind the Akeida.
Tribes – Model of Diversity
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Shira Smiles discusses how the different tribes each reflect a specific quality of the Jewish people.
Wagon Wisdom
Posted onShira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayigash, and the significance of the wagons Yosef sent from Egypt to bring his father Yaakov from the Land of Canaan.
World of Action
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the life question that Parshat Vayeishev addresses: What has man been placed in this world to accomplish?
Chevron – Inner Essence
Posted onShira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayishlach, delving into the episode of Rachel’s death and her burial in Beit Lechem instead of in Chevron.
Redeeming the Sparks
Posted onMrs. Smiles explains the puzzling episode of the “Dudaim”, the fertility herbs that Reuven brought for his mother Leah, and Leah’s deal with Rachel to give her the Dudaim in return for more time with Yaakov, their husband.
Testing the Essence
Posted onShira Smiles discusses the narrative of the story of Yitzchak’s blessings to his sons Yaakov and Esav, found in Parshat Toldot. Yitzchak’s main strength was that of Gevura (inner strength), and therefore he is tested specifically in this area.
The Grand Finale
Posted onShira Smiles discusses Parshat Chayei Sarah. In this parsha, the tenth and final test of Avraham Avinu takes place.
Ultimate Trust and Love
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses how in Parshat Vayeira, Avraham Avinu is put to the ultimate test, Akeidat Yitchak. Shira Smiles explains what the Akeida means to us today.