The Measure of Life
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Talks about the sweet smelling spices that accompanied Yosef on his way down to Egypt. Emphasizing the lesson that everything Hashem does is clearly measured out.
Category: Chumash Bereishit
The Blessing to Ephraim and Menashe
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the brachot (blessings) that Yaakov Avinu bestowed on his grandsons Ephraim and Menashe.
The Bat Kol
Posted onDiscussing the Bat Kol (Heavenly voice), and what we can learn from our lives with each answer.
Bestowing Blessings
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On Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles looks at what the concept of giving brachot is about, and more specifically, what the Friday night blessing for sons to be like Ephraim and Menashe is about.
False Accusations
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explores why Yosef chose to falsely accuse and imprison his brother Binyamin. The class is based on the text of the verses of the Parsha along with the comments of Rashi. No previous knowledge of Hebrew or textual skills are required for the class.
Parshat Vayigash: Two Forms of Leadership
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Rabbi Hershel Reichman explores this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayigash, in which the confrontation between Yosef and Yehuda reveals two forms of leadership and service of G-d.
Parshat Vayechi: Final Blessings
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller explains the final blessings of Yaakov Avinu to his sons, the Twelve Tribes, and his two grandsons Menashe and Ephraim in Parshat Vayechi.
Parshat Vayigash: Confrontation of Kings
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller talks about the narrative of Parshat Vayigash. presents the confrontation between Yosef and Yehuda, and Yosef’s shocking revelation to his brothers.
Parshat Vayigash
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman expounds on the mystical source of Yosef’s unshakable faith.
Heavenly Messengers
Posted onDiscussing the angel who met Yosef on his way to his brothers, as a representation of all of us.
Parshat Miketz
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller learns Parshat Miketz.
Bewildering Encounters
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explains the verses and comments of Rashi and others which describe the first encounter between Yosef and his brothers, twenty two years after he was sold into slavery. This class assumes no prior knowledge of Hebrew or experience with reading Biblical texts.
Divine Packaging
Posted onDiscussing how Hashem presents us with goodness, while it often is presented to us in ways we would not imagine.
Parshat Vayeishev
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller learns the basic storyline of Parshat Vayeishev.
Yehuda and Tamar
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero delves into the enigmatic topic of Yehuda and Tamar’s relationship. Why did their relationship need to develop in an extraordinary way, and was their behavior considered appropriate?
Acquiring Serenity
Posted onOn Parsha Vayeishev, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on one pasuk, to uncover some of the most fundamental aspects of the way Hashem interacts with us.
The Second Dream
Posted onExplaining the symbolism of Yosef’s second dream, of the sun, moon, and stars.
Parshat Vayeishev: Gathering the Sparks
Posted onIn his class on this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayeishev, Rabbi Hershel Reichman explores Yaakov’s mission, which became the mission of the entire Jewish People: to gather the hidden sparks of holiness found in all corners of the world.
Parshat Vayishlach
Posted onIn this shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the function of the angels in heaven as well as the Jewish people’s mission in this world. Stemming from an explanation of Yaakov’s encounter with Eisav, this class presents a fundamental view of life’s purpose.
Preparation for Battle
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the beginning of Parshat Vayishlach. Mrs. Prero analyzes Yaakov’s preparation for meeting Eisav. Each of Yaakov Avinu’s actions set a precedent for later events in Jewish history. In the course of the class, Mrs. Prero also expound on the concept of Maaseh Avot Siman Labanim.
Parshat Vayishlach
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller learns the parsha, Parshat Vayishlach.
Struggle for Simcha
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On Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles concentrates on the struggle between Yaakov and the angel, and explains how the struggle represents the quintessential struggle between good and evil.
The First Dream
Posted onDiscussing Yosef’s first dream, the dream of the stalks of wheat.
Parshat Vayeitzei
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller learn the story of Parshat Vayeitzei.
Parshat Vayeitzei: Surviving Darkness
Posted onIn this shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the Medrash which says that the angels of Yakov’s dream represent the four kingdoms which will subjugate the Jewish people. Based on the Shem MiShmuel’s understanding of this medrash, Rabbi Reichman explains how Yaakov Avinu paved the way for our survival in the trying times of exile.
Dreaming of Angels
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses Yaakov’s dream of the angels ascending and descending a ladder to Heaven, as he travels to Charan. This class, which does not assume any knowledge of Hebrew or familiarity with textual study, discusses why Yaakov received the vision at this juncture, and what this dream represents.
Well Well Well
Posted onOn Parshat Veyeitzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the significance of Yaakov’s interaction with the shepherds at the well.
Antidote for Jealousy
Posted onExploring the motivations for Jealousy and the antidote for it.
Parshat Toldot: Approaches to Evil
Posted onIn 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.
Parshat Toldot
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller goes through the parsha, Parshat Toldot, providing a basic overview of the story as well as inspiring insights to the parsha.