Category: Parsha
This series of classes on the Parsha offers an eclectic selection of lectures on the weekly Torah portion spanning the introductory level to highly advanced in-depth studies of selected passages weaving interpretations from Early and Late Commentators as well as Chassidic and Mussar Masters.
In Parsha Journeys, Rabbi Teller presents the complete storyline of the first two chapters of each of the weekly parshiyot (Torah portions), in addition to insights into some of the more famous events discussed. In the Living The Parsaha series, Rebbetzin Smiles presents selected topics in the weekly Parsha, with a focus on character development. Early and Later Commentators, including excerpts from classical works produced by the Chassidic and Mussar Movements, are woven together to present a new insight into one’s life as an inspired Torah Jew In Chassidut on the Parsha, Rabbi H. Reichman synthesizes the comments of the Midrash, the Talmud, and Hasidic thought and connects them to contemporary life, applying the lessons of the Parsha to modern issues and challenges.
Chief Criterion
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Posted onRealistic Ramifications
Posted onLech Lecha: The Mysterious March
Posted onIn this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Lech – Lecha
Galvanizing Gratitude
Posted onIn this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Noach of year 5778
Continuous Compassion: Parshat Ki Tavo
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In this class (shiur) on Parshat Ki Tavo, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses viduy maasrot, the confession prayer said after setting aside tithes.
Refinement Redemption: Parshat Ki Teitzei
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Ki Teizei, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the mitzvah of shiluach haken, sending away the mother bird.
Pondering Perpetuity: Parshat Pinchas
Posted onIn this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Pinchas
Perfectly Pure: Parshat Balak
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Balak Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the intrinsic purity of every Jew. Although we may sometimes sin, our inner core remains unsullied and connected to Hashem.
Desert Dessert: Parshat Chukat
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Chukat, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses what it means to make oneself a desert and how we can understand that Torah is a gift.
Countering the Cunningness: Parshat Korach
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Korach Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Ohn Ben Peles, his wise wife, and tactics we can learn from the story of Korach to counter the yetzer hara.
Sanctified And Safeguarded: Parshat Shlach
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Shlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the significance behind the letter yud that Moshe added to Yehoshua’s name.
Complaint And Contentment: Parshat Behaalotcha
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Behaaloscha, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the sin of kivrot hataava. Why were the people described as becoming “as complainers” instead of simply being complainers? Who initiated the complaints, the erev rav or the elders? Why were they punished so quickly?
Understanding Uniqueness: Parshat Bamidbar
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Bamidbar, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the distinct flags and the specific placement within the encampment of each of the tribes and how it relates to every Jew’s unique strengths and mission on this world.
Collateral Confirmed: Parshat Behar – Bechukotai
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Behar – Behukotai, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the verse, “I will remember My covenant with Jacob and also My covenant with Isaac and also My covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land… The Land will be bereft of them… because they were revolted by My ordinances… But despite all this, while they are in the land of their enemies, I will not… have rejected them to obliterate them… I am Hashem.” She notes the unusual spelling of Yaakov with a vav maleh and contrasts it with the spelling of Eliyahu missing the final vav.
Galvanizing Greatness: Parshat Emor
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Emor, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the role of the kohen gadol and the definition of greatness.
The Mitzvot
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Rebbetzin Leah Kohn discusses The Mitzvot in the Torah.
Nation’s Nemesis: Acharei Mot, Kedoshim
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on the Parshiyot Of Acharei-Mot and Kedoshim, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the verse, “Speak to Bnei Yisroel and say to them, ‘I am Hashem your God. Do not perform the practices of the land of Egypt in which you dwelled; do not perform the practices of the land of Canaan to which I bring you, and do not follow their traditions. Carry out My laws and safeguards…”
Mrs. Smiles addresses the following questions: If Egypt and Canaan were so terrible, why did Hashem put Bnei Yisrael there to begin with? What practices did Hashem want them to avoid? The major ones, idol worship and promiscuity were already covered in other verses and commandments. Are these different practices Hashem wanted them to avoid?
Parshat Yitro: Riveting Reminders
Posted onIn this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Yitro and the message contained in the names Moshe gave his sons, Gershom and Eliezer.
Silencing the Supplicant: Parshat Beshalach
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Beshalach, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the dynamics of prayer and why Hashem silenced the Jews’ supplication at the Yam Suf.
Darkness Deciphered: Parshat Bo
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the plague of darkness.
Why was this plague necessary? What purpose did it serve? What was the nature of this darkness that made it different from our standard definition of darkness as the absence of light?
Shevet Levy
Posted onRebbetzin Leah Kohn Dicusses Shevet Levy.
Careful Consideration: Parshat Va’eira
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Parshat Va’eira, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the seventh plague and why some Egyptians disregarded the warning to save their livestock by bringing them in.