The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
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.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Behar Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the concept of Shemittah and how it teaches us that Hashem is constantly providing for us regardless if we work or not. We need to have faith and let go.
In this class (shiur) on Parshas Achrei Mot -Kedoshim, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the dichotomy between remaining separate from the nations and keeping away from negative influences and going out into the world and sanctifying Hashem’s name.
In this class (Shiur) on Parshat Tazria-Metzorah, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how the laws of tzoraat teach us that the most dangerous information is that in which truth and falsehood are combined. The class further examines how when all seems lost and there appears no hope, Hashem Himself will help us.
In this class (shiur) on Parshiyot Vayakhel and Pekudai, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how Hashem values our inspired intentions, whether in building the communal Mikdash or in building the personal Mikdash within our hearts.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Tetzaveh, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the Urim V’tumim, the holy breastplate, worn by the high priest that contained the Divine Name. The class further explains that although Hashem took away the tangible medium through which He spoke to us, He left us with the Torah through which He speaks to us constantly.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Teruma Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the keruvim and what they represent.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Mishpatim Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the enigmatic incident of the blood that Moshe sprinkled on the Jewish people and how this cemented the relationship between them and Hashem.
In this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the role of women in building a Torah home, as understood from the recounting of Matan Torah, the giving of the Torah, in Parshat Yitro.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Beshalach, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the Song of the Sea focusing on the verse, “Hashem shall reign for all eternity.”
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the verse, “They baked the dough that they took out of Egypt into cakes of matzot.” This class discusses how matzah is both the bread of affliction and a symbol of redemption.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Vaeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles analyzes the verse, “They did not heed Moshe because of shortness of breath and hard work.” The class further discusses how Moshe and Aharon were commanded to display respect to Pharaoh and patience to the Jewish people.
In this class (Shiur) on Parshat Shemot, Mrs. Smiles discusses the verse, “And a new king arose in Egypt who did not Yosef.” How was it possible for the Egyptians to forget Yosef?
In this class (shiur)on Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Yaakov’s gift to Yosef of the city of Shechem and its underlying message which teaches us the power of prayer.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Vayigash, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Yosef’s revelation of his identity to his brothers and the sensitivity he displayed in reassuring them that he bore them no grudge.
Continuing the discussion on the book of Shemot, Rebbetzin Kohn discusses the turning point of the Jews in Egypt.
In this class (Shiur) on Parshat Vayashev, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the dreams of the cup bearer and the baker and Yosef’s interpretation.
In this class (Shiur) Mrs Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayishlach
This Shiur examines the Midrash that Leah Imenu was the first person to give thanks to Hashem. The different dimensions of thanksgiving are examined, as well as the need to continue to ask after giving thanks
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the verse, “The man became great and kept becoming greater until he was very great. He had acquired flocks and herds and many enterprises; and the Philistines envied him.” Mrs. Smiles explains what true greatness means and how it was actualized through Yitzchak who sanctified the name of Hashem by his example and by reaching out to others.
Rebbetzin Leah Kohn continues to discuss the book of Shemot.
Rebbetzin Leah Kohn starts the history of the Jewish people in the book of Shemot.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Chaya Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the test Eliezer contrived to find a match for Yitzchak. The class discusses the significance of kindness and how it is intertwined with emunah.
In this class (shiur) on Parshat Vayira, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the incident of Lot and his two daughters.
Examines the verse in Parshat Lech Lecha (14:13), “And the fugitive came and he told Avraham…” This class discusses Og’s dual motives and the repercussions that resulted after he informed Avraham that Lot was captured.
Examines the verse in Parshat Noach, “And Noah went in and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him into the ark because of the flood waters.” This class discusses how Noach only had intellectual emunah and did not believe the flood would actually come until the waters were at his feet. Mrs. Smile discusses how to live with true emunah and integrate it into our essence.
On Parshat Nitzavim, Mrs. Shira Smiles addresses the question: If Hashem tells us that teshuva and Torah are so close, why does it seem so far away to us?
On Parshat Ki -Tavo, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses following in Hashem’s ways and how practicing the mitzvot facilitates an outpouring of blessing from above.
