Coming Into Completeness
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On Parshat Chayei Sara, Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about Avraham Avinu at the end of his life.
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.
Seeing is Believing
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on Parshat Vayeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the concept of Hashem Yireh, the name Avraham gave the site of Akeidat Yitzchak.
Parshat Lech Lecha
Posted onOn Parshat Lech Lecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Sarah’s relationship with Hagar and its ramifications for future generations.
Dove’s Directive
Posted onOn Parshat Noach, Mrs. Shira Smiles delves into the episode of the dove bringing Noach the olive branch and its symbolism for our lives.
Amalek – Attack and Awakening
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On Parshat Chukat, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the attack of Amalek on the Jews. Amalek symbolizes the yetzer horo whose purpose is to lead us to self destruction. Mrs. Smiles discusses how the Jews were awakened to teshuva and how we too can strengthen ourselves to fight against the evil inclination.
Flowering Focus
Posted onOn Parshat Korach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the lessons learned from the episode of the blossoming of the staff of Aharon Hakohen, which was the ultimate proof of Aharon’s legitimacy as the chosen High Priest, Kohen Gadol.
Calev: Commanding Courage
Posted onOn Parshat Shlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the courage of Calev ben Yefuneh in standing up to the meraglim, the spies, and to the whole Jewish people.
The Eyes of Yitro
Posted onOn Parshat Baha’alotcha, Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the centrality of EretzYisrael, the Land of Israel, as one of the important themes of the parsha.
Helping Hand
Posted onOn Parshat Behar, Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the mitzva of Shmitta.
Blasphemer’s Battle
Posted onOn Parshat Emor, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the lessons which can be learned from the episode of the blasphemer. By studying the causes of his deed, we can each correct parts of our actions and thoughts, especially the midda of ‘leitzanut’, mockery, to enrich our mitzva observance and our relationship with Hashem.
Life Force
Posted onOn Parshat Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the importance of living a true spiritual life.
Mirror Image
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles gives a fascinating perspective on the kohen’s role in the treatment of the affliction of tzara’at, spiritual leprosy.
Intelligence and Inheritance
Posted onOn parshiot Vayakhel and Pekudei, Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the unique legacy which Betzalel endowed every Jew with, when he built the Mishkan, the Sanctuary.
Pressed to Perfection
Posted onOn Parshat Tetzaveh, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the unique qualities of the olive oil used in the Mishkan and Beit Hamikdash, of the inner message that the olive oil contains for each of us, and how that message relates to the upcoming holiday of Purim.
Precious Poles
Posted onOn Parshat Truma, Mrs. Shira Smiles delves into the meaning of the badim, the poles used in the Mishkan.
Consciousness
Posted onOn Parshat Mishpatim, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the pasuk which says to serve Hashem, and He will bless the bread and water, and remove illness.
The Experience of Sinai
Posted onOn Parshat Yitro, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the passuk that says that the Jewish People stood under the mountain, and the gemara that explains that Hashem held the mountain over them, forcing them to accept the Torah.
The Meaning of Manna
Posted onOn Parshat Beshalach, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the experience of the manna, the food in the desert.
World of the Wicked
Posted onOn Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the question of the wicked son mentioned at the Pesach Seder, which is alluded to in Parshat Bo.
Frog Fundamentals
Posted onOn Parshat Vaeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the plague of frogs. Mrs. Smiles examines why the plague started as just one frog and multiplied into many, and why Pharoah asked that the plague stop the next day instead of immediately.
Holy Ground
Posted onOn Parshat Shemot, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines Hashem’s command to Moshe not to come closer to the burning bush, and to remove his shoes, because the ground he is on is holy., asking the Ramban’s question of why was that ground holy, if the shechina was resting only on the burning bush?
Living Life
Posted onOn Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the first passuk which states that Yaakov lived in Egypt for seventeen years, and that Yaakov lived for 147 years. Why was this passuk is necessary at all?
Monarch’s Mission
Posted onOn Parshat Vayigash, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the pasuk that says that Yaakov sent Yehuda ahead of him, to go to Yosef and to prepare in Goshen.
Soul Searching
Posted onOn Parshat Vayeishev, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the three pesukim describing Yosef being lost in Shchem and speaking to a man who directs him to Dotan.
Faithful Follower
Posted onOn Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the phrase “I have sojourned with Lavan…”
Truth or Lies?
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes Yaakov and Lavan’s conversation after Lavan fails to find his idols.
Careful Consideration
Posted onOn Parshat Vayetzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the dialogue between Rachel and Yaakov about Rachel’s childlessness, and how we can learn about life struggles that we go through.
The Non-Wandering Jew
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero addresses the questions of why does G-d command Yitzchak to remain in Israel and why does Yitzchak receive the blessings of Avraham?
Tumultuous Trembling
Posted onOn Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the passuk which states that Yitzchak trembled, and focuses on the medrash that says that this trembling was greater than Yitzchak’s trembling at Akeidat Yitzchak.
Camel Commotion
Posted onOn Parshat Chayei Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles analyzes the psukim where Rivka Imeinu meets Yitzchak Avinu for the first time.