Levite Leverage
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On Parshat Behaloscha, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the Levites inauguration to the service of the Mishkan.
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.
Covenant Considered
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On Parshat Behar – Bechukosai, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses atonement of sins and the connection to our forefathers.
Perfecting Perfect Perfection
Posted onOn Parshat Emor, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses that how much we try to accomplish in our service of Hashem is less important than the wholeness and perfection of mind toward that service.
Productive Planting
Posted onOn Parshat Acharei Mot – Kedushim, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the prohibition of orlah.
Redemption
Posted onMrs. Shira smile discuses Parshat Tazria – Metzora.
Removing The Roadblock
Posted onOn Parshat Shmini, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the idea that first a Jew must dedicate himself to do the will of Hashem. Only then will blessing flow from above.
Panoramic Perspectives
Posted onOn Parshat Ki Tisa, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Moshe’s request to Hashem, “Show me now Your glory.” The class examines the nature of divine acts and man’s true purpose on this world.
Northern Nexus
Posted onOn Parshat Teruma, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the significance of the Shulchan that was positioned near the northern wall of the Tabernacle.
Liabilities and Love
Posted onon Parshat Mishpatim, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how studying the laws of damages leads to kindness and perfection of character.
Emuna Explored
Posted onOn Parshat Yisro, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the first commandment, “Onochi Hashem Elokecha,” and the different facets of emunah.
Decisive Dance
Posted onon Parshat Beshalach, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the nature of Miriam’s song at the splitting of the Red Sea.
Benevolent Blossoming
Posted onOn Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how Torah and the world parallel each other, specifically as it relates to the exodus of Egypt which occurred in the spring time.
Existential Equality and Equanimity
Posted onOn Parshat Vaeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the equality and humility of Moshe and Aharon.
Redeemer’s Reluctance
Posted onon Parshat Shemot Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Moshe’s reluctance to take on the role of redeeming the Jews from Egypt.
Inspired Internment
Posted onOn Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Yosef’s oath to Yaakov to bury him in the land of Israel.
Royal Revelation
Posted onMrs. Shira smile discusses Parshat Vayigash and Yosef’s surprising revelation to his brothers.
Curious Cloak
Posted onSinew’s Significance
Posted onMrs. Shira Smile discusses the significance of Yaakov Avinu’s sinew being targeted during the struggle with the angel of Esav in Parshat Vayishlach.
Indelible Impression
Posted onOn Parshat Vayeitzei, Mr. Shira Smiles examines the verse, “And Yaaakov departed from Be’er Sheva and went towards Charan,” and the impression a righteous person has on his surroundings.
Forgiveness and Fortitude
Posted onMrs. Shira Smile discusses forgiveness and fortitude from within Parshat Toldot.
Coming Into Completeness
Posted onOn Parshat Chayei Sara, Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about Avraham Avinu at the end of his life.
Seeing is Believing
Posted onon 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.