Camel Commotion
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On Parshat Chayei Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles analyzes the psukim where Rivka Imeinu meets Yitzchak Avinu for the first time.
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.
Singular Signature
Posted onOn Parshat Lech Lecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the first blessing in the Shemonah Esrei, the blessing of the patriarchs, which is related to the promise that Hashem gives Avraham, that Avraham “shall be a blessing”.
Vineyard Vignette
Posted onOn Parshat Noach, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the pasuk which states that “Noach, the man of the earth, planted a vineyard.”
Symbiotic Song
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On Parshat Nitzavim and Vayelech, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the verse, “write this song for yourselves” and what song it’s referring to.
Judgment on Joviality
Posted onOn Parshat Ki Tavo, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how the curses found in the parsha are an awakening before Rosh Hashana.
Final Act
Posted onon Parshat Matot, Mrs. Shira Smiles responds to the tragic death of Leiby Kletzky hy”d.
Parshat: Matot Maasei: Love of the Land
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Parshat Mattot-Masei, teaches us the important lesson of true love of the land.
Point of Perpetuity
Posted onon Parshat Pinchas, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Pinchas’ reward.
Renunciation of Reasoning and Ratzon
Posted onOn Parshat Chukat, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about our ability to submit ourselves to the will of G-d, and to appreciate the special gifts that we each have.
The Thread of Truth
Posted onon Parshat Korach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Korach’s claims against Moshe.
Higher Humility
Posted onOn Parshat Shelach, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the medrash that Hashem made room for the spies to fail. Mrs. Smiles also speaks about Yehoshua’s name change.
Essence of Peace
Posted onParshat Pinchas, Pinchas’ reward of a “brit shalom”, a covenant of peace, teaches us what hating evil and loving good is really all about.
Favorable Blessing
Posted onOn Parshat Nasso, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about birchat Kohanim.
Qualifications of Leadership
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Rabbi David discusses this weeks Torah Parsha, Parshat Pinchas. In choosing Yehoshua as Moshe Rabbeinu’s successor, Hashem imparted a fundamental lesson in the qualifications of a Jewish leader.
Everyone Counts
Posted onOn Parshat Bamidbar, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the seeming contradiction in the way the count of the Jewish people is established. Mrs. Smiles speaks about the dichotomy of each person being part of a whole and at the same time, an individual.
Lesson in Gratitude
Posted onOur ancestors’ reaction to bread in the Land of Israel leaves us with a fundamental Torah lesson in gratitude. We learn how to have proper gratitude and thanks for all that G-d gives us.
Consequences of Complacency
Posted onOn Parshat Bechukotai, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores how Rashi explains that someone who observes the mitzvot but does not toil and exert effort in Torah can reach a level of not believing in G-d.
Shabbat and Mikdash; Awareness and Awe
Posted onOn Parshat Behar, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the juxtaposition between Shabbat and the Beit Hamikdash in the last pasuk of the parsha. Mrs. Smiles also explains how we can take what we learn about having awe of the temple, and relate it to how we behave in our study halls and synagogues.
Shimon and Levi
Posted onDiscusses the naming of Shimon and Levi, and how they represent the eradication of evil and the ultimate connection to Hashem.
Rachel and Leah’s Roles
Posted onExplains what it means when the Torah describes Leah as being hated, and explores Leah’s ability to have children while Rachel becomes childless. Mrs. Smiles also speaks about the naming of Leah’s first child, Reuven.
Bountiful Blessings
Posted onOn Parshat Pekudei, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the bracha that Moshe blessed Klal Yisrael upon the completion of the mishkan.
Selflessness for the Greater Good
Posted onSpeaks about Yaakov’s ability to step outside of his own need to keep the Torah, and to recognize that the ultimate good for Klal Yisrael was to marry Rachel and Leah.
Mirroring Majesty
Posted onOn Parshat Vayakhel, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the description of the kior, the sink, which was made of mirrors donated by the women.
The Power of the Sechel
Posted onSpeaks about the power of the sechel, as seen in Rachel putting aside her jealousy, and Yaakov not getting angry at Lavan. Mrs. Smiles also examines the roles of Bilha and Zilpa.
Covenant II; Constant Challenge
Posted onOn Parshat Ki Tisa, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines how the sin of the golden calf transformed Jewish history, specifically in relation to the tablets.
The Signs
Posted onDiscusses Rachel’s mesirut nefesh in giving over the signs, and Leah’s part in it.
Secret of the Spice
Posted onOn Parshat Tetzaveh, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the last perek in the parsha, which details the altar for the incense.
Lavan’s Trickery
Posted onSpeaks about the emphasis on Rachel being Lavan’s younger daughter, the seven years that Yaakov worked for Rachel, and Lavan’s trickery.
Creating Closeness
Posted onOn Parshat Terumah, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the midrash on the words ” take for me a portion,” which says that Hashem told the Jewish people that He sold them His Torah, and its as if He sold Himself with the Torah.
Brick Burden and Buoyancy
Posted onOn Parshat Mishpatim, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the ‘sapphire brickwork’ under Hashem.