Parshat: Matot Maasei: Love of the Land
Posted onParshat Mattot-Masei, teaches us the important lesson of true love of the land.
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.
Parshat Mattot-Masei, teaches us the important lesson of true love of the land.
on Parshat Pinchas, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Pinchas’ reward.
On 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.
on Parshat Korach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Korach’s claims against Moshe.
On 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.
Parshat Pinchas, Pinchas’ reward of a “brit shalom”, a covenant of peace, teaches us what hating evil and loving good is really all about.
On Parshat Nasso, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about birchat Kohanim.
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.
On 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.
Our 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.
On 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.
On 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.
Discusses the naming of Shimon and Levi, and how they represent the eradication of evil and the ultimate connection to Hashem.
Explains 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.
On Parshat Pekudei, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the bracha that Moshe blessed Klal Yisrael upon the completion of the mishkan.
Speaks 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.
On Parshat Vayakhel, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the description of the kior, the sink, which was made of mirrors donated by the women.
Speaks 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.
On Parshat Ki Tisa, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines how the sin of the golden calf transformed Jewish history, specifically in relation to the tablets.
Discusses Rachel’s mesirut nefesh in giving over the signs, and Leah’s part in it.
On Parshat Tetzaveh, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the last perek in the parsha, which details the altar for the incense.
Speaks about the emphasis on Rachel being Lavan’s younger daughter, the seven years that Yaakov worked for Rachel, and Lavan’s trickery.
On 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.
On Parshat Mishpatim, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the ‘sapphire brickwork’ under Hashem.
On Yaakov’s sojourn to Charan, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Rachel’s and Leah’s personae and Yaakov’s plan to work for Rachel for seven years.
On Parshat Yitro, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the placement of the description of the altar, after the revelation at Sinai.
On Yaakov’s sojourn to Charan, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the reasons for Yaakov’s crying when he see Rachel.
On Yaakov’s sojourn to Charan, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Yaakov Avinu meeting Rachel for the first time.
On Parshat Beshalach, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the pasuk in Shirat Hayam which says, “…This is my G-d and I will glorify Him…”
On Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the plague of the first born; why it occurred at midnight, why is was carried out by Hashem Himself, and why the Jewish people had to do something in order to gain protection.