Existential Exodus Experience
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On Parshat Va’eira, Mrs. Shira Smiles asks why there is such an emphasis in the Torah and in our lives, on the experience of the Jews in Egypt.
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.
Tenacity, Truth
Posted onOn Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the idea of brachot in general, Yaakov Avinu’s brachot to his sons, and specifically Yehuda’s bracha.
Inspired Introspection
Posted onOn Parshat Miketz, Mrs. Shira Smiles connects the episode of the brothers in Egypt with Yosef, with the topic of Chanukah.
Soul of the Sole
Posted onon Parshat Vayeishev, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on a medrash on the sale of Yosef, that says that the brothers used the money they received to buy shoes.
Yaakov and the Shepherds
Posted onOn Yaakov’s sojourn to Charan, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the conversation that Yaakov has with the shepherds.
Jarring Jars
Posted onOn Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the Rashi that says that Yaakov was left alone because he had returned for some forgotten pitchers. Mrs. Smiles focuses on the question of what the connection is between Yaakov going back for his pitchers, and the attack from the angel.
Harmonizing Household Harmony
Posted onOn Parshat Vayetzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Rashi’s medrash on the idea that Hashem has ‘”gathered in” Rachel’s shame.
The Symbolism of the Well
Posted onOn Perek 29 and 30 of Sefer Bereishit, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines two approaches to the symbolism of the well in the field.
Preferential Parenting
Posted onOn Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the pasuk which states that Yitzchak loved Eisav for his hunting, and Rivka loved Yaakov. Mrs. Smiles examines the different approaches to this pasuk to gain insight into our avodat Hashem.
Yaakov’s Journey
Posted onOn Perek 29 and 30 of Sefer Breishit, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Yaakov’s journey to and arrival in Charan. Mrs. Smiles speaks about Yaakov’s clarity of ratzon Hashem upon his leaving, and his awareness that Hashem is still with him upon his arrival in Charan.
Efron Expression of Earthliness
Posted onOn Parshat Chayei Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines why the narrative of Avraham’s acquisition of the land for Mearat HaMachpela is so detailed. Additionally, Mrs. Smiles discusses why Ephron’s name is spelled without a ‘vav’ in the pasuk in which the transaction took place.
Salt of the Earth
Posted onOn Parshat Vayeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles raises a number of questions on the pasuk that says that Lot’s wife looked behind, and became a pillar of salt.
Betwixt and Between
Posted onOn Parshat Lech Lecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Lot, whose behavior was not ideal, yet contains lessons about our character development.
Slippery Slope
Posted onOn Parshat Noach, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the events that led up to the flood, to get a sense of how not to fall into the same level of depravity at the time of the flood.
True Prophecy
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Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the concept of prophecy, analyzing what exactly constitutes a prophet and what is the basis of believing in prophets.
Manna, Bread of Affliction?
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the command to keep the “entire mitzva” and the description of the desert experience in our parsha.
Cities of Leviim
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the dimensions of the Leviim’s cities and their fields.
Science of Speech
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On Parshiyot Matot and Masei, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the topic of vows.
Elevating the Elevated Offering
Posted onon Parshat Pinchas, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the korban hatamid, the sacrifice that was brought each morning and evening.
Strong Roots
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes Bilaam’s first blessing to the Jewish People.
Pilgrimage Power
Posted onOn Parshat Balak, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the use of the words “shalosh regalim,” when the donkey spoke to Bilam.
Serpents Scream
Posted onOn Parshat Chukat, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the incident with the serpents.
Reasons for Rebellion
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the motivations of Korach and his congregation.
Well Grounded
Posted onOn Parshat Korach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the punishment that Korach and his followers received.
Send for Yourself
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the first words of the parsha and whether Moshe was guilty for the sin of the Spies.
Nearness of Name
Posted onOn Parsha Shelach, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines Yehoshua’s name change from Hoshea and analyzes the root of the failure of the spies, giving us a greater understanding of the significance of names.
Yitro’s Visit
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the conversation between Yitro and Moshe when Moshe urges Yitro to join the Jewish Nation on their journey to the Promised Land.
Triumphant Travels
Posted onOn Parsha Beha’alotcha, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the description of how the Jewish people camped in the desert, and on the topic of the ‘chatzotzrot’, the trumpets.
Shavuot Connection
Posted onOn Parshat Nasso, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the significance of this Parsha always being read on the Shabbat after Shavuot.
The Leviim’s Job
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the jobs of the Leviim in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and Beit Hamikdash (Temple).