The Curses: A Historical Perspective
Posted on
Mrs. Chana Prero analyzes the curses in parshat Bechukotai and discusses when they were fulfilled.
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.
Rewarding Reward
Posted on
On Parshiyot Behar and Bechukotai, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the blessings and curses contained in Bechukotai, which is relevant to our preparation for Shavuot.
The One Who Cursed
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the topic of a person who “blessed G-d” and the relevant laws.
Purity in the Land of Israel
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the requirements to live in the Land of Israel.
Respecting the Respected
Posted onOn Parshiyot Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the pasuk that speaks about rising in the presence of an elderly person and honoring a sage.
Profound Purity
Posted onOn Parshiyot Tazria and Metzora, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on one of the aspects of the purification process for tzara’at.
Integral Ingredients
Posted onOn Parshat Vayakhel and Pekudei, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the use of the term ‘chacham lev’, wise hearted, to describe the artisans involved with the mishkan. Mrs Smiles also speaks about the term “as Hashem commanded Moshe,” which repeats eighteen times throughout the parsha.
Moshe’s Tent
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the incident of Moshe removing his tent from the camp of the Jewish People.
Holy for G-d
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the Tzitz and its function.
Beams of Unity
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the physical and symbolic components of the kerashim, beams, of the Mishkan.
The Gift of Self
Posted onOn Parshat Terumah, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the donations to the Mishkan that were given out of motivation. What does it say to us for our individual lives?
Two Angels
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero contrasts the two times G-d says He is sending an angel to lead the Jews both before and after the Sin of Golden Calf.
Yehuda’s Admission
Posted on
Speaks about Yehuda’s statement of “tzedakah mimeni”.
Sense of Servitude
Posted onOn Parshat Mishpatim, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the laws of the ‘eved ivri’, one who sells himself into slavery.
Altar Analysis
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the first commandment after the Revelation at Sinai, Matan Torah.
Fortitude of Tamar
Posted onExamines Yehuda’s judgment that Tamar should be burned.
Shalom of Shabbat
Posted onOn Parshat Yitro, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the idea of shalom and its connection to Shabbat.
Two Battles
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero teaches the classical commentaries in analyzing Amalek’s attack on the Jewish People.
Ultimate Healer
Posted onOn Parshat Beshalach, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the pasuk that says that if the Jewish people do what is just in Hashem’s Eyes, and observe the commandments, then all the diseases that Hashem placed upon Egypt, He will not bring upon the Jewish people.
Pyramidal Geometry
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the Jews’ exit from Egypt.
Investing With Interest
Posted onOn Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the connection between the blood or Korban Pesach, and the blood of a Brit Milah, and its tremendous relevance for our lives.
What Your Parents Never Saw
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the use of G-d’s different names at the beginning of parsha.
The Greater Good
Posted onOn Parshat Va’eira, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the first passuk of the parsha, which contains Hashem’s rebuke to Moshe.
The Immortal Donkey?
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes Moshe’s actions after he leaves the burning bush.
Evil Eye
Posted onOn Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the whole concept of the ayin hara (evil eye) and the idea that Yosef and his descendants are above the ayin hara.
Father’s Merit
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses why the blessings to Yaakov invoke Hashem as G-d of Yitzchak and not as G-d of Avraham.
Dual Flames
Posted onOn Parshat Vayigash, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the Midrash on the Passuk that says that Yaakov sent Yehuda ahead to Egypt. He was sent ahead to Egypt to make this havdala between the holiness of living a Torah life and the darkness of Egypt.
Yosef’s Dreams
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes Yosef’s dreams. (This class, based on classical Biblical commentaries, does not assume any prior knowledge of Hebrew or familiarity with textual study.)
Our Forefathers’ Blessings
Posted onChana Prero analyzes the six blessings G-d gives Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
The Collateral
Posted onAn explanation of the significance of each of the items Yehuda gave Tamar as collateral.