Parshat Yitro: Torah and Shabbat
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In his discussion on this week’s parsha, Parshat Yitro, Rabbi Hershel Reichman addresses the question of why the Torah was given on Shabbat.
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.
Parshat Yitro: The Origin of Yitro’s Soul
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the significance of various names of Yitro, Moshe Rabbeinu’s father in law. The names of Yitro teach us important elements of his spiritual makeup which affected Moshe and the entire Jewish People.
The Ten Commandments
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explains each of the Ten Commandments and their applications. The class does not asume familiarity with Torah study or knowledge of Hebrew.
Desiring the Desired
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On Parshat Yitro, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the tenth of the Ten Commandments, ‘lo tachmod’, do not covet, and compares it with a later mention in Parshat Va’etchanan which states ‘to tit’aveh’, do not desire.
Parshat Tetzaveh: Priestly Garments
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller explains various aspects of the seven priestly garments described in this parsha.
Parshat Teruma: A Dwelling Place for Hashem
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller describes the various parts of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), specifically the menorah (holy candelabra), the aron (holy ark), and the shulchan (sanctified table).
Parshat Mishpatim: Laws to Live By
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller describes some of the laws that are mentioned in Parshat Mishpatim.
Parshat Yitro: A Nation of Priests
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller narrates the basic storyline of Parshat Yitro with added commentary and insights.
Parshat Beshalach: Salvation at Sea
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller describes the amazing miracle of the Splitting of the Sea in Parshat Beshalach.
Mara – Bittersweet Waters
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the test the Jewish people encountered at Mara, and the laws they were taught there.
Noteworthy Notes
Posted onOn Parshat Beshalach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the concept of saying the shirat hayam, the song of the splitting of the sea, every day in our davening.
Lessons to Live By
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The final class on the Sale of Yosef, summarizing the lessons that can be gleaned from this poignant section of the Torah.
The Plagues
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explains some of the reasons for the plagues.
Parshat Bo: Freedom from Slave Mentality
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) on this week’s parsha, Parshat Bo, Rabbi Reichman uses the interpretation of the Shem Mishmuel to expound on both our physical and spiritual freedom from Egypt.
Hark to the Bark
Posted onOn Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the pasuk which states that “against the children of Israel, no dog shall wet its tongue.”
Measure for Measure
Posted onTalks about the brother’s explanation of Yosef’s absence to their father.Emphasizing how our actions have ramifications.
Rashi’s Explanation of Active Verbs
Posted onMrs. Yehudit Weiss begins to explore various examples of Rashi’s explanation of Active verbs, and how the meaning of the Biblical text changes as words are conjugated in different forms. This class introduces the Dikduk of Rashi and sheds light on many of his previously inaccessible comments.
Pharoah’s Iron Heart
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explores the justification for hardening Pharoah’s heart, and restricting his free will.
Awe of the Abode
Posted onOn Parshat Va’eira, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the plague of ‘barad’ (hail).
Symbolism of the Shoe
Posted onPresents a deeper view on why the brothers sold Yosef for a pair of shoes.
Parshat Shemot: Fundamentals of Hashem’s Chessed
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) on Parshat Shemot, Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the fundamental question of whether the Jewish people deserved to be redeemed, or if it was an act of Divine Kindness.
Reluctant Messenger
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero dissects the episode of the Burning Bush, Hashem’s command to Moshe, and Moshe’s refusal. This Torah shiur does not assume any previous knowledge of Hebrew or experience with Biblical texts.
Fabulous Flame
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On Parshat Shemot, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the incident of the burning bush.
The Measure of Life
Posted onTalks about the sweet smelling spices that accompanied Yosef on his way down to Egypt. Emphasizing the lesson that everything Hashem does is clearly measured out.
The Blessing to Ephraim and Menashe
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the brachot (blessings) that Yaakov Avinu bestowed on his grandsons Ephraim and Menashe.
Parshat Bo
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller discusses Parshat Bo.
Parshat Va’eira: Promised Redemption
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller discusses G-d’s promises to the Jewish nation in Parshat Va’eira, as Moshe Rabbenu and his brother Aharon begin ‘negotiating’ with Pharoah to let the Jews leave Egypt.
The Bat Kol
Posted onDiscussing the Bat Kol (Heavenly voice), and what we can learn from our lives with each answer.
Bestowing Blessings
Posted onOn Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles looks at what the concept of giving brachot is about, and more specifically, what the Friday night blessing for sons to be like Ephraim and Menashe is about.
Parshat Shemot: Persecution and Slavery
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller discusses the beginning of Parshat Shemot, which describes the subjugation and persecution of the Jewish people in Egypt.