The Divine Path
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On Parshat Chayei Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on Eliezer’s search for a wife for Yitzchak, and why Hashem performed a miracle of shortening the journey for Eliezer.
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 Chayei Sarah: Avraham – Combination of Din and Chessed
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Avraham’s essence was one of pure chessed, total giving to another. Yet despite his desire for complete chessed, Avraham Avinu was able to combine din (justice) within his chessed personality. This class on Parshat Chayei Sarah discusses Avraham’s ability to combine the attributes of din and chessed.
Life of Growth
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Exploring the Sale of Yosef through the verses and the commentaries that discuss the first passuk of Parshat Vayeishev.
Eliezer’s Mission
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Mrs. Chana Prero elucidates Avraham Avinu’s instruction to his servant Eliezer, as Eliezer embarks on a mission to find a wife for Yitzchak Avinu. The class discusses why Yitzchak could not marry a Cananite woman, and why Eliezer chose to use a sign to help him complete his mission. The class, which assumes no prior knowledge of the Chumash or of the Hebrew language, encourages use of the Artscroll Sapirstein Rashi Chumash.
Laughter Lessons
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero compares Avraham, Sara, and Ishmael’s tzchok (laughter), to determine which laughter is appropriate in different situations. She also discusses Hagar’s behavior when she is sent out of Avraham’s home.
Parshat Vayeira: Chessed and Din
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Reichman explains how Avraham, the epitome of Chessed (kindness) has a son, Yitzchak who is the epitome of Din (judgement). Based on the Shem MiShmuel, this class analyzes the essence of our forefathers and mothers.
Height of Hospitality
Posted onIn Parshat Vayera, Avraham exemplifies the model of Hachnasat Orchim, hospitality. Mrs. Shira Smiles examines what was unique about these acts of hachnasat orchim, and why, in their merit, Avraham was blessed with a son.
Parshat Vayeira: Overflowing Reward
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah Class) Rabbi Reichman discussing this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayeira, in accordance with the interpretation of Chassidut using the Shem MiShmuel.
Parshat Lech Lecha- Brit Milla
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero explores Parshat Lech Lecha. This class, based on the verses with the commentary of Rashi, talks about the commandment to Avraham to perform a brit mila (circumcision) on himself. No prior textual skills or knowledge of Hebrew required for this class.
Parshat Lech Lecha: Man’s Search for Meaning
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the underlying motives of Avraham’s quest to find G-d. Based on the Shem MiShmuel, Rabbi Reichman demonstrates that Avraham’s journey is symbolic of all mankind’s search for meaning in life.
The Tower of Bavel
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero analyzes the sin and the punishment of the Dor Haflagah, the generation after the Flood that built the Tower of Bavel. The class goes through the relevant verses and the corresponding comments of Rashi. This class is suitable to anyone wanting to explore the topic inside, regardless of knowledge of Hebrew or level of textual skills.
Kayin and Hevel
Posted onMrs. Chana Prero discusses the story of Kayin and Hevel, the sons of Adam and Chava. The actions of Hevel and Kayin teach us how to serve G-d and do Teshuva (return to Him). This class does not assume any previous knowledge of Hebrew or of the Parsha.
Parshat Chayei Sarah
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller discusses the narrative in Parshat Chayei Sarah. Avraham buys the Machpela Cave and adjoining field in Chevron and buries his wife Sarah there, and then dispatches his servant Eliezer to find a shidduch (marriage partner) for his son Yitzchak.
Parshat Vayeira
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller relates the story of Parshat Vayeira. Rabbi Teller discusses more of the trials of Avraham Avinu and the destruction of Sodom and Amorah.
Parshat Lech Lecha
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller explains the story of Avraham’s trials and his departure to the Land of Israel. This class focuses on the narrative of Parshat Lech Lecha, with some added insights.
Parshat Noach: Perfection of Three Levels of Soul
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman delves into the personality of Noach and his unique righteousness. Based on the teachings of the Shem MiShmuel, the class explains three levels of soul and the mitzvot which correspond to each level.
Wonderful Words
Posted onOn Parshat Noach, Mrs. Smiles explores who Noach really was, and for what merit Noach was saved, offering a goal of what to aspire to so that one can be saved from the deluge that surrounds a person in today’s world.
Parshat Breishit: Gathering the Sparks
Posted onIn this shiur (class), , Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the significance of the episode in this week’s parsha, Parshat Breishit, where Adam and Chava (Eve)’s sin upon eating from the Eitz HaDaaS (Tree of Knowledge). based on the Shem Mishmuel, Rabbi Reichman discusses man’s fundamental purpose of life according to Chassidic thought.
Parshat V’zot Habracha: The Look of Moshe Rabbeinu
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses Hashem’s offer to Moshe Rabbeinu to look at the Land of Israel. Moshe Rabbeinu’s look was not just a physical act; it’s spiritual significance is analyzed according to the Shem MiShmuel.
Parshat Bereishit: Purposeful Pain
Posted onIn this class on Parshat Bereishit, Rabbi Reichman discusses how the banishment of Adam from the Garden of Eden teaches us lifelong lessons, and in particular helps us understand the purpose of Jewish exile and suffering.
Parshat Noach
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller goes through the major episodes in Parshat Noach and explains their lessons.
Parshat Bereishit
Posted onRabbi Teller takes his students on a journey through the first parsha in the Torah, Parshat Bereishit. This basic class relates the topics, themes, and general storyline of the parsha in a captivating manner.
Parshat Haazinu: Beyond Free Will
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman analyzes Moshe Rabbeinu’s comparison of Heaven and Earth to fulfilling the Torah’s commandments. The Shem MiShmuel explains the symbolism of heaven and Earth as bodies which act completely in accordance with G-d’s Will, an ideal which we all aspire to.
Parshat Vayeilech: Causes of Sin
Posted onIn this shiur(class) Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains an enigmatic Midrash which explains the word Vayeilech as a form of a rebuke. Based on the Shem Mishmuel, Rabbi Reichman launches into a discussion about the causes of sin and how to prevent sinning.
Eternal Call
Posted onOn Parshat Lech Lecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the question of why Avraham Avinu was chosen as the father of our nation.
Parshat Ki Tavo: Submission to G-d
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman expounds on the idea of bowing before G-d. This discussion is prompted by a difficult Midrash found in reference to this week’s parsha, Parshat Ki Tavo. Based on the Shem Mishmuel, this class provides a Chassidic interpretation of an essential act of prayer.
Parshat Nitzavim: Steadfast Faith
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman delves into the meaning of the bris (covenant) that takes place between Hashem and the Jewish People, in this week’s parsha, Parshat Nitzavim. The Shem MiShmuel explains the underlying essence of the bris as the commitment to Hashem in all circumstances, both positive and negative.
Ki Teitzei: The Power of Unity
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman expounds on this week’s parsha, Parshat Ki Teizei, based on the Shem MiShmuel, which explains the secret to the Jewish people’s success in war as a function of unity within us.
Parshat Shoftim: Shema Yisrael
Posted onThis week’s Parsha, Parshat Shoftim, discusses the Torah concept and details of war. Rashi writes that the merit of Shema Yisrael will protect Jewish soldiers. Rabbi Reichman explains this idea, based on the Shem MiShmuel, in terms of the connection between the mind and the heart of every Jew.
Parshat Re’eh: Dwelling of G-d: Shilo vs. Jerusalem
Posted onThis week’s Parsha of Re’eh, the Torah discusses a dwelling for G-d within this world. In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Reichman compares the spiritual significance between the Mishkan in Shilo and the Beis HaMikdash in Jerusalem based on the explanation of the Shem Mishmuel.