Maintaining the Spiritual Spark
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Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the challenge of maintaining moments of inspiration, using them to fuel our constant spiritual journey.
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 Chukat: The Destiny of Yisrael and Edom
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Rabbi Hershel Reichman gives a Chassidic explanation on the relationship between Bnei Yisrael and Edom, based on the natures of Yaakov and Yisrael.
Parshat Chukat: Miracles of Faith
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on the complex episode of mei meriva, which cost Moshe Rabbeinu entrance to the land of Israel, is explained by Rabbi Hershel Reichman as a product of the dual nature of miracles.
Parshat Korach: Bedrock of Faith
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Korach, in which we read of the rebellion of Korach. Rabbi Reichman gives a deeper, Chassidic understanding of Korach’s actions and thoughts, based on the Shem MiShmuel.
Inner Dynamics
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Korach.
Parshat Shelach: Simple Faith
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Shlach, in which the tragic episode of the meraglim, spies takes place. Rabbi Reichman, based on the Shem MiShmuel, explains the underpinnings of sin of the spies and the Jewish People.
Mediums of Merit
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Shelach, and the sin of the spies.
Parshat Behaalotecha: Aharon’s Unique Mission
Posted onRabbi Reichman discusses Aharon and Hashem’s interchange, in this week’s Parsha, regarding his service in the Mishkan, based on the Shem Mishmuel’s understanding of the essence of a Kohen’s role among the Jewish People.
Parshat Nasso: Fighting Evil
Posted onIn this Torah class on Parshat Naso, Rabbi Hershel Reichman uses a Chassidic approach based on the Shem MiShmuel,to explain the differences of service of G-d among the sons of Levi.
Parshat Bamidbar: Unique but United
Posted onThe Shem MiShmuel explains in reference to this week’s parsha the unique connection every Jew has to the entire Jewish People
Building Infrastructure
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Bamidbar.
Parshat Bechukotai: Blessings of Torah
Posted onIn Parshat Bechukotai, the Torah lists the rewards for following in Hashem’s path. While discussing this week’s parsha, Rabbi Reichman uses the commentary of the Shem MiShmuel to explain these rewards and what exactly is incumbent upon us.
Maintaining Perspective
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Bechukotai. The Parsha teaches us the importance of constantly investing in our relationship with G-d.
Parshat Behar: Relinquishing the I
Posted onRabbi Reichman continues his discussion of the Shem MiShmuel’s theme of the individual vs. the community, focusing on how the individual manages to be part of the community without losing his self.
Parshat Behar: Personal and Communal Commitment to Torah
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the Shem MiShmuel’s comparison between shemitah and yovel and explains the difference between the individual’s and the community’s commitment to Torah.
Living Judaism
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Behar. The message of Shmitta and other topics in this Parsha is one encouraging us to constantly struggle and grow through every challenge G-d brings.
Parshat Emor: Bridging the Gap
Posted onBased on the double usage of the instruction to tell the Kohanim in the first passuk, Rabbi Reichman discusses the connection between intellect and emotion and how to bridge the gap.
Passing Judgment
Posted onOn Parshat Kedoshim, Shira Smiles speaks about judging one’s fellow Jew favorably.
Parshat Kedoshim: Pathways to Holiness
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Reichman uses the interpretation of the Shem MiShmuel to explain the commandment of “Kedoshim Tihiyu,” (Be Holy) as a specific pathway of achieving holiness.
Parshat Kedoshim: The Purpose of Israel
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the purpose of the land of Israel and elaborates on its unique characteristics.
Parshat Acharei Mot: Fear before Love
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman teaches Parshat Acharei Mot which deals with the deaths of Aharon HaCohen’s sons, Nadav and Avihu. The Shem MiShmuel learns lessons of our approach to G-d from their untimely deaths.
Parshat Metzora: Seeing the Good
Posted onRabbi Hershel Reichman explains that through a unique understanding of the affliction of tzaraas, Shem MiShmuel expounds on fundamental ideas of how to view our fellow Jew.
Parshat Tazria: Fresh Beginnings
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) Rabbi Reichman discusses how this week’s parsha,Parshat Tazria teaches us about our constant relationship with Hashem.
Narrow Vision
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles teaches Parshat Tazriah. The Parsha speaks at length about the laws of Tzara’at, leprosy.
Holy Bites
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles speaks about Parshat Shemini. The Torah lists Kosher and non-Kosher animals. What is the significance of the mitzvah of keeping Kosher?
Parshat Vayikra: Giving for G-d
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses Moshe’s unique characteristic- his ability to give all for the Almighty.
Parshat Shemini: Moshe and Aharon – Two Forms of Strength
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the Shem Mishmuel which compares Moshe and Aharon’s styles of leadership and spirituality, invoking lessons of our own spiritual methods.
Parshat Shekalim
Posted onMrs. Smiles discusses the goal of each of the four Parshiyot read between Adar and Nissan, and reveals the goal of Parshat Shekalim.
Bells and Pomegranates
Posted onMrs. Smiles explores the symbolism of the coat of the Kohen Gadol, which was edged with bells and pomegranates.