The Binding of Yitzchak
Posted onAddressing many of the glaring questions that appear in the Torah’s narrative of this episode.
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.
Addressing many of the glaring questions that appear in the Torah’s narrative of this episode.
Analyzing the centrality of prayer learned from Avraham Avinu’s prayer to Hashem at the top of the mountain.
Observing the meaningful dialogue between Avraham Avinu tells Yitzchak Avinu, replete with hidden messages about love between a father and son, self-nullification before G-d and more.
Why would Avraham Avinu disparagingly refer to his son and servant as ‘the nation that is similar to a donkey?’
Why does the Torah refer to the location of the Akeida as ‘the place’?
A Teaching of the great speed and desire with which Avraham Avinu performs the Akeida and understanding the significance of our forefather’s use of the donkey.
This class focuses on the topic of fulfilling a mitzvah completely which entails pure devotion,joy, and alacrity.
Discovering the unique character of the city of Yerushalayim, Jerusalem.
Discussing the deeper meaning of the words Lech Lecha and their message for every person’s spiritual journey.
Looking at the manner of Hashem’s call to Avraham Avinu, and the response Avraham’s striking response of Hineni.
Focusing on the nature of Heavenly tests. Mrs. Smiles compares the approaches of the mefarshim who discuss the purpose of a nisayon.
Torah insights on the motivation behind the Akeida.
Based on the verses in the Book of Numbers, it seems as if the tribes of Reuben and Gad placed more importance on their livestock than their children. Through an in-depth analysis and exploration of the text as well as various commentaries, we will understand the mistake these tribes made, their true intentions, as well as the tremendous lessons that may be derived from this narrative regarding priorities in life.
Mrs. Smiles discusses Parshat Balak.
Mrs. Shira Smiles provides a description of the personality and legacy of Miriam within the Torah, and the deeper meaning of her lifetime connection to water.
Parshat Korach serves as a model for how we can behave properly and with the correct middos in life. This parsha also teaches us about the behavior of envy.
Mrs. Shira Smiles explores and develops the perplexing episode of the spies’ journey to Israel and the Jews’ subsequent sin and punishment. Mrs. Smiles explains how this episode ultimately teaches important life lessons to each of us.
From the beginning to the end of this Torah parsha, Parshat Beha’alotcha, Mrs. Shira Smiles weaves the theme of character development and refinement as a basis for success in Torah.
The fire, water, and desert that accompanied the Jews during their sojourn for forty years, symbolize deep lessons of devotion to G-d, passion for spirituality, and a willing to sacrifice oneself to fulfill G-d’s Will. We can incorporate these powerful lessons into our daily lives, to become more passionate, spiritually-focused people.
Mrs. Shira Smiles provides an inside look into Parshat Kedoshim.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayakhel.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Terumah, the parsha for the week. The shiur discusses several opposing views concerning exactly when the sin of the golden calf occurred in relationship to the command and implementation of the building of the Tabernacle. The differences of opinion regarding the chronology of these events reveals an essential perspective on life: preparing ourselves to become a sanctuary for G-d.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the weekly parsha, Parshat Yitro. The experience of receiving the Torah forces one to recognize that the only option one is faced with in this world is serving their Creator. Possession of the Torah, the guidebook that directs our life, similar to a manual for a sophisticated machine, is a tremendous source of joy.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Beshalach. Mrs. Smiles delves into the essence of shira, and the importance of incorporating shira into our daily lives. In addition, she speaks about the attack of the Amalekites on the Jewish people, the character of Amalek, and how to spiritually battle this force.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Bo. The commandment to sanctify every Jewish month is the first commandment the Jewish nation received following their redemption from Egypt. By exploring this directive, we will discover the crucial aspect of living in a state of constant rejuvenation.
Shira Smiles discusses the weekly parsha, Parshat Shemot, and the intriguing episode of Moshe and Tziporah at the Inn on the way to Egypt.
Shira Smiles discusses how the different tribes each reflect a specific quality of the Jewish people.
Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayigash, and the significance of the wagons Yosef sent from Egypt to bring his father Yaakov from the Land of Canaan.
Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the life question that Parshat Vayeishev addresses: What has man been placed in this world to accomplish?
Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayishlach, delving into the episode of Rachel’s death and her burial in Beit Lechem instead of in Chevron.