The Whole Picture
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An in-depth study of the topic of Yaakov’s dream of the ladder.
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.
Creating the “I”
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Mrs. Shira Smiles gives an analysis of the extraordinary episode of the search for Yitzchak’s wife, and a discussion of the lessons gleaned from this story for our personal lives.
Parshat Lech Lecha: Relationship of Heaven and Earth
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In this class on Parshat Lech Lecha, Rabbi Herschel Reichman discusses how earth’s desire to reach the heavens, and heaven’s force in holding her back, is a spiritual reality that applies to our own lives as well.
Beginning and End
Posted onExplains how the ending of the episode of Akeidat Yitzchak is actually a new beginning in his Avodat Hashem.
Connection
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles explores the episode of the angels’ promise to Avraham and Sarah that they will be blessed with a son. Shira Smiles clarifies this difficult-to-understand episode with both the classical understanding and with the novel approach of the Belzer Rebbe.
Avraham’s Ram
Posted onDiscusses the meaning of Avraham’s ram.
Inner Journey
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles discusses the fact that G-d’s command to Avraham to travel to the Land of Israel was not simply a command to move physically. She discusses that this charge instead echoes to every Jew and commands each of us to embark on an inner journey of self-perfection.
Akeidat Yitzchak
Posted onExpounds upon the topic of Akeidat Yitzchak.
Call of the Angel
Posted onDiscusses the angel’s call to Avraham to stop what he is doing and not to harm his son.
Tears of a Father, Tears of a Son
Posted onDiscusses the poignant moments of Avraham actually performing the Akeida.
The Binding of Yitzchak
Posted onAddressing many of the glaring questions that appear in the Torah’s narrative of this episode.
Simple Faith
Posted onAnalyzing the centrality of prayer learned from Avraham Avinu’s prayer to Hashem at the top of the mountain.
Meaningful Dialogue
Posted onObserving 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.
‘Stay Here with the Donkey’
Posted onWhy would Avraham Avinu disparagingly refer to his son and servant as ‘the nation that is similar to a donkey?’
‘He Saw the Place From Afar’
Posted onWhy does the Torah refer to the location of the Akeida as ‘the place’?
The Chamor: Harnessing Materialism
Posted onA 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.
Father and Son Set Out
Posted onThis class focuses on the topic of fulfilling a mitzvah completely which entails pure devotion,joy, and alacrity.
The Land of Moriah
Posted onDiscovering the unique character of the city of Yerushalayim, Jerusalem.
Lech Lecha
Posted onDiscussing the deeper meaning of the words Lech Lecha and their message for every person’s spiritual journey.
Where was Sarah during the Akeida?
Posted onLooking at the manner of Hashem’s call to Avraham Avinu, and the response Avraham’s striking response of Hineni.
Reasons Behind Life’s Tests
Posted onFocusing on the nature of Heavenly tests. Mrs. Smiles compares the approaches of the mefarshim who discuss the purpose of a nisayon.
Motivating Factors of the Akeida
Posted onTorah insights on the motivation behind the Akeida.
Parshat Mattot-Masei
Posted onBased 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.
Introspection
Posted onMrs. Smiles discusses Parshat Balak.
The Well of Miriam
Posted onMrs. 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.
Purity of Motive
Posted onParshat 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.
Beyond the Ego
Posted onMrs. 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.
Personal En’light’enment
Posted onFrom 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.
Fire, Water and Desert
Posted onThe 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.
Honest Gains
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles provides an inside look into Parshat Kedoshim.