Chevron – Inner Essence
Posted onShira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayishlach, delving into the episode of Rachel’s death and her burial in Beit Lechem instead of in Chevron.
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.
Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayishlach, delving into the episode of Rachel’s death and her burial in Beit Lechem instead of in Chevron.
Mrs. Smiles explains the puzzling episode of the “Dudaim”, the fertility herbs that Reuven brought for his mother Leah, and Leah’s deal with Rachel to give her the Dudaim in return for more time with Yaakov, their husband.
Shira Smiles discusses the narrative of the story of Yitzchak’s blessings to his sons Yaakov and Esav, found in Parshat Toldot. Yitzchak’s main strength was that of Gevura (inner strength), and therefore he is tested specifically in this area.
Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Chayei Sarah. In this parsha, the tenth and final test of Avraham Avinu takes place.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how in Parshat Vayeira, Avraham Avinu is put to the ultimate test, Akeidat Yitchak. Shira Smiles explains what the Akeida means to us today.
Discusses how through Moshe’s request we gain a deeper understanding of the qualities of Eretz Yisrael.
Explains Hashem’s response to Moshe Rabbeinu’s request.
Presents an understanding of Moshe’s request to go into Eretz Yisrael.
Addresses the question: What does “na” mean?
Continues her deep analysis of the second passuk of Va’etchanan.
Understanding the word “laimor”.
Parshat Mattot-Masei, Rebbetzin Heller teaches that Hashem’s intention in bringing us to new places is for us to tap into the spiritual potential of each place.
Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses this week’s parsha, Parshat Mattot-Masei. In this shiur, she speaks about how the tribes of Reuven and Gad wanted to settle by the Jordan river for the sake of their children. G-d blessed them with lots of cattle and it was therefore through taking care of their cattle that they served G-d. But, we must not lose focus that our children take precedence over everything.
Rebbetzin Heller discusses how Yehoshua’s performance as one of the “spies” and his subsequent leadership of the Jewish People teaches us how to live our lives within the boundaries of this world.
The comparison, made by the Mishna, between Avraham and Bilaam teaches us a lifelong lesson in choosing to use our strengths in the right way.
Parshat Chukat, the episode of Moshe and the “Mei Meriva” sheds light on the role of Moshe Rabbeinu as our leader and the lessons of prayer he imparted to us.
In Parshat Chukat, we learn about Parah Adumah. The chok of Parah Adumah is in essence the mystery of death, where on one hand there is a spiritual loss and yet G-d Himself is completely within the picture.
Parshat Korach, Korach’s sons believed their father’s intentions and became champions of peace as seen in Tehillim.
Rabbi Avishai David discusses the weekly parsha, Parshat Korach and how Korach’s problem was his misunderstanding of the significant distinction between kedusha and bechirah, holiness and choice.
Rabbi Hanoch teller discusses how the Torah’s description of the spies’ journey in the Land of Israel teaches us the essence of what it means to live in the Holy Land.
Parshat Beha’alotcha, Aharon HaKohen is designated with the task of kindling the flames of the menorah, teaching us an important lesson about our relationship with those around us.
Rabbi Avishai David discusses this week’s Torah parsha, Parshat Beha’alotcha. From the exchange between Moshe Rabbeinu and his father in law, Yisro, we can learn a timely lesson of what is our ultimate goal in life.