Pivotal Process
Posted onIn Parshat Vayishlach, Yaakov Avinu turns down Eisav’s offer to accompany him in peace as they continue on their life’s journey. Why?
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.
Architecting an Abode
Posted onThe connection between Yaakov Avinu, tefilla, and the Beit Hamikdash is explored within the context of the episode in Parshat Vayeitzei when Yaakov awakens on Har Hamoriah and calls the place ‘the House of Hashem’.
Toldot: Targeting the Truth
Posted onThis shiur on Parshat Toldot attempts to explain the seeming contradiction between Yaakov Avinu’s essence, which was the embodiment of Truth, with his actions in taking the brachot fro Yitzchak, which seemed to be the ultimate deception.
Title Transference
Posted onParshat Chayei Sara begins with the sale of the Mearat Hamachpela, the Cave of Machpela, from Efron to Avraham Avinu, for the burial of his wife Sarah. An exploration of this episode.
Dogma or Desire
Posted onWe compare and contrast the intention of the residents of Sodom in Parshas Vayeira to harm Lot’s visitors, with the terrible episode of Pilegesh Bigiva found in Sefer Shoftim.
Influencing Individuals
Posted onIn this shiur of Parshat Lech Lecha, we exploring Avraham Avinu’s impact on his many disciples.
Incredible Initiative
Posted onAn exploration of the episode of Shem and Yafet’s act of respect for their father Noach after he planted a vineyard and was affected by the wine he drank, and their subsequent reward for their ‘kibud av’.
Moon’s Musings
Posted onAn explanation of the Midrash describing the complaint of the moon and the shrinking of its size during the world’s Creation.
Continuous Covenant
Posted onExploring the brit, the covenant, between G-d and the Jewish People, at Har Sinai and in Arvot Moav at the end of 40 years in the Desert.
Personification of Peace
Posted onUnderstanding the ‘Briti Shalom’, ‘Covenant of peace’, which Pinchas was blessed with as reward for his actions in ending the plague through the killing of Zimri.
Ultimate Uprightness
Posted onWhy did Bilam wish for a death like the ‘death of the upright’ while he blessed the Jewish people?
Glorious Gazing
Posted onUnderstanding the power of the Nachash Hanechoshet, the Copper Serpent, to heal the people afflicted by plague in Parshat Chukat.
Blossoming Bough
Posted onAn explication of the episode of Aharon Hakohen’s staff blossoming with almond blossoms overnight after the failed rebellion of Korach.
Towering Tree
Posted onRebbetzin Smiles explores one of the questions that Moshe Rabbenu asked the Meraglim, the spies, about the Land of Israel: Does it have trees? What is the deeper message behind this question? What does it mean for our daily life?
Continuous Commitment
Posted onWhy is Aharon the Kohen Gadol praised when he did not deviate from the exact instructions for lighting the menorah daily?
Geneological Greatness
Posted onThe uniqueness of Jewish lineage, ‘Yichus’.
Upright Utopia
Posted onUnderstanding the bracha which Hashem promises the Jewish people regarding the times of Moshiach, which states ‘I will lead you upright’, v’olich etchem komemiyut’.
Interest Intrigue
Posted onAn exploration of the prohibition against charging interest, and its ramifications for our inner lives.
Parshat Korach
Posted on
In this Torah class Rebbetzin Leah Kohn discusses Parshat Korach
Steadfast Sanctification
Posted onExploring the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem, sanctifying Hashem’s Name.
Loving Likeness
Posted onExploring the mitzva of loving our fellow Jews, V’Ahavta L’rai’acha Kamocha.
Fervent Fire
Posted onRebbetzin Smiles explores the act of Nadav and Avihu bringing Ketoret, and their subsequent deaths.
Adam’s Animal Accentuated
Posted onIn this class, we explore the connection between Adam Harishon, Adam, and the korbanot, sacrifices.
Egel Expiation
Posted onThe Mishkan as repentance, teshuva, for the sin of the Golden Calf, chet Ha’gel.
Prettifications Purified
Posted onAn exploration of the women in the desert who were rewarded for their eagerness to contribute to the Mishkan in contrast to their refusal to participate or contribute to the Golden Calf, and their reward for their choices.
Gracious Gift
Posted onUnderstanding the comparison of the gift of Torah to a Kalla, a bride.
Elaborate Entering and Exiting
Posted onA discussion of the bells sewn on the bottom of the clothing of the Kohen Gadol, and their purpose in heralding his arrival and departure at the Beis Hamikdash.
Golden Growth
Posted onThe Aron Hakodesh in the Mishkan as an allegorical paradigm for the character of a Talmid Chacham, and every Jew dedicated to perfecting his or her character.
Awareness, Acceptance, Attachment
Posted onThe key to accepting the Torah.
Legitimizing Lies
Posted onAn exploration of the prohibition to bear false witness.