Calev: Commanding Courage
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On Parshat Shlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the courage of Calev ben Yefuneh in standing up to the meraglim, the spies, and to the whole Jewish people.
Series: Living the Parsha 5772
Frog Fundamentals
Posted onOn Parshat Vaeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the plague of frogs. Mrs. Smiles examines why the plague started as just one frog and multiplied into many, and why Pharoah asked that the plague stop the next day instead of immediately.
World of the Wicked
Posted onOn Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the question of the wicked son mentioned at the Pesach Seder, which is alluded to in Parshat Bo.
Helping Hand
Posted onOn Parshat Behar, Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the mitzva of Shmitta.
Singular Signature
Posted onOn Parshat Lech Lecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the first blessing in the Shemonah Esrei, the blessing of the patriarchs, which is related to the promise that Hashem gives Avraham, that Avraham “shall be a blessing”.
The Meaning of Manna
Posted onOn Parshat Beshalach, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the experience of the manna, the food in the desert.
Camel Commotion
Posted onOn Parshat Chayei Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles analyzes the psukim where Rivka Imeinu meets Yitzchak Avinu for the first time.
The Experience of Sinai
Posted onOn Parshat Yitro, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the passuk that says that the Jewish People stood under the mountain, and the gemara that explains that Hashem held the mountain over them, forcing them to accept the Torah.
Tumultuous Trembling
Posted onOn Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the passuk which states that Yitzchak trembled, and focuses on the medrash that says that this trembling was greater than Yitzchak’s trembling at Akeidat Yitzchak.
Consciousness
Posted onOn Parshat Mishpatim, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the pasuk which says to serve Hashem, and He will bless the bread and water, and remove illness.
Careful Consideration
Posted onOn Parshat Vayetzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the dialogue between Rachel and Yaakov about Rachel’s childlessness, and how we can learn about life struggles that we go through.
Precious Poles
Posted onOn Parshat Truma, Mrs. Shira Smiles delves into the meaning of the badim, the poles used in the Mishkan.
Faithful Follower
Posted onOn Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the phrase “I have sojourned with Lavan…”
Pressed to Perfection
Posted onOn Parshat Tetzaveh, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the unique qualities of the olive oil used in the Mishkan and Beit Hamikdash, of the inner message that the olive oil contains for each of us, and how that message relates to the upcoming holiday of Purim.
Soul Searching
Posted onOn Parshat Vayeishev, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the three pesukim describing Yosef being lost in Shchem and speaking to a man who directs him to Dotan.
Intelligence and Inheritance
Posted onOn parshiot Vayakhel and Pekudei, Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the unique legacy which Betzalel endowed every Jew with, when he built the Mishkan, the Sanctuary.
Monarch’s Mission
Posted onOn Parshat Vayigash, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the pasuk that says that Yaakov sent Yehuda ahead of him, to go to Yosef and to prepare in Goshen.
Mirror Image
Posted onMrs. Shira Smiles gives a fascinating perspective on the kohen’s role in the treatment of the affliction of tzara’at, spiritual leprosy.
Living Life
Posted onOn Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the first passuk which states that Yaakov lived in Egypt for seventeen years, and that Yaakov lived for 147 years. Why was this passuk is necessary at all?
Life Force
Posted onOn Parshat Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the importance of living a true spiritual life.
Holy Ground
Posted onOn Parshat Shemot, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines Hashem’s command to Moshe not to come closer to the burning bush, and to remove his shoes, because the ground he is on is holy., asking the Ramban’s question of why was that ground holy, if the shechina was resting only on the burning bush?
Flowering Focus
Posted onOn Parshat Korach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the lessons learned from the episode of the blossoming of the staff of Aharon Hakohen, which was the ultimate proof of Aharon’s legitimacy as the chosen High Priest, Kohen Gadol.