Ogs Odyssey
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Examines the verse in Parshat Lech Lecha (14:13), “And the fugitive came and he told Avraham…” This class discusses Og’s dual motives and the repercussions that resulted after he informed Avraham that Lot was captured.
Series: Living the Parsha 5775
Matzah Mindset
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Bo, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the verse, “They baked the dough that they took out of Egypt into cakes of matzot.” This class discusses how matzah is both the bread of affliction and a symbol of redemption.
Perpetual Prophets
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Behaalotecha, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the prophecy of Eldad and Meidad.
Sodom Secret
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Vayira, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the incident of Lot and his two daughters.
Revelation And Rulership
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Beshalach, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the Song of the Sea focusing on the verse, “Hashem shall reign for all eternity.”
Rehabilitation And Re framing
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Shlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the sin of the spies and how we can reframe a negative perspective towards a positive view.
Divinely Directed
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Chaya Sarah, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the test Eliezer contrived to find a match for Yitzchak. The class discusses the significance of kindness and how it is intertwined with emunah.
Feminine Forte
Posted onIn this class (shiur) Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the role of women in building a Torah home, as understood from the recounting of Matan Torah, the giving of the Torah, in Parshat Yitro.
Awareness Amidst The Abyss
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Korach, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the repentance of the sons of Korach.
Greatness Guaranteed
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Toldot, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the verse, “The man became great and kept becoming greater until he was very great. He had acquired flocks and herds and many enterprises; and the Philistines envied him.” Mrs. Smiles explains what true greatness means and how it was actualized through Yitzchak who sanctified the name of Hashem by his example and by reaching out to others.
Blood And Bonding
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Mishpatim Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the enigmatic incident of the blood that Moshe sprinkled on the Jewish people and how this cemented the relationship between them and Hashem.
Genuinely Grateful
Posted onThis Shiur examines the Midrash that Leah Imenu was the first person to give thanks to Hashem. The different dimensions of thanksgiving are examined, as well as the need to continue to ask after giving thanks
Cornerstone Of Commitment
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Teruma Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the keruvim and what they represent.
The Big Battle
Posted onIn this class (class) shiur on Parshat Ki Teitzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses our ongoing battle against the yetzer hara.
Edom’s Enigma
Posted onIn this class (Shiur) Mrs Shira Smiles discusses Parshat Vayishlach
Unraveling The Urim and Tumim
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Tetzaveh, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the Urim V’tumim, the holy breastplate, worn by the high priest that contained the Divine Name. The class further explains that although Hashem took away the tangible medium through which He spoke to us, He left us with the Torah through which He speaks to us constantly.
The Source Of Self Effacement
Posted onIn this class (class) shiur on Parshat Ki Tavo, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the mitzvah of bikurim.
Vine Vignette
Posted onIn this class (Shiur) on Parshat Vayashev, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the dreams of the cup bearer and the baker and Yosef’s interpretation.
Inspired Intentions
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshiyot Vayakhel and Pekudai, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how Hashem values our inspired intentions, whether in building the communal Mikdash or in building the personal Mikdash within our hearts.
Providence Proxy Pardon
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Vayigash, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Yosef’s revelation of his identity to his brothers and the sensitivity he displayed in reassuring them that he bore them no grudge.
Completely Covered
Posted onIn this class (Shiur) on Parshat Tazria-Metzorah, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how the laws of tzoraat teach us that the most dangerous information is that in which truth and falsehood are combined. The class further examines how when all seems lost and there appears no hope, Hashem Himself will help us.
Shechem Supremacy And Supplication
Posted onIn this class (shiur)on Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Yaakov’s gift to Yosef of the city of Shechem and its underlying message which teaches us the power of prayer.
Separation And Sanctity
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshas Achrei Mot -Kedoshim, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the dichotomy between remaining separate from the nations and keeping away from negative influences and going out into the world and sanctifying Hashem’s name.
Distance And Denial
Posted onIn this class (Shiur) on Parshat Shemot, Mrs. Smiles discusses the verse, “And a new king arose in Egypt who did not Yosef.” How was it possible for the Egyptians to forget Yosef?
Deception And Dependency
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Behar Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses the concept of Shemittah and how it teaches us that Hashem is constantly providing for us regardless if we work or not. We need to have faith and let go.
Deluge Delusion
Posted onExamines the verse in Parshat Noach, “And Noah went in and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him into the ark because of the flood waters.” This class discusses how Noach only had intellectual emunah and did not believe the flood would actually come until the waters were at his feet. Mrs. Smile discusses how to live with true emunah and integrate it into our essence.
Catalyst And Character
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Vaeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles analyzes the verse, “They did not heed Moshe because of shortness of breath and hard work.” The class further discusses how Moshe and Aharon were commanded to display respect to Pharaoh and patience to the Jewish people.
Container Of Containment
Posted onIn this class (shiur) on Parshat Naso, Mrs. Shirs Smiles discusses the birchat kohanim and the significance of peace, a vessel for all blessings.
Indulgence And Intellect
Posted onIn his class (shiur) on Parshat Chukas, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses how the laws of the Red Heifer atoned for the sin that brought death to the world.