Lessons of Laughter
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On Parshat Vayeira, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the theme of laughter which is connected to the birth of Yitzchak.
Videos
Parshat Noach
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Individual and General Hashgacha
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In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu Perek 32, Rabbi Avishai David continues to explore the philosophical meaning of Hashgachat Hashem, as it is described in pasuk 19 of this perek. The class includes the writings of the Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim, the Ramchal, and the Sefer Hachinuch, in explaining Divine Supervision of the world.
Expanding the Essence
Posted onOn Parshat Noach, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the puzzling Rashi at the beginning of the parsha that discusses whether Noach was in fact a tzadik or not.
Understanding Hashgachat Hashem
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Perek 32, Rabbi Avishai David explains pasuk 19 in depth. This verse talks about G-d’s constant supervision of mankind, and His Divine Intervention in the world as a reaction to our deeds. Rabbi David uses pasuk 19 as a basis for an exploration of the topic of Hashgacha, Divine Providence.
Legacy of Our Sages: Introduction to Pirkei Avot
Posted onRabbi Michael Taubes begins studying Pirkei Avot, a unique section of the Mishna which contains essential lessons of ethics and behavior from the Sages. Rabbi Taubes explores the significance of Pirkei Avot and begins studying the first chapter.
Parshat Breishit: Yaysh V’Ayin: Being Something
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the concept of Creation, in which G-d created the world from nothingness. Based on the Kedushas Levi, the Chassidic work of Reb Levi Yitzchak Miberdichev, this class explores fundamental concepts of G-d’s goal in creation,and man’s purpose in this world
The Merkava Vision
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller begins learning through the first perek of the Sefer, with the famous Merkava vision, in which Yechezkel sees a vision of G-d and His ministering angels. Rebbetzin Heller applies this vision to the concepts of serving Hashem even while in Galut, exile.
Making Shabbat Come Alive for Our Children
Posted onIn this chinuch (Torah education) class, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches parents how to create an inspiring and uplifting atmosphere in their homes every Shabbat.
Guidelines for Greatness
Posted onon Parshat Bereishit, Mrs. Shira Smiles takes a deeper look into the first Rashi in the Torah.
Hashem’s Presence in Exile
Posted onRebbetzin Tziporah Heller introduces the book of Yechezkel, emphasizing Yechezkel’s uniqueness as a navi, prophet, in exile. The vision that Yechezkel had is a giluy, a revelation, of Hashem’s Presence in Exile.
Love Beyond Reason
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In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the holidays of Hoshana Raba and Shemini Atzeret. While each day has its unique characteristics, the underlying theme of both days is the incredible love G-d has for the Jewish People.
Sukkot: Demonstrating Our Love
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses how the various mitzvot of Sukkot demonstrate our love for the Almighty.
The Protection of Sukkot
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the significance of a Sukkah, based on Chassidic thought. Although flimsy in nature, the Sukkah is representative of G-d’s protection and love for the Jewish People.
Sukkot: Service of the Mind and Heart
Posted onIn this shiur (Torah class) Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the Chassidic understanding of the essence of Sukkot. Based on the Shem MiShmuel, Rabbi Reichman delves into explaining how one can best serve G-d with both mind and soul.
Yom Kippur, Succot, and Simchat Torah for Children
Posted onIn this chinuch shiur (Torah education class), Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller describes how parents and educators can enrich and deepen their children’s appreciation and experience of the holidays of Yom Kippur, Succot and Simchat Torah.
Parshat Haazinu
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller speaks about Parshat Haazinu.
Parshat Nitzavim – Vayelech
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller speaks about Parshat Nitzavim and Vayelech.
Elul, Rosh Hashana, and Yom Kippur for Children
Posted onIn this chinuch class on making Torah concepts real to children of all ages, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller guides parents on how to introduce children to the mindset of Elul and the themes of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur on three levels; early childhood, middle childhood, and teens.
Parshat Ki Tavo
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller discusses the storyline of Parshat Ki Tavo.
Hashem’s Ways are Straight
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The final class on the Haftora of Shabbat Shuva, discussing the centrality of Eretz Yisrael and the meaning of the verse ‘Hashem’s ways are straight’. The lesson for us is to take every circumstance in life and utilize it to better serve Hashem.
Images of Hashem’s Love for His People
Posted onOn the Haforah of Shabbat Shuva, Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the beautiful imagery in the perek, as illustrations of G-d’s eternal love for His people, Am Yisrael.
Torah and Tefilla: Components of Teshuva
Posted onOn the essence of teshuva, based on the Haftara of Shabbat Shuva, Mrs. Shira Smiles demonstrates the important role of tefilla (prayer) and Torah study in enabling a person to repent completely.
The Intrinsic Purity of Every Jew
Posted onOn the Haftarah of Shabbat Shuva from where we learn that teshuva/repentance is a dynamic process with Hashem, and that every Jew’s soul is intrinsically pure, which means that even sin does not become part of its essence. When embarking on the teshuva process, one should have an image of who they want to be, so that they have a goal to aspire to.
Parshat Va’etchanan
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller relates the storyline of Parshat Va-etchanan, with selected insights and comments.
Parshat Devarim
Posted onRabbi Hanoch Teller relates the storyline of Parshat Devarim, with selected insights and comments.
Lessons for our Lives
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Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller reviews the entire story of the book of Daniel, and applies its lessons to our individual lives.
The First Jewish Marriage
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In this Torah class (shiur) on the Chassidic outlook on marriage, Rabbi Hershel Reichman presents the marriage of Avraham and Sarah, the first Jewish marriage, as the prototype for all Jewish marriages. Avraham Avinu’s main trait was his intellect. Sarah’s main trait was strength of character. Thus, the wife primarily deals with the physical/emotional level, and the husband with the intellectual/Torah level.
Completing Creation
Posted onIn the shiur (Torah class) on the inner meanings of a Jewish marriage, according to the philosophy of Chassidut, Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the connection between the seven days of Creation and the seven days of celebration following a Jewish wedding, known as Sheva Brachot. The Shem Mishmuel explains that marriage completes the human being’s creation. The couple emerges from two individual identities to one collective identity.
Marriage: The Eternal Structure
Posted onIn this Torah shiur (class) on the true meaning of marriage, according to the Chassidic discourses of the Shem Mishmuel, Rabbi Hershel Reichman describes marriage as the solution to the human problem called death, as children are both a physical and spiritual continuation of their parents. A marriage is a re-enactment of Creation, and the primary vehicle for Chessed, which is the basic trait of G-d’s creation.