The Torah Learning on this site is dedicated in memory of Rochel Leah bas R' Chaim Tzvi and R' Yisrael Menachem ben R' Binyamin.
In this Torah class (shiur) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David compares two kings who ruled at the end of of the era of the first Beit Hamikdash, Tzidkiyahu and Yehoyakim. The Beis Halevi explains that Yehoyakim was a wicked king who lived in a generation of righteous people, while Tzidkiyahu was a righteous king who ruled in a wicked generation.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches perek 9. This perek deals with the difference between a heavenly decree before and after it was finalized, and also shows that everything in this world comes from direct Divine planning and intervention, and not through the laws of cause and effect.
Rabbi Michael Taubes continues learning Pirkei Avot, focusing on the teachings of Hillel.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller speaks about one of Rav Yisrael Salanter’s primary disciples, Rav Simcha Zissel Ziv, the Alter of Kelm, and the famed yeshiva which he founded.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman explains the discussion in the Gemara that one should elongate and emphasize the last word of Kriat Shma, ‘Echad’.
On Parshat Vayechi, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the whole concept of the ayin hara (evil eye) and the idea that Yosef and his descendants are above the ayin hara.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller describes Yechezkel’s vision of the destruction of Yerushalayim and its causes, and shows how these prophesies are still relevant today.
Mrs. Chana Prero discusses why the blessings to Yaakov invoke Hashem as G-d of Yitzchak and not as G-d of Avraham.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the different views of at what point during Kriat Shema one must have kanava.
On Parshat Vayigash, Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the Midrash on the Passuk that says that Yaakov sent Yehuda ahead to Egypt. He was sent ahead to Egypt to make this havdala between the holiness of living a Torah life and the darkness of Egypt.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David explains the details and nuances of perek 36. In this perek, Yirmiyahu writes a scroll describing the future destruction of the kingdom of Yehuda. Instead of responding with teshuva, the king Yehoyakim burns the scroll, and the result is disastrous for his future.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains the nature of false prophets, and their destructive influence on the Jewish people.
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues studying Michtav Me’eliyahu. This class focuses on the constant struggle within every person between his soul and the Yetzer hara, the evil inclination.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains the pesukim describing Hashem’s command to Yechezkel to shave his hair as a sign of the impending destruction of Yerushalayim.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen begins learning the introduction to Michtav Me’eliyahu. This mussar work, authored by Rav Eliyahu Dessler, covers a variety of topics relating to one’s character, relationships and faith. This class focuses on understanding the nature of the yetzer hara and our struggle in this world.
Mrs. Chana Prero analyzes Yosef’s dreams. (This class, based on classical Biblical commentaries, does not assume any prior knowledge of Hebrew or familiarity with textual study.)
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses the possibility of fulfilling the mitzva of Kriat Shma by reciting the Shma prayer in languages other than Hebrew.
Chana Prero analyzes the six blessings G-d gives Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the teachings from the great Jewish sage, Hillel.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman presents an overview of the Rambam’s opinion abut whether a person must have intention to fulfill a mitzva in order to be yotzeh that mitzva.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains how the prophecies will take place.
In this shiur (Torah class) on chinuch, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller guides parents and educators on how to make Chanukah meaningful for our children, with age-appropriate stories and discussions which will deepen their appreciation for this holiday.
An explanation of the significance of each of the items Yehuda gave Tamar as collateral.
On Parshat Vayishlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the concept of Kever Rachel, and why Rachel is buried “baderech,” on the way.
Mrs. Chana Prero explores the classical commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the events surrounding Yaakov’s departure from Lavan.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches perek 4 in Sefer Yechezkel. Yechezkel is told to perform all sorts of symbolic actions as both a prophesy of future events and as a way to be mechaper (to atone) for the sins of Klal Yisrael before the Churban (destruction of the Beit Hamikdash).
An exploration of Tamar’s intentions in initiating a relationship with Yehuda.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David teaches perek 35, which tells of the righteous Yonadav, his family, and their reward. Yonadav is a symbol of simplicity and satisfaction with limited material acquisitions, and his family is held up as an example of steadfast loyalty to their father. In contrast, the Jewish Nation has neglected to listen to Hashem’s commandments.
On Parshat Vayetzei, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the episode of Rachel sharing Yaakov’s and her secret signs with Leah.
Mrs. Chana Prero explores the classical commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the blessings that Yaakov and Eisav received from Yitzchak.
