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 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.
On 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.
In 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.
Rabbi 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.
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
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.
In this chinuch (Torah education) class, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches parents how to create an inspiring and uplifting atmosphere in their homes every Shabbat.
on Parshat Bereishit, Mrs. Shira Smiles takes a deeper look into the first Rashi in the Torah.
Rebbetzin 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.
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.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses how the various mitzvot of Sukkot demonstrate our love for the Almighty.
In 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.
In 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.
In 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.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller speaks about Parshat Haazinu.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller speaks about Parshat Nitzavim and Vayelech.
In 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.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller discusses the storyline of Parshat Ki Tavo.
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.
On 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.
On 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.
On 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.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller relates the storyline of Parshat Va-etchanan, with selected insights and comments.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller relates the storyline of Parshat Devarim, with selected insights and comments.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller reviews the entire story of the book of Daniel, and applies its lessons to our individual lives.
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.
In 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.
In 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.
In this Torah shiur (class) on the nature of marriage based on the Torah thought of the Chassidic masters, Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains how the three levels of a Jewish Marriage – Kiddushin, Chuppah, and Yichud, correlate to the three levels of holiness and connection between Man and G-d. The essence of marriage is experiencing these levels of holiness.
In this Torah shiur (class) on the Torah view of marriage based on the philosophy of Chassidut, Rabbi Hershel Reichman describes marriage as a central theme in the Torah. The first story regarding people in the Torah is the narrative of Adam marrying Chava (Eve.) The first mitzva given Man in the Torah is the mitzva to bear children, “pru u’revu”. Chassidut explains that this world is characterized by a confrontation between physicality and spirituality. The fundamental purpose of humanity is to discover the ‘holy sparks’ of the Divine in the physical reality. Marriage is the central arena for achieving this goal.
