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 Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David explains the lessons of psalm 135. There are two ways to reach true emunah, belief in G-d, through Nature and through recognition of Hashem’s intervention in Jewish history. The latter way is the ideal approach, as it reflects our understanding of Hashem’s absolute control of the world
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the underlying motives for Korach’s rebellion.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller discusses the narrative of Parshat Balak, describing the failed efforts Bilam and Balak to curse the Jewish People, and the sin of Ba’al Pe’or.
Mrs. Chana Prero discusses the incident of Korach’s rebellion specifically G-d’s proving of the Leviites’ status.
In this shiur (Torah class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David completes his analysis of chapter 32. Rabbi David delves into the Torah law of redeeming one’s relatives inherited field, and ties in this episode with the parts of Megillat Rut and Parshat Behar that deal with this topic.
In this shiur (Torah class) on proper speech, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg analyzes Purim plays, and whether mocking someone good-naturedly is permissible according to the laws of shemiras halashon.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the prophesies of perek 10. In this chapter, Daniel receives predictions regarding the near-impossible nature of the galut of Greece. Daniel accepts this decree, and responds with silence and bitachon (trust in Hashem).
In this Torah shiur (class) on the laws of speech, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg begins klal 3 of Sefer Chofetz Chaim, which defines the distinction between mitzvot lishma and mitzvot done for other reasons.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Shemirat Halashin (the laws of proper speech), Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg continues his explanation of klal bet of Sefer Chofetz Chaim, and applies it to common situations such as discussing a class, criticizing Rabbonim, and other scenarios.
On Parshat Korach, Mrs. Shira Smiles analyzes Korach’s downfall, and how to balance positive jealousy.
In this Torah shiur (class) on the laws of proper speech as taught in Sefer Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg teaches the second half of klal bet, which discusses lashon hara between colleagues, such as teachers talking about students at teachers meetings, etc.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Shemiras Halashon ( the laws of proper speech), Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg teaches klal 2 of Sefer Chofetz Chaim, specifically focusing on the Rambam’s position regarding lashon hara (derogatory speech) spoken in public.
In this torah shiur (class) on Shemirat Halashon (the laws of proper speech), Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg finishes explaining klal 1 of Sefer Chofetz Chaim, with a discussion of the various forms of lashon hara – spoken, written, etc., and an explanation of their details.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg completes his discussion of klal aleph. This class covers issues of lashon hara in the workplace, hinting at lashon hara, how to give someone tochacha (rebuke) for lashon hara, and when to ask a shaila (halachic question) regarding the laws of lashon hara.
Mrs. Yehudit Weiss explains Rashi’s overview of texts that are abbreviated, which he calls ‘mikra katzar’.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller reviews the storyline of the parsha including the red heifer and Moshe hitting the rock.
In this Torah class (shiur) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg begins teaching the body of the sefer, beginning with klal aleph. This class defines lashon hara and rechilus, and discusses which is worse. Rabbi Ginsburg also discusses a situation where a Rebbi or parent requests that someone tell them lashon hara, and how to respectfully avoid speaking improperly even under such circumstances.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller discusses the impact of Torah on allowing one to achieve true connection with Hashem.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller teaches perek 9, which describes Daniel’s prophesy of a goat. Rebbetzin Heller explains how this prophesy corresponds to the challenges the Jewish people will need to face when they are subjugated by the nations of the West.
Mrs. Yehudit Weiss surveys Rashi’s discussion of the Hebrew letter ‘Hai’ at the beginning of a word, and how it affects the word’s meaning. This class focuses on ‘Hai Hashe’eilah’, ‘Hai Hayedi’a’, and ‘Hai Hamegama’.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller learns the narrative of Parshat Korach, with his inimitable humor and insight, beginning with the machloket (dispute) of Korach and his followers.
Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman discusses daf 12b in Maseches Brachos, reviews the machlokes (disagreement) in the Gemara regarding the proper way to conclude the bracha ‘ata kadosh’ during Aseret Yemei Teshuva.
Mrs. Yehudit Weiss explains Rashi’s discussion of hat’ama, accentuation of words. All words in Hebrew are either Mil’el or Mil’ra. The accent of a given word may change depending on its conjugation and its place in a phrase, and the meaning of a word can change due to its accentuation as well.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller outlines and illuminates the narrative of Parshat Shelach, beginning with the episode of the Meraglim (the Spies sent to Eretz Yisrael from the desert).
In this Torah class (shiur) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David explains the various segments of perek 135. Hashem is praised as both the Creator of the world, and the One who intervenes in all world events. Through the names of Hashem in the chapter, we learn His of His interaction with us through Middat Hadin (justice). The greatness of klal Yisrael lies in our commitment to Hashem and His Torah even in times of hester panim (Hashem’s hiddenness).
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David discusses the Gemara Yuma 69, which juxtaposes the tefillot of Yirmiyahu in this perek, and Daniel, showing the ‘amitiut’, truthfulness, of their prayers, as opposed to ours. Despite our failings in this area, we must attempt to feel some of the awe of Heaven and the pain of the Shechina when we daven.
On Parshat Shlach, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the Haftorah, and discusses the topic of Teshuva.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Ari Jacobson discusses the prayers and preparation done before the Shemoneh Esrei, otherwise known as the Amida. The class, based on the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, includes the individual as well as the shaliach tzibur’s preparations.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches chapter 8, which describes the third vision of Daniel. This vision also relates to the kingdoms who will dominate the Jewish People in exile, but here they are compared to domesticated animals. This comparison shows that the wars that they will fight against the Jewish People will be focused and directed. Rebbetzin Heller also explains why the times for redemption are written so vaguely.
