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 shiur (Torah class) on Tehillim, Rabbi Avishai David continues his analysis of the intriguing chapter 22, which refers to the travails of both Queen Esther and King David. The perek is also a parable for the the difficulties of galut and the nature of geula (redemption), and the dual reality of Hashem’s hiddenness and His guidance during difficult periods of history.
In this shiur (Torah class) on Sefer Yirmiyahu, Rabbi Avishai David analyzes chapter 30, a perek filled with references to the former majesty of the Beit Hamikdash, the horror of its destruction, and its future splendor. Rabbi David analyzes the structure of the perek, as well the beautiful prophesies contained within it.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues with Shaar Avodas Elokim, from Sefer Chovot Halevavot. This class focuses on practical applications of using one’s self in actively serving G-d.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller presents specific mitzvot from Parshat Achrei-Mot and Kedoshim.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the idea of not eating meat together with fish. Based on a vague Gemara, Rabbi Taubes delves into this topic , with practical as well as underlying understandings.
On Parshat Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about how we are to understand and define what keduasha is.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg begins a discussion of the positive mitzvot that are related to Shmirat Halashon (guarding one’s speech). The class discusses speaking lashon hara as a violation of the mitzva of V’ahavta L’rei’acha Kamocha, loving your fellow Jew. It also mentions that judging others favorably helps one to avoid speaking and believing lashon hara.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the fourth perek of the sefer, which describes Nevuchadnetzar’s second dream, Daniel’s interpretation of it, and his subsequent advice to Nevuchadnetzar.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller presents an overview on Parshat Tazria-Metzorah.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim and Shmiras Halashon, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg continues his explanation of the list of transgressions included in the sin of lashon hara. This class discusses the severity of publicly embarrassing someone, hurting a widow or orphan, and the dangers of falsely flattery.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the underlying halachik reasons for the prohibition of damaging someone’s property.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explains how Torah, symbolized by fire and light, is on one side of reality, while darkness, naturalism, and chachma chitzonit (external wisdom) form its counterpart.
Mrs. Chana Prero gives an overview of the affliction of tzaraat, and its causes.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller continues teaching perek 3, and describes the steadfast refusal of Chanania, Mishael, and Azaria to bow to Nebuhadnezar’s image. They understood that any kind of submission “dwarfs” Hashem in this world. The resulting miracle opened Nevuchandetzar’s eyes to the constant control that Hashem has over the world, and he recognized that the reason Hashem gave him so much power is to make the world aware of the honor due Hashem.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes analyzes the halachic essence of kiddush on Shabbat, both during the night and day.
Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller discusses the deeper implications of anava (humility) and yirah (fear of Hashem), and how Torah develops them.
On Parshat Tazria-Metzora, Mrs. Shira Smiles focuses on the tzaraat that effects the home.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller teaches the beginning of perek 3, in which Nevuchanetzar interprets his role in history to be one in which he can use his power against Hashem, and win. He attempts to play out this struggle against G-d through building a huge golden statue of himself, and insisting that all of his subjects bow to it.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim and SHmirat Halashon, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg talks about the imortance of making the right friends in order to maintain proper speaking habits. When one has friends who are a good influence on him, the struggle against speaking lashon hara is greatly diminished.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Ari Jacobson learns the details of reciting the Shema prayer.
In honor of the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, in this shiur (Torah class) Rabbi Michael Taubes explores the commandment of learning Torah. Rabbi Taubes explains the source of the mitzvah and discusses the practical applications.
Parshat Tzav relays the importance of the inner spiritual service of G-d.
Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the significance of the Four Questions, based on the Shem Mishmuel explanation of the concept of number four.
In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Michael Taubes discusses the concept of adding time to the beginning and end of Shabbat. He also discusses this idea in terms of Yom Tov and explains the differences.
Mrs. Chana Prero explains the section of Maggid, which contains the story of the slavery and oppression of the Jewish people, the ten plagues, the miraculous redemption, and the discussion of the obligations of the Seder night.
Rabbi Hershel Reichman presents the Chassidic view of the Korban Pesach, the Pascal sacrifice. Rabbi Reichman explains how we can still incorporate the effects and lessons of the korban Pesach even when we no longer have a Temple.
In this Torah shiur (class) on Sefer Chofetz Chaim and Shmirat Halashon, Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg teaches more of the Torah prohibitions listed in the introduction to Sefer Chofetz Chaim. One who speaks lashon hara is guilty of creating a chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d’s Name). The sin of lashon hara is is intricately connected with the sins of taking revenge and bearing a grudge, as well as the sin of hating a fellow Jew.
Mrs. Yehudith Weiss continues her study of Biblical nouns, as addressed by Rashi in his commentary on the Torah. This class talks about nouns and their relationship to the words before and after them. This unique class, given in simple Hebrew, sheds light on the important but often neglected section of Rashi’s commentary – the grammatical Rashis.
Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the significance of the number four which prominently appears in the Seder. Specifically focusing in the four cups of wine, this class gives a Chassidic interpretation of the levels of the soul and how each cup represents a particular level.
