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 the second chapter of Mishnayot Taanit, our Rabbis teach us the prayers for rain during fast days in Israel, the rules for the Kohanim on duty in the Temple, and rules for Jewish people on the watch in the Temple. The Chapter also discusses minor holidays of the Second Temple Era. May the learning of this class be a zchut for a refuah shleima for Yehoshua ben Esther, who was seriously injured in the second Jerusalem bulldozer attack.
In the first chapter on Mishnayot Taanit, the Rabbis describe praying for rain in Israel, and the procedure for declaring public fasts and days of repentance during times of drought in memory of Batsheva bat Nechama Unterman, a 33 year old kindergarten teacher from Jerusalem, who was killed by an Arab terrorist on Rosh Chodesh Tamuz 5768, in the infamous Jerusalem Bulldozer Attack.
In this Torah shiur (class), Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the underlying theme of the Three Weeks of Mourning between the 17th of Tammuz and Tisha B’av.
In this class on Parshat Matos, Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains how one perfects every level of the Jewish soul. He then discusses how the Jewish holidays focus on the various aspects of the soul.
Rabbi Shimon Isaacson develops the theme of Jewish Unity and collective responsibility with a discussion of the requirement to rebuke one’s fellow Jew when he transgresses a Torah law. Rabbi Isaacson speaks about both the Halachot and the Hashkafot, perspectives, that one should have, especially in a case where one knows that his rebuke will be ignored.
In this class on Parshat Matot, Rabbi Hershel Reichman talks about the Shem Mishmuel’s discussion of the Torah law permitting personal vows and promises. These personal nedarim do not violate the commandment not to add any commandments to the Torah. The Shem Mishmuel develops this discussion into an exposition on the power of any words uttered by a Jew. Included in this shiur is a discourse on the two types of holiness, individual and communal, and the two types of Jewish leaders described by the Shem Mishmuel.
In her final shiur (Torah class), on Righteous Women in Tanach, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller reviews the characteristics of some special women, showing how today’s Jewish woman can reach for these levels as well. Included in this class are a discussion on how to bring people together in marriage, the importance of Jewish burial, and the distinct categories of the righteous women discussed in the course.
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the week’s parsha in which the the qualifications a leader of the Jewish nation is explained. Rabbi Reichman explains these qualifications based on the Shem MiShmuel.
Rebbetzin Heller discusses the special qualities of King David’s wives Michal, Batsheva, and Avigail, the wise woman of Tekoa, the wife of the Navi Ovadia, and other women in the time of the Prophets.
Regarding dressing in the morning, the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch states the prohibition of dressing in the ways of the Gentiles. Rabbi Jacobson expands on this concept with numerous examples to provide a complete picture of the prohibition of “bechukoseihem lo teilechu”. Included in this class is a discussion on Thanksgiving dinners and the special laws applying to left-handed people.
In this Torah shiur (class) on the weekly Torah portion Rabbi Hershel Reichman explains the hatred Balak and Bilaam had towards the Jewish People, based on the explanation of the Shem MiShmuel.
Rabbi Moshe N. Reichman discusses the causes for the Churban, as discussed in the Gemara, and how we can correct ourselves to bring the Geulah.
Rebbetzin Tzipporah Heller discusses why all Jews are connected with one another, and explains how individuality and Achdut are not conflicting values.
Is loving one’s fellow Jew an obligation from the Torah? Rabbi David explores this topic, tracing the mitzvot relating to Ahavat Yisrael starting from the pesukim in the Torah. He then discusses the comments of the Rambam and the Ktav V’Hakaballah on the application of these mitzvot, including examples of the levels of Ahavat Yisrael that were reached by great Jews like R’ Aryeh Levine.
Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the challenge of maintaining moments of inspiration, using them to fuel our constant spiritual journey.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller discusses the final perek of the megilla. In this chapter, Yirmiyahu speaks of the helpless, weakened state of the Jewish people under the ravages of the Churban. He states that it is the destruction of the Temple, not the physical suffering of the Jews, that is the greatest source of sorrow. The megilla ends with a plea to Hashem to return His people to their former glory, for they have suffered enough.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller talks of the terrible hunger that existed in the time of the Churban, and of the supernatural strength of the enemy, bent on destroying the Jewish People. The perek ends on a positive note, stating that the suffering of the Jewish Nation will soon end, while her enemies will receive retribution for their wickedness.
Rabbi Hershel Reichman gives a Chassidic explanation on the relationship between Bnei Yisrael and Edom, based on the natures of Yaakov and Yisrael.
In this Torah shiur (class) on the complex episode of mei meriva, which cost Moshe Rabbeinu entrance to the land of Israel, is explained by Rabbi Hershel Reichman as a product of the dual nature of miracles.
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen continues his discussion of the Tomer Devorah by delving into the sefer’s characterization of the Jewish People as ‘She’arit Nachalato’, the Remnants of His Inheritance.
In this class on righteous women in Tanach, Rebbetzin Heller continues her discussion of the life of Chana.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller continues her study of Megillat Eicha. In perek gimmel, Yirmiyahu alternates between grief at witnessing the churban and hopeful prophesies of Hashem’s future salvation.
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen discusses the Tomer Devorah’s recipe for a meaningful life. Through the integration of Mussar and Hashkafa into one’s daily existence, every action one does will take on meaning and purpose.
Rabbi Moshe N. Reichman explores the discussion of the Rishonim on Gemara Brachos Daf Tes, regarding reciting Kriat Shema at Netz HaChama, sunrise.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller discusses the anger of Hashem as He punishes His people during the Churban, and of the anguish of Yirmiyahu Hanavi as he describes the tragedy.
In this class about Chana, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explores what the relationship between a mother and child is about.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller begins her class on Eicha, the Book of Lamentations, with a verse-by-verse explanation of Perek Alef. Included in the shiur are a description of the Megilla’s nature and purpose, a depiction of the failures that led to the Churban, and a discussion of how we can feel the Churban today.
