This week, Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman resumes his Gemara Brachot class, with a new course beginning from Daf 13A of Gemara Brachot.

In this Torah shiur (class) on Gemara Brachot, Rabbi Moshe Nechemia Reichman begins learning daf 13A, with a discussion of the halacha which states that one who is reading from a Sefer Torah fulfills his obligation to recite Kriat Shma daily if he reads the Kriat Shma from the Torah.

Hilchot Shabbat

Rabbi Shimon Isaacson provides Naaleh.com users with an in-depth study of the Laws of Shabbat, focusing on both the Halachik underpinnings and reasoning behind the laws, and the practical details of their execution.

One student writes in about the class Candle Lighting as Kabbalat Shabbat

‘Brilliant Shiur! Thank you so much!! This is what I have needed for years!!’ -Anoymous

In this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayeira, we learn of the promise to Avraham that he be blessed with a son at the age of 100, and of Sarah’s laughter at hearing the news. Delve into various perspectives on this intriguing episode in the Torah:

Parshat Vayeira: Lessons of Laughter Mrs. Shira Smiles explores the theme of laughter which is connected to the birth of Yitzchak.

Parshat Vayeira: Laughter Lessons Mrs. Chana Prero compares Avraham, Sara, and Ishmael’s tzchok (laughter), to determine which laughter is appropriate in different situations. She also discusses Hagar’s behavior when she is sent out of Avraham’s home.

Seeds of Moshiach: Yehuda and Tamar

Mrs. Shira Smiles, renowned teacher of Chumush, Navi, and Parsha, has begun a new in-depth Chumash course, entitled:  Seeds of Mashiach:  Yehuda and Tamar.  This intriguing and difficult portion of Chumash Breishit will be elucidated and clarified through the use of tens of commentaries and sources. The episode of Yehuda’s marriage to Tamar, and the birth of his children Peretz and Zerach, is difficult to understand, yet contains within it the secret of the Davidic dynasty and the seeds of Mashiach.

The first class is the series is now available:

Parsha for Our Lives 5770

Mrs. Shira Smiles delivers a fascinating weekly shiur on selected topics in the weekly Parsha. Mrs. Smiles begins with a primary sources, usually a (pasuk) verse from the Torah, and delves into its meaning and message through extensive selections from both the Early Commentators of the Middle Ages and the Later Commentators of the Modern Era. Mrs. Smiles adds excerpts from classical works produced by both the Chassidic and Mussar Movements, and ties together all components of the lecture to bring home a new insight into our lives as inspired Torah Jews.

This week’s Parsha, Parshat Lech Lecha is now available. Parshat Lech Lecha: Ultimate Benefit. Mrs. Smiles delves into the deeper understanding of Avraham’s test of Lech Lecha.

Sefer Yechezkel

Yechezkel the prophet was unique in that he merited exalted visions of Hashem and His Heavenly kingdom, in the distant exile of Babylonia. The inspirational prophesies of Yechezkel carry timeless messages for the Jewish nation in its current state of galut. In the first class in the series, Hashem’s Presence in Exile, 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.

We are excited to present a NEW course on Pirkei Avot, taught by Rabbi Michael Taubes, for your learning pleasure.  The course will go through all of the six chapters of Pirkei Avot, explaining the background of the various ethical teachings of our Sages,a s well as explicating them and applying them to our daily lives.  This course will be geared to students of all levels and backgrounds.

Rabbi Taubes brings many years of experience as a Rav, educator, and author for Artscroll to this class.  He is able to present his material in an interesting and thorough manner.  We look forward to this new learning opportunity, and hope you will take advantage of it as well!  Click on the image below to watch the first shiur in the Pirkei Avot series:

We hope you enjoyed the past two months of special classes on the topics of Elul, Rosh Hashana, and Sukkot.  Now, take the inspiration of the holidays with you into the entire year, with the new Fall courses offered at Naaleh.com.

Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing the newest course offerings at Naaleh.com.  This week, we are proud to present you with a new series on Sefer Yechezkel taught by Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller, a new series on Hilchot Shabbat, beginning with the laws of Muktza, taught by Rabbi Shimon Isaacson, and a new Parsha series, Parsha for Our Lives, taught by Mrs. Shira Smiles.

In addition, we have many classes on Parshat Breishit and a new chinuch class by Rebbetzin Heller on creating a meaningful Shabbat experience for our children.

Practical Judaism by Rabbi Ari Jacobson

Practical Judaism is geared to people who want to learn the fundamentals of Jewish faith and practice. This course, based on the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, the Abreviated Code of Jewish Law by Rabbi Shlomo Gantzfried, (ca.1886), focuses on the concrete application of Jewish Law. Some of the topics covered include how to pray, keep kosher, and observe Shabbos. The course does not assume any prior knowledge of Judaism or Torah concepts, and can be enjoyed by both beginners and advanced students.

Students have been enjoying this class since the very beginning. Here is what one student wrote in about the very first class,  The Right Start to Your Day :

‘Rabbi Jacobson’s class No.1, Basic Judaism is very well communicated. Thank you for relaying this important information! I recommend his course most highly!’  -Jule Bevell

Other class topics include:

Washing Hands upon Awakening

Covering One’s Head

Proper Prayer

The Halachot of Shema

Preparing for the Amida

There are already over 20 classes in this series so students can begin learning right away and go at their own pace.

In chapter 2 of Megillat Kohelet, King Shlomo writes, “Leschok amarti mehalel u’lesimcha mah zeh oseh“-I said, what good is laughter, it is only frivolity and what does joy achieve? This verse seems strange. Don’t we all want happiness? What King Shlomo meant to say was that joy should not be an end in itself.  Man’s goal should be to live a life filled with meaning, depth, and purpose. Happiness should come as a byproduct. Joy and laughter only gives you a moment where you can escape from yourself. In contrast, living a life that is productive, in which one works towards authentic achievements and real connection will naturally produce inner serenity and eternal joy.

Tzadikim live joyful lives but their happiness is a consequence of their choices. It is not a lifestyle. To put this in simpler terms, imagine getting a sentence from the court-”Eight years of watching Bugs Bunny”. That would be horrific.

One would think when reading Kohelet that the author, King Shlomo, did not want us to be happy, only earnest. This is not true.  He wanted us to be joyous. However he did warn us not to grasp onto tinsel and think it to be gold.  Recognizing reality and working towards lasting goals will in turn lead to true eternal happiness.