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Torah Classes
Classes and lectures from master teachers on a variety of Jewish subjects
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Traditional Interpretations of the Bible
This class analyzes an aspect of the weekly Torah portion or upcoming holiday. While providing a basic understanding of the subject matter, the lesson delves into its deeper and more complex dimensions with emphasis on the spiritual relevance to our daily lives. Inspiration for both the novice and advanced student.

A weekly course unleashing the positivity in your life
From the snoozed alarm clock to the big promotion, life is full of opportunities to watch the mundane turn sublime. This course invites you to tap into the spiritual wisdom of the most ancient religious text in the world: the Torah. Our weekly series will take you on a year-long journey towards discovering yourself, and unleashing the hidden potential within you. Join and turn your "good" into "great"!

The Mountain of Sinai and the Desert of Sinai
You may already know that the giving of the Torah -- which we celebrate on the holiday of Shavuot -- took place at Sinai. But what is Sinai? The Torah speaks of a wilderness called Sinai as well as a mountain by the same name. What is the difference between the desert and the mountain? And how does that shape our understanding of what happened there years ago?

A Metaphor for Exile and Redemption
Before the siege of Jerusalem, G-d commanded the prophet Ezekiel to place an iron pot around a brick symbolizing the city's siege. (Ezekiel 4:3) Iron can be a metaphor for the grave character defect of rigidity or for the deep inner strength of the Jewish people that leads to Redemption.

Nutrition from Shamayim
Can the New Year for Trees be a time for reflecting on the mitzvah of taking care of our health? Learn more about the meaning of Tu B’Shevat, and some of the health and healing properties of the fruits mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:8: “A land of wheat, barley, grapes, figs and pomegranates; a land of oil-yielding olives and [date] honey.”

When remains of missing people are never recovered
Law professor and rabbi Michael J. Broyde addresses the legal problem of determining the status of people who went missing in the 9/11 terrorist attacks and whose remains were never recovered. In particular, Broyde examines the Talmudic approach to the question of whether or not the spouses of such people are free to remarry.

Laws and customs of the holiday
What special rituals are performed on the holiday of Sukkot? How does one perform them? What are some of the deeper reasons for doing what we do? An expert in Jewish law gives an overview of the lulav and etrog, eating in a sukkah, and other Sukkot-related observances.

Maimonides' "Iggeret Teiman" (Letter to Yemenite Jewry)
Maimonides was known not only as a Torah scholar but as an activist and leader who responded to the great upheavals of his time. In particular, his 1169 CE "Iggeret Teiman" (Letter to Yemenite Jewry) exemplifies his involvement in giving guidance and encouragement to his brethren.

A Vision of a Perfect World
At the conclusion of his magnum opus, Mishneh Torah, Maimonides describes the world as it will be after the coming of Moshiach by saying "the sole occupation of the whole world will be to know G-d." What kind of reality does this describe? Is it something we can envision now?

The "Battery" of the Holy Temple
This class is all about the Holy Ark, which contained the “Ten Commandments”, and the Cherubim that were placed on top of it. Discover some incredible details about this most sacred Jewish artifact–including what its true function was (and is!), as well as where we believe it is presently hidden.

The fifteenth day of Av
“There were no greater festivals for Israel than the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur. On these days the daughters of Jerusalem would go out . . . (for matchmaking).” This cryptic passage of the Talmud—like many others—requires further study, elaboration and context to better understand its meaning and significance.

The 24th of Tevet marks the passing of the Alter Rebbe
Join a farbrengen in Thornhill, Ontario on the anniversary of passing of the Alter Rebbe, the founder of Chabad. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan will lead a discussion on how the Tanya authored by the Alter Rebbe, serves as a practical roadmap for a fulfilling life today, and enables us to attain joy, inner tranquility and experience satisfaction in serving G-d.

What Really Happened on 19 Kislev
On the 19th day of the month of Kislev, the first Chabad Rebbe, R' Shneur Zalman, was released from prison in 1798. It is said that his trial was the result of a parallel case in the heavenly court. What were the charges and how are we to understand the idea of heavenly prosecution altogether? What difference did the ruling make in our lives today?

Why this ancient Jewish city is so special
Explore Chevron’s extraordinary Jewish history beginning with the purchasing of a burial plot for our matriarch Sarah. The fascinating historical details of Jewish life in this city for nearly four millennia will be accompanied by the mystical Jewish teachings about the unique and unparalleled holiness this ancient Jewish city holds.

In-depth study of the High Holiday prayers
Each lecture presents a fascinating anthology of a particular part of the unique liturgy of the Machzor, delving into the history, structure and deeper meanings of the prayerful literary tapestry we call Davening. This series is sure to make your praying experience more profound on Rosh Hashanah!
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