Torah Classes

Recent and upcoming broadcasts from the previous and upcoming week of Jewish.TV's programming schedule.

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.

Each week, Rabbi Mendel Kaplan will delve into that week's Torah reading to bring out a practical lesson for life and explain the Biblical sources for the customs, laws, practices and ethics of our people.

Rabbi Gordon shares inspirational Torah insights on the weekly Torah portion with practical life lessons.

A series of video classes that expound upon mystical themes from the classic Chassidic work of Tanya.

A fast and exciting tour of the structure, contents and flow of Tanya, the foundational text of the Chabad system of chassidism. Perfect for complete beginners and seasoned scholars alike.

This spiritual explanation of why it is so difficult for us to properly honor our parents offers insight into healing intergenerational trauma and coming to peace with issues picked up from one’s family of origin.

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 detailed laws and reasons for the Torah Reading Service in the synagogue.

Mystical secrets are discovered hidden in the words of David's songs to G-d.

A practical look at how to forgive people -- especially those closest to us -- after they have caused us harm.

Rabbi Simon Jacobson dispels various popular misconceptions about Jewish belief in Moshiach and clarifies some of the basic ways in which the advent of the Messianic Era is brought about.

System of Divinity, a kabbalistic masterpiece written by Rabbi Yehudah Chayyat (born in Spain, c.1450), provides us with a rare first person account of the Spanish expulsion of 1492 and the state of Sephardic Jews in a year that most people associate with the voyage of Columbus.

Discover the mystical understanding and timeless significance behind the very first sin of man: eating from the Tree of Knowledge.

In the beginning of time, G-d blows a soul into a body of clay and thus creates man. So, too, will it be at the end of time. Join Rabbi Kaplan as he expounds upon this wondrous fusion of body and soul.

One of the foundations of our faith is the belief that Moshiach may arrive at any moment. How do we develop a feeling that Moshiach's coming is imminent?

Learn an amazingly simple secret for healing yourself and all of your relationships this new year.

Rabbi Zohn presents the Jewish view on death, burial and the afterlife, and how to pragmatically prepare for it in the Jewish tradition.

This lecture is from a celebratory gathering commemorating the 19th of Kislev, the Chassidic holiday marking the liberation of Rabbi Schneur Zalman, the founder of Chabad Chassidism (Montreal, Canada - Dec. 6, 2009).

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 deeper look at three examples of the master/pupil relationship as depicted in three consecutive portions of the Torah.

A look at the three Haftorah portions read during the "Three Weeks" commemorating the destruction of the Holy Temple.

A deeper look at the seven comforting prophecies read each Shabbat from Tisha b'Av until Rosh HaShannah.

Insights and lessons on the parshah based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

How the cumulative effect of our positive actions results in the perfect world of Moshiach.

Study a variety of vibrant and topical subjects with scholarly teachers. These Torah classes are from a day of learning in Montreal, Canada dedicated to help bring peace to Israel on 8/3/2008.

How the simple sound of the ram’s horn on Rosh Hashanah represents a Jew’s heartfelt cry to G‑d.

A basic overview of the scriptural and Talmudic sources for the three-part structure of the Rosh Hashanah Musaf prayer, plus its deeper meaning as embodied by two chassidic parables.

An overview of some the unique customs associated with the holiday of Shavuot, along with their practical reasons and spiritual explanations.

Gain insight into the transformative nature of the giving of the Torah at Sinai.

How to properly experience the High Holiday season when your heart and head are burdened with challenges, worries, and frustrations from day to day anxieties.

The power of the sukkah to release us from our emotional attachments to the material world and make us available for intimate relationships with others.

Do we anticipate the coming of Moshiach just to make ourselves feel better, or to align ourselves with the true and ultimate purpose for which the world was created?

The Talmud praises those who recite Psalms 145 – also known as the prayer of Ashrei – each day. This series provides thoughtful insights into the deeper meaning of the verses of this prayer.

A rabbi speaks to a non-Jewish group about Judaism's message to all humankind -- the Seven Noahide Laws.

The Third Temple to be built by Moshiach corresponds to the third phase in a relationship in which opposites are harmonized and ultimate peace is achieved.

How to exercise "mind over matter" in facing life's challenges. Also, the ritual hand washing is used as a model for striking balance between intellect and emotion.

Why do we travel to the resting place of a tzaddik? What happens during our visit there? What kind of connection can one still have with one's teacher after the teacher has passed on?

A mystical exploration of the deeper meaning behind Jewish holiday observances.

Why did G-d create the world in such a way that we can only experience redemption after having first endured the hardships of exile?

An in-depth analysis of a puzzling Talmudic passage which foretells that Moshiach will be a king and that his ancestor David will be his viceroy.

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.

Why building a Temple on the Temple Mount is by necessity the first stage in making the world a G-dly place. (Based on the Rebbe's discourse Gadol Yihyeh K'vod Habayis Hazeh, 5722.)

Says the prophet Jeremiah in Lamentations, “For these things I weep.” Where were the rest of the Jewish people when Jeremiah was mourning the destruction of the Holy Temple?

Rabbi Raskin looks at the hidden meanings of the sizes and numerical values (gematria) of the Hebrew letters in the weekly Torah portion.

How to prepare mentally and emotionally for Rosh Hashannah as the 48-hour period on which we connect to our "higher self" by crowning G-d as King.

How we serve as G-d's partners by using the physical world around us to serve a higher purpose.

Rabbi Raskin looks at the hidden meanings and numerical values (gematria) of the Hebrew letters relating to the Jewish holidays.

Each class examines a verse or verses from the weekly Torah portion and shows how to understand the simple meaning of the text according to the explanations of the foremost Biblical commentaries of all time.

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.”

Lectures and classes delivered by faculty and visiting scholars at the yeshiva Tiferes Bachurim, part of the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, NJ.

Prepare for Purim with a quick overview of a) the practical laws (halacha) of Purim, b) the Megillah story, and c) insights into the deeper meaning of the holiday.

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.

Selected verses from the weekly portion are studied with classic commentaries and chassidic insights.

G‑d is on the campaign trail to be crowned as King of the Universe again this year, and He wants your vote.

How the mitzvah of building a sukkah is performed in three epochs of history: before the giving of the Torah, after the giving of the Torah and after Moshiach comes.

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.

If G-d knows what we will choose, do we really have free choice? In this challenging 1-hour lecture, Rabbi New tackles this profound paradox.

A three-part series explains how the first three weekly portions of the Torah can be understood as three models for living.

A mezuzah mounted on the doorpost designates a home as Jewish, but it is also a symbol of G d's watchful care over the home. How does a mezuzah protect us at home and even when we travel?

Study some of the highlights of the weekly Torah portion with insights from various commentaries.

Study a commandment or commandments that appear in each of the weekly Torah portions.

The unique accomplishment of Maimonides in codifying and grouping together all of the legal rulings of the Talmud.

What was unique about Maimonides Sefer HaMitzvot in which he lists and defines each of the 613 commandments of the Torah?

Upon the completion of the 30th cycle of the daily study of Maimonides' Mishnah Torah, Rabbi Manis Friedman explains how one of the Rebbe's stated goals in launching the campaign was to unite world 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.

Rabbi Abraham Shemtov addresses the Jewish community of S. Paolo, Brazil on the occasion of completing a full cycle of daily Rambam study.

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?

Each class tackles another hot-button issue of public policy from the perspective of traditional Torah sources.

We count 49 days from Passover to Shavuot, the day of the giving of the Torah. In the siddur (prayer book), it associates each day of counting to a different “sefirah” (kabbalistic attribute). How is all of this relevant to us now?

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 menorah is possibly the most popular Jewish symbol, yet there’s much confusion as to how it really looked.

Little is known about the Shulchan (the Gold Table), which stood opposite the menorah in the Holy Temple. This class explores the function, significance, and symbolism of the Table and the Show-Bread.

The dietary laws of kosher are divine commandments that transcend human reason, yet it makes sense that the soul needs a regulated diet.

“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.

A deeper look at the many reasons enumerated in the teachings of the Sages for shofar, and the underlying theme it conveys.

This class endeavors to uncover the reasons behind the order of the shofar sounding specifically in the middle of the Rosh Hashana prayer service.

Do you know what to look for when buying an etrog? Learn more than the mere difference between a lemon and an etrog, familiarize yourself with what’s the ideal etrog, and become an educated etrog consumer.

An overview of the laws for constructing a kosher sukkah.

Selected explanations from the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe on the weekly Torah portion.

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 is the effect of our thought on our action in performing a mitzvah? Rabbi Eli Silberstein explains this with a puzzling Talmudic passage that states that G-d joins a positive thought to an action.

Why the constant focus on joy, and how do we increase in our joy during the month of Adar? Comparing and contrasting the holidays of Purim and Pesach sheds light on how to serve
G-d with greater joy.

Is there a single, overarching theme to "Hemsech Ayin Beis" or can it perhaps better be understood as the culmination of various ideas advanced by its author throughout the years of his leadership?

Viewing the Rebbe RaShaB's mystical teachings as an educational initiative for producing students who would go on to defy Communist oppression and challenge American Jewish apathy.

Which is greater, the natural or the miraculous? Rabbi Freeman charts the development of a kabbalistic doctrine from the Ari, to the RaSHaB to the Rebbe.

Reconciling the pursuit of spiritual ecstasy with the idea of creating a “dwelling place for the divine in the lower realms of creation.”

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?

Rabbi Schapiro explains in clear, simple terms what kabbala really is, and how we are to approach the secrets of the Torah.

What is the true definition of faith? How does believing differ from knowing? Are there logical proofs for the belief in G‑d and in the divine origins of the Torah?

Each Parshah contains a mnemonic for the number of verses therein. Explore the coded message in the designated mnemonic, its connection to the general theme of the Parshah, and the significance of the specific number of verses associated that particular Parshah.

Maimonides codifies the belief and anticipation to the coming of Moshiach as an absolute imperative in Judaism. Why is it so necessary to await and year for the Messianic Era?

An informal presentation of the last teaching handed to us by the Rebbe: "There's something you can achieve that I can't. Moses plugs you in, but it's your job to light up the world." (Based on the chasidic discourse V’Atah Tetzaveh)

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.

Understand the meaning and the structure of the Rosh Hashanah prayer services and "why we do what we do."

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!