Shemini Audio Classes

A five minute weekly Torah thought based on the teachings of Chassidut.

Experience the gems of the Parsha with the classic commentaries, and a kabbalstic twist.

Parshat Shemini discusses the laws of impurity as it specificlaly relates to food. One of the stipulations for a vegetable to be susceptible to impurity is that it must be completely severed from the ground. If however there is even a small strand that can keep the vegetable sustained, it can not become impure. This class takes a Kabbalistic viewpoint of this concept.

An in depth look at the weekly Parsha based on the talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

A five minute weekly Torah insight based on the wellsprings of Torah and Chassidut.

An overview of the weekly Parsha, through the eyes of the many commentators, enriching your understanding of how our great history unfolded.

An in depth presentation of Chassidic teachings on the weekly Parshah.

An advanced presentation of Chassidic teachings on the Parshah.

Look into your life and discover the Parsha within.

Though we are not expected to react like Aaron, our own lives are rarely easy. To accept life’s challenges, we need to cultivate our faith that G‑d runs the world.

In the verse (Leviticus 11:42) that prohibits the eating of creatures that slither on their bellies, the Hebrew word for belly (gachon) is spelled with a large-sized letter vav. How does this allude to our inner struggle against the evil inclination, which is likened to a snake?

How does a food item become susceptible to ritual defilement? This class analyzes the three requisite conditions in Halacha and relates each to a parallel in the service of G-d. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 27, pp.74)

An overview of what transpired on the eighth day of the inauguration of the Sanctuary climaxing with Aaron alone, and then he and Moses blessing the people, and the appearance of G-d's presence.

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

The biblical criteria for determining which animals are kosher, and their practical application today.

In our daily prayers we repeatedly quote the praises and songs that the angels offer the Almighty on High. These visions of the celestial beings have been transmitted to us by the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel. This class will explain the meaning of these songs and why in our prayers, we - mere mortals of flesh and blood - invoke the compositions of the angels. (Based on the Purim maamor of 5714 / 1954)

The name of this Torah portion means eight, which is extremely special and central in Judaism. Explore the significance and the many areas where this number is expressed throughout Jewish life.

The parshah of Shemini contains 91 verses and the mnemonic for it is the word ‘Ovadiah’. Explore the coded message in this Masoretic note and its connection to the general themes of the Parshah.

Learn the profound connections between the weekly parsha and its related Haftorah.

Moshe and Aharon have a difference in opinion over how Judaism should be practiced, teaching us a spectacular lesson in how to relate to Jewish growth – in ourselves and in others.

What lies at the essence of the laws of Kosher? The Torah sheds lights with one key word: to differentiate, or l’havdil in the original Hebrew—this single word defines the Jew’s uniqueness as a holy person. When we eat kosher food it becomes part of who we are, and transforms our entire spiritual being and can even help our physical health as well. This week story brings the point home with an incredible twist on the very last line of a sacred letter.

Why were the sons of Aaron punished? What exactly was their sin? Rashi, as recorded in the Manuscrips, sheds light on this curious episode.