ב"ה

Smashing Idols
The famous story from the Midrash about how Abraham destroyed the idols in his father's shop. An excerpt from the full DVD “Young Abraham”.

The soul of Shabbat
A new and deeply personal appreciation of Shabbat emerges as we examine: (a) the nature of work forbidden on Shabbat; (b) the connection between Shabbat and the construction of the Sanctuary; (c) why the Torah singles out the prohibition of kindling a fire to teach something novel about the Shabbat labors. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 36, parshas Vayakhel)

The High Priest's apron-like garment called the "ephod" had gems over the shoulder straps with the names of the twelve tribes engraved in them. The classical sources differ as to the order in which the tribes were named on the jewels. A spiritual interpretation of these opinions is that they describe two kinds of Jewish unity. (Based on Likutei Sichos, vol. 31.)

On Shabbat work is forbidden. But what defines work? The Torah defines work as any of the activities that were required for the construction or function of the Mishkan, the Divine Sanctuary. This class will explain the deeper connection between Shabbat and the Mishkan, and thereby outline the Divine template for a meaningful life. (Maamar, Vayakhel Moshe 5714)

The Uppermost Covering of the Mishkan
The uppermost covering of the Divine Sanctuary, the Mishkan, was the hide of a creature the Torah identifies as the 'Tachash'. The Sages disagree as to what type of creature it was, but all agree that it existed only then and that its hide was multicolored. This class will address Rashi's commentary on the subject and reveal the profound spiritual message contained therein. (Likutei Sichos vol. 31)

Understanding this forbidden labor on five levels
The prohibition on Shabbat to light a flame is explicitly stated in the Torah, different than the other 39 categories of forbidden labor, which are only implicitly derived from the labors performed in the construction of the mishkan. Why does the Torah single out kindling a fire?

Parshah Curiosities: Vayakhel
The Torah’s gives a glowing description of the women’s exceptional contributions towards constructing the Mishkan—highlighting the feminine superiority of faith. This class also uncovers intriguing nuggets on the art of spinning goat-hair, a ghost-written prayer, and the special connection to Rosh Chodesh.

Exploring Rashi on the tribal leaders’ contributions to the Mishkan
This class examines the Torah’s criticism of the Jewish leaders in the desert for appearing sluggish in their contributions to the building of the Tabernacle. Rashi, in his analysis of this story, teaches us a fundamental lesson in leadership. Based on Lekutei Sichos 12)

In last week’s class, the basic human needs of food, clothing and shelter were explored on multi-levels: physical, psychological, spiritual and the Divine. This class will continue to develop this theme together with the implications and lessons for our daily lives. (Based on Maamar Vayakhel Moshe 5714)

Why three matzahs and four cups of wine?
The Kabbalah of the matzah and wine at the Passover Seder. Men, women and the dynamics of redemption. Explore the deeper understanding of why we have three matzahs on the Seder plate and drink four cups of wine. (Based on Lukutei Sichos vol. 26, Parshas Voeira)

The Talmud on the Pesach Seder
In this intermediate level class you will learn to understand the unique give-and-take style of Talmudic debate and discussion. Text for this class is in middle of chapter ten of tractate Pesachim, titled ‘Arvei Pesachim’, and we pick up the Talmud’s discussion at folio 115a.

All important things need preparation, and education is certainly no exception. We need not wait to respond to our children; by being proactive, we can be sure that they’re properly engaged. This is especially true by the Passover Seder. Much of the ritual that surrounds the Passover Seder
involves the participation of our children. By properly preparing, all our children, no matter their personalities, can feel welcome and involved.
Get the Chabad.org Video app