Commentaries on the Torah

Our Sages taught, “There are three whose sins are forgiven: (a) A convert upon converting, (b) one who is elevated to a high position and (c) when one marries.” This class explores the Scriptual source for the latter and in so doing addresses the question why this final Exile has been far longer than the previous exiles the Jewish people have endured. (Likutei Sichos volume 35, Sicha 3)

A person can be spiritual and even religious without Torah. Why then does Torah insist on a defined set of rules? In addressing this question, an age-old debate between Issac and Ishmael is analyzed, yielding a surprising outcome. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 25, p.86.)

The Talmud considers three manners of toil for which man was created: The toil of (a) Livelihood, (b) Speech or (c) Torah. In examining the inner meaning of this discussion, this class addresses the virtue of toil and the unique quality of the Land of Israel. (Likutei Sichos volume 15, Sicha 4)

The Sages of the Talmud differ as to the positioning of the Menorah in the Holy Temple, whether east to west (along the width of the temple) or north to south (along the temple’s length). This class reveals the spiritual underpinnings of this discussion and the relevance to our daily lives. (Based on Reshimas HaMenorah)

The three sections in the Holy Temple represent three levels of reality. Explore components of the Beit Hamikdash and their mirroring mystical attributes.

Although Jewish law exempts women from the observance of ‘time-constrained positive commandments’, they are nonetheless enjoined to observe all the Sabbath rituals, notwithstanding the fact that Shabbat rituals (such as reciting the ‘kiddush’) are ‘time-constrained’ mitzvahs. This class sheds new light on the reason for this exception and highlights the unique spiritual value of the Jewish women.

Many reasons are suggested to explain why we eat dairy foods on Shavuot. Of all the classic reasons offered, the one that appears to be the simplest is strangely absent. This class will explain why, and in so do doing will address the great mission of the Jewish people that began at Sinai. (Based in part on Likutei Sichos vol. 8, Naso 3)

Ezra the Scribe ordained that on the Shabbat before Shavuot, and again before Rosh Hashanah, the Torah readings containing the calamities that will befall the Jewish people for failure to observe the commandments shall be read. This class explores the inner meaning behind these dire warnings and reveals their uplifting message.

In explaining why Aaron was forbidden to enter ‘at any time’ into the inner sanctum of the Sanctuary, Rashi employs a parable concerning an ill patient and the advice he receives from two doctors. This class will reveal the deeper meaning of this unusual parable and its poignant message especially as it relates to the current ‘Omer’ period. (Likkutei Sichos, volume 7)

We are commanded in the Torah to count, from the 2nd day of Passover, 49 days and ‘7 complete weeks’. This mitzvah is referred to as the Counting of the Omer. Our Sages comment that the count is only perfect when Passover begins on the Sabbath, and thus the count begins with the first day of the week – Sunday. In such a year (as is the case this year) the 7 weeks are indeed perfect. But this is highly puzzling for a number of reasons, one being that the mitzvah to Count the Omer is perfectly fulfilled every year regardless of what day of the week the count begins! In answering this difficulty, this class reveals the extraordinary blessing inherent in this year’s counting of the Omer.