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In this episode of Torah Unboxed, we review various editions of the Siddur, the Jewish prayer book. Explore the differences between these editions, their unique features, and how they serve different needs—from daily prayers to deeper understanding of Jewish liturgy. Note that these siddurim all follow the Chabad Nusach (text) based on the Nusach of the Arizal.

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”.

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.

Letters and Numbers of Torah - Bechukotai
After mentioning various curses for failing to perform G-d’s laws, the Torah says that at the end of time, G-d will bring an end to the Jewish people's exile by remembering the Patriarchs: “And I will remember my covenant with Jacob, and my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham I will remember….” (Leviticus 26:42) Why are the patriarchs listed in reverse chronological order? And why is the name Jacob (Yaakov) spelled yud-ayin-kuf-vav-vet with an extra vav, when it is always spelled yud-ayin-kuf-vet without a vav?

Shemita: an oasis of calm every seven years
The parshah of Behar opens with the mitzvah of Shemita, the grounding injunction to refrain working the Holy Land’s soil every seven years. This ground-breaking class uncovers treasures buried just beneath the crust of this most unusual biblical commandment. In addition to garnering a clear understanding of the exceptional scriptural syntax and a range of unique Torah teachings, you’ll discover a whole new level of consciousness and learn how to retain an oasis of calm even as some of the structures we may have centred our lives around appear to be collapsing!

“G-d desired to bring merit upon the Jewish people; therefore He gave them Torah and
Mitzvos in abundance.” G-d is certain that we will use the great opportunity He offers us to
make Him proud. Thus laden with a treasure-load of good deeds, good words and good
thoughts, we prepare ourselves to receive the Torah—in all its richness—on Shavuos.

Part 1: The Mountain 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?

Part 2: 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?

Parsha Naso
“On the second day Netanel Ben Tzuar, the prince of Yissachar, offered. He offered his sacrifice ." (Numbers 7:18-19) Why is the word "offered" (hikriv) written twice? Also, why in the second time it's written is it missing a yud? Discover the connection between the missing yud and the holiday of Shavuot which celebrates the giving of the Torah.

The Haftorah of Shavuot
Why Ezekiel’s vision of the “divine chariot” is the chosen haftorah reading on Shavuos, when it would appear that other scriptural passages that refer directly to the giving of the Torah would make a more appropriate choice, inasmuch as Ezekiel makes no such reference at all! (Based on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 33, p. 18.)

Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 27, Tazria sicha 1
Why does childbirth make a woman impure? Why does she need to bring a sin offering? Learn as we examine the status for one who did the purification process, but hasn’t yet brought the needed offering to complete it. A lesson in the urgency to bring Moshia

Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 17, Shemini sicha 3
Understanding Rashi’s commentary on how Moshe conceded to Aaron’s argument, underscores how they represent two conflicting approaches that are both valid, namely truth and kindness. We learn that you should aspire for consistent spiritual connection, but

Learning Likutei Sichos vol. 27, Shemini sicha 2
An analysis of the dialogue between Moshe and Aharon whether the Rosh Chodesh sacrifice, which was offered on the day the Mishkan was inaugurated, should be consumed or burnt (as worded in Rashi vs. the Talmud). This nuanced discussion contains an importa
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