Real Women, Real Torah

Here is where we get into the details of where a married woman's hair needs to be covered and how much. We begin by introducing the concept of “erva” and offer a perspective shift on how to understand the guidelines for modest dress in general. We explore the original sources for the discussion and the various approaches to how we apply those sources to our practical observance. We also discuss the interplay between kabbalah and halacha in the context of hair covering and the hashkafic perspectives that emerge from the sources in kabbalah on this topic. If you liked this series and want to take your learning to the next level by diving into the original sources for yourself, register for our upcoming course starting at the end of October: ⁠⁠batshevalearningcenter.com/courses⁠⁠ To purchase the course books to learn on your own or in a group, visit our online store here:  ⁠⁠batshevalearningcenter.com/textbooks⁠⁠ Follow us ⁠on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠or join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp ⁠⁠group for more text-based Torah learning opportunities for women. This episode is sponsored by Zlata Wigs. Located in the heart of Crown Heights on Kingston Avenue, Zlata Wigs offers an unparalleled wig shopping experience. With over a decade of expertise, Zlata has curated a stunning collection of hundreds of wigs to suit every style, length, and color. Her skilled team will work closely with you to customize your wig to perfection. If you're looking for your dream wig, head over to Zlata Wigs at 386 Kingston Ave. Elevate your expectations! Zlata Wigs 386 Kingston Ave. Brooklyn, NY (917) 793-1230

The Source for the Mitzvah Where does the concept of Kisui Rosh come from in the Torah? Is it a d’oraisa, a d’rabanan or both? Who does it apply to? What if a woman was married and then divorced or widowed? Does she have to cover her hair too? In this episode, we'll explore the unexpected source for the mitzvah of hair covering from stories in the Torah and the Mishna and Gemara. We'll explore the concepts of Das Moshe and Das Yehudis and give a new perspective on the minhagim of tznius that affect so many aspects of our dress. We conclude with a discussion on the original sources that address who is obligated to cover their hair. If you liked this series and want to take your learning to the next level by diving into the original sources for yourself, register for our upcoming course starting at the end of October: ⁠batshevalearningcenter.com/courses⁠ To purchase the course books to learn on your own or in a group, visit our online store here:  ⁠batshevalearningcenter.com/textbooks⁠ Follow us ⁠on Instagram ⁠or join our ⁠WhatsApp ⁠group for more text-based Torah learning opportunities for women. This episode is sponsored by Zlata Wigs. Located in the heart of Crown Heights on Kingston Avenue, Zlata Wigs offers an unparalleled wig shopping experience. With over a decade of expertise, Zlata has curated a stunning collection of hundreds of wigs to suit every style, length, and color. Her skilled team will work closely with you to customize your wig to perfection. If you're looking for your dream wig, head over to Zlata Wigs at 386 Kingston Ave. Elevate your expectations! Zlata Wigs 386 Kingston Ave. Brooklyn, NY (917) 793-1230

Join Mushky Kovesh and Menucha Minkowitz, students at the Brooklyn Beis Midrash, in a 'Chavrusah Shmooze'. In their lively conversation, they explore the concept of sin, redefining Hashem's intention in creating the world. They discuss how our ability to choose between right and wrong comes from our unique connection with Hashem, the piece of divinity within us. The ideas discussed in this episode are based on the maamar באתי לגני תשל"א. This episode has been released in honor of Yud Shvat, the day of the passing of the previous Rebbe, and the day the Rebbe assumed leadership.

Torah Ohr Parshas Vayechi Each of Leah’s first four sons are named to reflect her deep desire to connect to her husband, Yaakov. On a deeper level, each of these sons embody a pathway through which the Jewish soul connects to her ‘husband’, Hashem. This maamar walks us through four steps in building a relationship with Hashem, each one reflected in another part of our daily prayer. The climax is shemoneh esrei, where we achieve the ultimate unity with Hashem through the quality of surrender embodied by Yehuda. ד״ה יהודה אתה יודוך אחיך

Torah Ohr Parshas Vayigash This foundational maamar explores the dynamic between Yosef and Yehuda as a model for two core perspectives that shape the value system of Judaism.  When Yehuda approaches Yosef to plead on Binyamin's behalf, it’s more than a face-off between two brothers; it’s a meeting of two worldviews. Yosef's is one that values spiritual self-growth as the ultimate pursuit. Yehuda sees value in submission to a purpose beyond himself. Both perspectives portray an angle of truth, but only one can hold center stage at a time. While Yehuda started as the more powerful brother, selling Yosef into slavery, Yosef, now the king of Egypt, seems to dominate Yehuda. But ultimately, in generations to come, Yehuda will triumph as the tribe from which Jewish monarchy will descend. At the end of days, it is his perspective that will come out on top. ד״ה ויגש אליו יהודה

Torah Ohr on Chanukah The celebration of Chanukah centers not around the military victory over the Greek army, but a spiritual victory of the soul, represented by the lights of the menorah. This spiritual battle is one we experience every day, as we fight to ignite a fire of love inside our hearts. This maamar retells the story of Chanukah on a personal level, exploring the metaphor of a candle as a model for developing a relationship with Hashem. ד״ה ענין חנוכה

Torah Ohr Parshas Mikeitz Parshas Miketz begins with Pharoah’s dream of the seven healthy cows being swallowed by seven sickly ones. This dream gives a powerful imagery for the fleeting nature of inspiration. Why does our excitement for spirituality seem to slip away as quickly as it comes? This maamar offers an answer by looking at the end of the previous parsha when ‘the butler forgot about Yosef’ as the root of the problem. We’ll explore the symbolism of each character in this story and the role they play in our personal service of Hashem. ד״ה ויהי מקץ

Torah Ohr Parshas Vayeishev Life in exile is a lot like a dream; an alternate reality in which contradictory experiences coexist and nothing seems to make sense. But dreaming has another side to it. It’s a time of infinite imagination that transcends the limits of reason and accesses the deepest parts of the psyche. This maamar explores the recurring theme of dreams that appears multiple times at the end of Sefer Bereishis and why Yosef is considered the ultimate dreamer. ד"ה שיר המעלות

Torah Ohr Parshas Vayishlach What was Yaakov trying to achieve in making peace with Eisav? How do we reconcile within our own souls the boundless, unchanneled energy of Eisav with the disciplined, focused approach of Yaakov? This week’s maamar will retell the story of Yaakov and Eisav’s dramatic reunion on a mystical level and give us profound insight into the internal battle of every Jew. ד״ה וישלח יעקב מלאכים לפניו https://batshevalearningcenter.com/bereishis

Torah Ohr Parshas Vayeitzei Some people are naturally driven to engage with the world, while others prefer to retreat into their own spiritual oasis. Which one does Judaism prefer? This week’s parsha is our first introduction to Rachel and Leah, the two sisters who marry Yaakov and become the last two matriarchs of the Jewish people. In this maamar, we’ll explore the message behind each of their life stories and how we can incorporate both of their roles within our own lives. ד״ה וללבן שתי בנות