Parashah Roundup: Ki Sisa 5768

by Steve Brizel

The Half Shekel

R. Yaacov Haber (Torahlab) explores why one must not take a census in a direct manner: link

R. Efraim Buchwald, based upon the Alshich, suggests that thehalf shekel is precisely a half shekel to remind man that he cannot consider himself alone: link

Washing the Hands

R. Berel Wein discusses the Kiyor and the significance of Netilas Yadayim: link

Click here to read moreThe Episode of the Golden Calf

R. Yisachar Frand, based upon an essay of R Avigdor Nevenzal, suggests a connection between the Episode of the Golden Calf and Parah Adumah-the need to follow the Mesorah of Torah SheBaal Peh: link

R. Shlomo Riskin discusses why we learn so many of the fundamentals of teshuvah from the incident of the Golden Calf and how Moshe Rabbeinu evolves from following God's orders to being the defender of the Jewish People: link

R. Asher Brander, based upon a drasha of Rav Soloveitchik zt"l, suggests that Moshe's leadership skills and willingness to sacrifice for Klal Yosrael, remain a model for anyone involved in a leadership role: link

R. Ezra Bick analyzes the Mitvos that are underscored in the wake of the Episode of the Golden Calf: link

R. Aharon Lichtenstein probes why Moshe Rabbeinu broke the first set of Luchos: link

R. Avigdor Nevenzal traces many examples where Klal Yisrael engaged in the same rationale as the generation that erected the Golden Calf and finds a common denominator for the cause: link

The Thirteen Midos

R. Zev Leff explains how one implements the 13 Midos, as opposed to merely reciting them: link

The Second Luchos

R. Jonathan Sacks, based upon a well known Kabbalistic doctrine, suggests an intrinsic difference between the two sets of Luchos: link

Torah Shebiksav and Torah SheBaal Peh

R. Herschel Shachter discusses the development of Torah SheBaal Peh: link

Talmud Torah and True Freedom

R. Mayer Twersky emphasizes that one is free when he internalizes the Torah: link

Shabbos and Mikdash

R. Yitzchak Etshalom reviews the many halachic and hashkafic relationships between Shabbos and Mikdash: link