Parashah Roundup: Emor/Yom Ha-Atzma'ut 5768

by Steve Brizel

Tumas Kohanim

R. Ephraim Buchwald reminds us that the Torah commandment of Tumas Kohanim with respect to the mourning for his seven direct relatives and an abandoned corpse serve to remind us all that the person in need takes precedence over one's own responsibilities and obligations: link

Chinuch HaBanim

R. Yisocher Frand, based on Rashi, expands on why Tumas Kohanim serves as a model for parents to impart Torah and Mitzvos to their children: link

R. Berel Wein demonstrates that the main role of a Kohen is to be a role model and teacher of Torah: link

Click here to read moreKiddush HaShem

R. Shlomo Riskin explores different aspects of a life devoted to Kiddush HaShem: link

Parashas HaMoados

R. Jonathan Sacks, based upon a survey of Jewish history, explains why the Shalosh Regalim represent God's loyalty to the Jewish People: link

R. Morechai Kornefeld explores the themes of the Exodus and the agricultural season: link

The Sfas Emes, as prepared by R. Eliezer Kwass, reminds us of the three fold theme of Shabbos that is stated in the Bracha of Kedushas HaYom: link

R. Shlomo Wolbe zt"l exlores the relationship between the Parshas HaMoadim and the mitzvos of Leket, Shichachacha and Peah: link (DOC)

R. Baruch Simon, in his weekly shiur, discusses the many hashkafic approaches underlying the Omer and the Shtei Halechem: link

R. Avigdor Nevenzal reminds us that we should use the many halachic and hashkafic aspects of Sefiras HaOmer to make a proper preparation and transition from Pesach to Shavuos: link

R. Moshe Lichtenstein explains the common theme that underlies the Parshas Hamoadim, Chovel Umazik and Megadef: link

R. Asher Brander analyzes why only Shabbos has a Neshama Yeserah: link

Yom HaAtzmaut

R. Aharon Lichtenstein emphasizes that we must integrate past, present and future in celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut: link

R. Zev Leff asks why there was no mass aliyah from today's Torah communities: link

R. Yaacov Haber views the demise of secular Zionism as part of a larger teshuvah movement: link

R. Hershel Schachter reminds us that the establishment of the State of Israel underscores our relationship with God as the Am HaNivchar and that even if we are critical of the Israeli government, we are overjoyed and thankful to have a Jewish state in the Land of Israel, offers 10 separate reasons to support the establishment of the State of Israel and discusses the halachic basis for celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut: link 1, link 2, link 3 (audio), link 4 (audio)

R. Michael Rosensweig suggests that we remind ourselves that Yom HaAtzmaut should serve as a framework for Kedusha and spriritual growth: link

R. Mordechai Willig juxtaposes fulfilling Kibud Av VaEm and Yishuv Eretz Yisrael: link

R. Assaf Bednarsh evaluates how we should feel on Yom HaAtzmaut: link (audio)