Parashah Roundup: Re'eh 5768

by Steve Brizel

An Overview of the Parsha

R. Yitzchak Etshalom guides us through the structure of the Parsha: link

The Blessings and the Curses

The Kedushas Levi (as prepared by R. Eliezer Kwass) reninds us that “today” means whenever a Jew performs a mitzvah: link

R. Jonathan Sacks demonstrates why Judaism is based upon, sound, hearing and word as opposed to sight, seeing and image: link

R. Ephraim Buchwald, based upon the commentary of R. Samson Rafael Hirsch zt"l, explains why Har Grizim and Har Eival both border the city of Shechem: link

R. Mordechai Willig underscores the importance of making the correct choices and in raising our nekudas habchirah to the point that certain actions, attitudes are beyond our capabilities. link

R. Asher Brander reminds us that observing that which makes sense is not Divine service and that seeing is not a prerequisite for believing: link

R. Beinish Ginsburg, based upon a shiur of Rav Soloveitchik zt"l, reviews the views of Rashi and Ramban on what exactly are the blessings and curses: link (audio)

Click here to read moreBal Tosif and Bal Tigrah

R. Yonasan Sacks discusses the halachic aspects of Bal Tosif and Bal Tigrah: link (audio)

The False Prophet

R. Yaakov Haber (formerly of RIETS) discusses the differences between a true prophet and a false prophet: link

The Mitzvah of Tzedakah

R. Shlomo Wolbe zt"l, based upon the Nefesh HaChaim, and R. Zev Leff explain that Maaser Sheni and Maaser Ani remind us that our material possessions are not ours and that using them in a proper manner generates sanctity: link 1 (DOC), link 2

R. Lawrence Rothwachs discusses the halachic sources for Tzedakah, prioritization of one's Tzedakah, and Maaser: link

The Mitzvah of Shechitah

R. Herschel Schachter discusses the halachic requirement of Kavanah in Shechitah: link (audio) and whether Shechitah is a mitzvah or a matir: link (audio)

The Shalosh Regalim and Standing Before God

R. Berel Wein urges us to remember to use the Shalosh Regalim as a means of enhancing our commitment to the Land of Israel and our fulfilling the true meaning of the Pilgrim Festivals: link

R. Avigdor Nevenzal suggests that we use Simchas Yom Tov as a means of replenishing our spiritual “gas tanks”and remember the poor and unfortunate: link

R. Zvi Sobolofsky emphasizes that the literal fulfillment of standing before God begins with our internalizing the purposes of the Yamin Noraim and celebrating our accomplishments on Sukkos: link

Destroying The Means of Idol Worship and Fighting its Worshippers

R. Shlomo Riskin, based upon the Ohr HaHaChaim, exhorts us to remember that the Torah promises us that we will not become immune to violence or violent in nature in fullfilling this mitzvah: link

Korban Bechor

R. Baruch Simon investigates the uniqueness of Korban Bechor: link (audio)

The Centrality of Jerusalem

R. Menachem Liebtag shows us why Jerusalem serves both as the national political and religious center of the Land of Israel: link

Shloshim Yom Kodem HaChag Department

Rav Soloveitchik zt"l discusses Slichos as well as the major themes and aspects of Rosh HaShanah: link