by Steve Brizel
The Mitzvah of Bikurim
R. Yitzchak Etshalom explores Havaas Bikurim and Mikra Bikurim: linkR. Yonasan Sacks discusses the similarities between Mikra Bikurim and Birkas HaTorah:
linkR. Baruch Simon, quoting a Medrash Tanchumah, suggests that Tefilah can serve as a perpetuation of the purpose of Mikrah Bikurim: linkR. Shlomo Riskin, based upon R Elchanan Samet's analysis of a comment of R Menachem Ziemba HaShem Yimkam Damo, zt"l, in the name of the Ari, explains that Mikra Bikurim serves as a Tikun for the sin of the spies: linkR. Zvi Sobolofsky explains why Mikrah Bikurim was chosen as one of the key texts in the Haggadah: >linkR. Larry Rothwachs compares the halachos of Mikra Bikurim with Hilcos Tefilah and Krias HaTorah: link (PDF)Click here to read moreHakaras Hatov
R. Shlomo Wolbe zt"l suggests that Hakaras HaTov is so important that we have to integrate it into our personalities: link (DOC)
HaKohen Asher Yihiyeh Bayim Hahem
R. Ephraim Buchwald reminds us that just as a contemporary Kohen is entitled to a certain amount or respect even if he is spiritually inferior to a past Kohen, our present spiritual leaders and political leaders are entitled to the same amount of respect: linkR. Asher Weiss explores different halachos that relate to a Kohen's abilities: link
Vidui Maaser
R. Yissocher Frand urges us never to say “I've done it all” before God: link
The Tochacha
R. Aharon Lichtenstein analyzes the differences between the two Tochachas: linkThe Sfas Emes , as prepared by R Eliezer Kwass, underscores the importance of Shemiras Shabbos as the source of all blessings: linkR. Mayer Twersky suggests that suffering facilitates the correction of our flaws and brings us closer to our ultimate redemption: linkR. Yonasan Sacks reminds us that we read that the Tochachah to remind us to approach our personal and communal obligations with a heightened appreciation and awareness of the uniqueness of our mutual responsibility and Kedushas Yisrael: linkR. Herschel Schachter urges to remember that the Tochacha is a symbol of our national commitment: linkR. Jonathan Sacks challenges us neither to accept a lachyrmose version of Jewish history nor to become forgetful because of our affluence: link (PDF)R. Asher Brander warns against assuming an attitude of blindness towards others less fortunate in their lives: linkR. Elyakim Koenigsberg reminds us that Avodas HaShem requires an attitude of Simcha: link (audio)R. Dovid Gottlieb surveys the halachic and hashkafic aspects of Arvus: link (audio)R. Avigdor Nevenzal suggests that the recitation of Zicronos teaches us that every person's actions are of critical importance: linkR. Berel Wein reminds us that the Jewish People, as a people, will always survive the most cataclysmic events: link
by Steve Brizel
10:18 PM
Gil Student
