Parashah Roundup: Vayeilekh/Shuvah/Yom Kippur 5769

by Steve Brizel

The Transition from Moses to Joshua
R. Yissocher Frand shows us the tension that exists and surfaces when a disciple succeeds his mentor: link

R. Berel Wein shows us that even on his last day on earth, Moshe Rabbeinu was concerned about the welfare of each and every member and unit of Klal Yisrael: link

R. Baruch Simon, based upon the Taz in the Divrei David, explains that Moshe told Joshua to seek advice and a second opinion from the Zkenim but to always remember that Joshua was charged with rendering the ultimate decision: link (audio)

Click here to read moreThe Mitzvah of Hakhel

The Meshech Chochmah and the Ohr HaChaim, as prepared by R. Eliezer Kwass, remind us that Yiras HaShem begins at a young age: link

The Song of Torah

R. Jonathan Sacks, based upon the Netziv, tells us why the Torah is a song that is renewed in every generation through our study and adherence to the Torah and its Mitzvos: link

Aseres Ymei Teshuvah

R. Mordechai Willig, based upon a comment of one of the Rebbes of Ger, suggests that even a FFB can and should strive to emulate a BT: link

R. Dovid Gottlieb introduces R Mordechai Willig and R Shmuel Kamenetsky on the importance of praying with fire: link (audio)

The Beurei HaTefilah Institute sets forth the Chaye Adam's explanation of the Ashamnu: link (PDF)

R. Aharon Lichtenstein discusses Teshuvah based on norm,as opposed to Teshuvah precipitated by a crisis (link 1) and the necessity to refine characters and balance values: link 2

R. Ezra Bick explores the uniquely covenantal nature of Slichos: link

R. Yitzchak Breitowitz, speaking at YU, emphasizes that Teshuvah is a return to our essential selves: link (audio)

R. Yitzchak Etshalom explains why God is the ultimate Shaliach Tzibbur: link

R. Yaacov Haber (Torahlab) reminds us that Teshuvah is best achieved one step at a time: link

Shabos Shuvah

R. Yakov Haber (formerly of RIETS), based upon the Nesivos Shalom and R Aharon Kahn, illustrates why Shabbos is an integral element of the Aseres Ymei Teshuvah: link

Yom HaKippurim

Rav Soloveitchik zt"l (especially for those who missed these links earlier) discusses the Hashkafah of Yom HaKippurim and the Avodas Yom HaKippurim: link

R. Hershel Schachter, based upon a drasha of Rav Soloveitchik zt"l show us why Yom HaKippurim commemorates our receiving Torah SheBaal Peh (link 1) and reviews many of the Halachos of Yom HaKippurim: link 2 (audio)

R. Aharon Lichtenstein explains why Yom HaKipurrim is considered the Shabbas Shabbason: link

R. Mordechai Willig reviews the Nusach, Zmanei and Minhagei Tefilah for Slichos and the Yamim Noraim (link 1) and discusses how one can achieve a Teshuvah Shelemah: link 2

R. Michael Rosensweig analyzes the unique nature of the mitzvah of teshuvah on Yom HaKippurim: link

R. Zvi Sobolofsky shows us that Yom HaKippurim reflects aspects of a dual existence of sinners and angels: link

R. Ephraim Buchwald discusses why the Avodas Yom HaKipurrim represents the paths that we should and should not take in our lives: link

R. Ozer Glickman exhorts us never to divorce adherence to Halacha from a belief in God: link (PDF)

The Beurei HaTefilah Institute provides the full text of the Medrash that recounts the episode of the Ten Martyrs: link (PDF)

R. Asher Weiss investigates the nature of the fast of Yom HaKippurim: link