Parashah Roundup: Lekh Lekha 5769

by Steve Brizel

Avraham's Journey

Rav Soloveitchik zt"l discusses the uniqueness of Ramban's commentary on Chumash, Ramban on Parshas Lech Lecha and his expression and explanation of “Maaseh Avos Siman LaBanim”, R. Chaim's derech, his own Sidrei Limud and differences between Rambam and Ramban in their approach to Hashkafas HaYahadus and Avraham HaIvri (Yiddish): link 1, link 2

R. Hershel Schachter explores why the Rambam did not include Mitzvas Yishuv Eretz Yisrael in the Sefer HaMitzvos: link (audio)

R. Yitzchak Etshalom explores the nature of Avraham's mission, in light of the events in Parshas Noach: link

The Nesivos Shalom, as explained by R. Yitzchak Adlerstein, underscores the importance that a Jew must always be moving in a spiritually upward direction: link

R. Avigdor Nevenzal asks why did HaShem choose Avraham: link

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R. Jonathan Sacks reminds us that a critical aspect of Avraham's mission was to challenge the idols and conventional wisdom of the age that we live in: link

R. Berel Wein suggests that the Torah discusses all of the details of Avraham's mission and travails to impress upon us the importance of his actions as the cornerstone of the Jewish People and demonstrate the impact that one person can have in a lifetime: link

R. Yissocher Frand reminds us that we should learn from Avraham that one has to undrtake many travels in order to learn to be a great host: link

R. Aharon Lichtenstein explains why Avraham's spiritual journey was revolutionary, why we build from Avaham's journey despite the fact that his model is not repeatable: link

R. Zev Leff, based upon a famous dispute between Rambam and Raavad, explains why the 2,000 years of Torah began with Avraham and Sarah's spreading of monotheism: link

Avraham , Gerus and Kiruv

R. Dovid Gottlieb, based upon a famous comment of Rashi, explores the gerus of Avraham, Sarah and their converts and whether food may be given to somnone who will not make a bracha: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R. Asher Brander reminds us that Avraham's desire to spread the message of Malchus HaShem was fueled by his constant love and thinking of God: link

R. Ephraim Buchwald suggests that Avrahan's kiruv efforts and techniques as described in Breishis Rabbah 49:4, 43:7 and 54:6 should remind us that kiruv depends on goodness and love, as opposed to force: link

Avraham Avinu , the Avos , Imahos and Chesed

R. Daniel Z. Feldman explores the role of Chesed and Mitzvos Bein L Chavero in Halacha and Hashkafa and in the Parshiyos of Sefer Breishis: link (audio)

Bris Bein HaBesarim

R. Yaakov Medan explores the prelude, context and meaning of the Bris Bein HaBesarim: link

R. Mordechai Greenberg explains the connection between sacrifices and Eretz Yisrael: link

The Key to Proper Chinuch and Childrearing

R. Shlomoh Wolbe zt"l emphasizes that the critical element of Chinuch is age appropriate iniation, which enables the child to start off on the right foot: link

The First Hesder Yeshiva

R. Aharon Lichtenstein, based upon the Ramban's interpretration of Genesis 26:29 and 14:14, argues that military service and the roots of Hesder yeshivos are very evident throughout Tanach and that Hesder yeshivos are a unique venue for both Torah and Gmilus Chasadim: link

Avraham and Lot

R. Yaakov Kamenetsky zt"l, as prepared by R. Eliezer Kwass, explores why Lot separated himself from Avraham: link

Malkitzedek and Avraham Avinu

R. Baruch Simon, based upon the Likutei Imrei Yosef, quoting R. Meir MeParmishlan zt"l, explores the encounter between Avraham and Malkitzedek.and suggests that althoughevery Tzadik excells in a different area of Torah, when two Tzadikim meet, each can incorporate the Midos Tovos of each other: link (audio)

R. Shlomo Riskin, based upon the observations of R Moshe Besdin zt"l, illustrates from the meeting between Avraham, the King of Sdom and Malki Tzedek how different people can view the same event and offer completely different perspectives: link

Bris Bein HaBesarim and Bris Milah

R. Yitzchak Etshalom compares and contrasts the two covenants: link (PDF)

Bris Milah

R. Asher Weiss discusses Hatafas Dam Bris and Meisu Echav Machmas Milah: link

R. Zvi Sobolofsky demonstrates why Bris Milah is a central aspect of insuring the continuaton of Am Yisrael: link

Bris and Kares

R. Yitzchak Etshalom explores the interrelationship between Bris Milah, Karban Pesach and the Issur Kares and contrasts the Jewish view of perfecting oneself with the Greco-Roman/hedonistic view of man: link