by Steve Brizel
The Mandatory Half Shekel
R. Yitzchak Adlerstein, based upon the teachings of the Nesivos Shalom, illustrates how and why personal growth is dependent on partnering with the greater community of Klal Yisrael: linkWhy Every Jew CountsR. Shlomo Riskin reminds us that while we are forbidden to take a census, every Jew counts as a member of the Jewish People: linkInclusivenessR. Berel Wein urges us to emulate the model of the Chelbanah as understood by Rashi in outreach activities that inspire observance without insisting upon maximal demands and preconditions: linkClick here to read moreShabbos and Mikdash
R. Yitzchak Etshalom and R. Avigdor Nevenzal explain the relationship between Shabbos and Mikdash: link 1, link 2
The Importance of a Proper Appreciation of Shabbos
R. Baruch Simon, based upon different commentaries understanding of a Mechiltah, explains why the proper observance of Shabbos is a critical aspect of a Torah observant Jew's life and role of Shabbos observance in hastening the redemption: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)
Mishkan-Lchatchilah or Bdieved
R. Yitzchak Levi provides an in depth look at this critical issue in Parshanut: link 1, link 2, link 3
The Episode of the Golden Calf
R. Berel Wein urges us to learn never to solely trust our own judgments, conclusions and prescience: linkR. Yisocher Frand, based upon an essay of R Avigdor Nevenzal, explains that the transgression of Klal Yisrael was the jettisoning by Klal Yisrael of the authority of Moshe Rabbeinu and that the Parah Adumah atoned for the Golden Calf: linkR. Soloveitchik zt"l and R. Efraim Buchwald analyze Moshe Rabbeinu's reaction to the challenge presented by the erection of the Golden Calf: link 1, link 2R. Aharon Lichtenstein probes why Moshe Rabbeinu shattered the tablets of the covenant: linkR. David Horwitz, based upon the view of the Kuzari, explores the role of Aharon HaKohen in the episode of the Golden Calf and explains the difference between a Divine Commandment in the construction of the Cherubim and the transgression of a negative commandment in the construction of the Golden Calf: linkR. Ezra Bick shows how Moshe Rabbeinu's reaction to the Golden Calf was a watershed event in Jewish history: linkR. Avraham Gordimer explains why prohibitons relating to Chametz and Basar Vchalav follow the Episode of the Golden Calf: linkR. Dovid Hirsch, based upon the tragic demise of Chur, urges us to use the Halacha properly and explores how the observance of Shabbos serves as an atonement for the Golden Calf: link (audio)
Basar bChalav
R. Dovid Gottlieb explores the halachos of waiting between meat and milk: link (audio)
A Stiff Necked People
R. Jonathan Sacks and R. Asher Brander show us that a people's vice can become one of it greatest virtues: link 1, link 2
Learning to Be Free
R. Mayer Twersky reminds us that Talmud Torah can only purify us if we internalize the Torah: link
The Joy of Learning Torah
R. Yonasan Sacks, based upon the introduction of the Avnei Nezer to the Eglei Tal, urges us to approach the study of Torah by understanding that the study of Torah must be accompanied by enjoyment: link
The Transmission of Torah SheBaal Peh
R. Herschel Schachter explains why the transmission of the Oral Torah depended on the Baalei Horaah from Yehoshua until Ravina and Rav Ashi: link
Parshas Parah
R. Aharon Lichstenstein remind us that we should exercise caution with respect to offering rationalization for mitzvos that may lead to a thorough inquiry and contradictory response: link
Shoalim Vdorshim Shloshim Yom Department
R. Soloveitchik zt"l sets forth, among other things, why there are four, and not five aspects of redemption set forth in the Haggadah: link
Last year's roundup: link
10:04 PM
Gil Student
by Steve Brizel
