Parashah Roundup: Shelakh 5769

by Steve Brizel

The Mission of the Spies

Rav Soloveitchik ZTL explains the connection between the transgression of Miriam to the report of the spies: link

R Yitzchak Etshalom, based upon an essay of R Yaakov Medan.http://www.vbm- torah.org/parsha.58/37shelah.htm, explains the two missions of the spies, as set forth in this week's Parsha and Parshas Devarim: link

R Berel Wein examines where the spies erred in their mission: link

The Nesivos Shalom, as explicated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, underscores the fact that the report of the spies denied the transcendent nature of the Land of Israel: link

R Ephraim Buchwald reminds us that the long term consequences of the report of the spies affect our personal and communal lives with respect to many issues facing the Jewish People: link

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R Aharon Lichtenstein discusses the many common elements of the Sins of the Golden Calf and the Spies: link

R Dr. Avraham Twerski, based on the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, reminds us that the “average Joe” as well as those who are not part of the perceived “elite” in our world, deserve to be respected and honored because of their intrinsic merit and worth, regardless of the spurious values that society places on people: link

R Michael Rosensweig investigates the failure of leadership inherent in the message of the spies: link

R Jonathan Sacks , based upon the Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim , suggests an alternative interpretation to the report of the spies based upon their not have made a full adjustment from a life as slaves to a generation born in freedom: link

R Asher Brander explores the different reactions of Yehoshuah Ben Nun and Calev to the report of the spies: link

R Avigdor Nevenzal suggests how one can be worthy of the Land of Israel: link

The Spies and the Climbers

R Shlomoh Riskin, based upon the Abarbanel, explores the connection between the spies, the climbers and the mitzvos commanded in their wake: link

Who May be Counted for a Minyan

R Dovid Gottlieb examines whether there is a religious litmus test for a minyan: link (audio)

The Mitzvah of Chalah

R Herschel Schachter and R Josh Flug discuss various aspects of Hafrashas Chalah: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio), link 3

R Zvi Sobolofsky discusses various halachos related to bread: link (audio)

R Eli Baruch Shulman, based upon the Baal HaTanya, explains why the Mitzvah of Chalah serves as a reminder that the purpose of Torah is for this world: link (audio)

The Mkoshesh Etzim and the Mitzvah of Tzitzis

R Avraham Gordimer explores the connection between the Mkoshesh Etzim and the Mitzvah of Tzitzis: link

The Mitzvah of Tzitis

Rav Soloveitchik ZTL explains the elements of Techeles and Lavan in Tzitzis: link

R Yissocher Frand ,R Amnon Bazak and R Michael Rosensweig explain the connection between the incident of the spies and the Mitzvah of Tzitis: link 1, link 2, link 3

R Asher Weiss explores various aspects of the Mitzvah of Tzitis: link

R Hershel Schachter discusses the definition of Techeles: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R Dovid Gottlieb and R Joshua Flug discusses the halachic issues involved in machine made Tzitzis and the types of materials that may be used for Tzitzis: link 1 (audio), link 2

R Moshe Gordon discusses whether one should wear Tzitis in or out: link (audio)

Special Feature I: Modern Orthodoxy , Religious Zionism and Aliyah
For those interested in the above issues, see the following articles by R Aharon Lichtenstein, R Binyamin Blau, R Dr. Yoel Finkelman: link 1, link 2, link 3
Special Feature II: Enhancing Our Tefilos

R Pesach Krohn and Rebbitzen Peshi Neuberger discuss how we can enhance our Tefilos: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio), link 3, link 4 (audio), link 5 (audio)

Post Blog Discussions

For those interested in pursuing further in depth resources with respect to the function of a Beth Din for the purposes of Gerus, as opposed to either Psak Halacha or Psharah and the issues surrounding the halachic feasibility of an Eruv in Manhattan, please see the following articles by R Herschel Schachter: link (audio)