by Steve Brizel
An Overview of the Parsha
R Ezra Bick places the Parsha in context and in juxtaposition with the Parshas Dvarim and Parshas Veschanan: linkMitzvos KallosR Michael Rosensweig and R Avraham Gordimer remind us that our attention to Mitzvos Kallos is a sign of our religious commitment: link 1, link 2Click here for moreThe Wooden Ark
R Berel Wein suggests why the ark that accompanied the Jewish People in warfare was made out of wood: link
The Message of the Manna
R Yissocher Frand explains the relevance of the test of the Manna: link
Not By Bread Alone
R Shlomoh Riskin reminds us why a person's legacies are the people that he or she has touched and the human situations that he or she has had a positive affect on in their lives: link
The Unique Nature of the Land of Israel
R Avigdor Nevenzal exhorts us to be worthy of the uniqueness and beauty of the Land of Israel: link
Mitzvas Birkas HaMazon
R Yaakov Haber analyzes the threefold purpose of blessings: linkR Yitzchak Etshalom discusses the structure of the Parshiyos and the evolution of the context of Birkas HaMazon: linkR Dovid Gottlieb and R Baruch Simon review the halachos of Ikar and Tafel. And whether wine and soda require separate brachos: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio), link 3 (audio)R Baruch Simon reviews the halachos of Pas Habaah Bkissim, and the brachos of Hamotzi and Mzonos: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)
Fear of God
R Ephraim Buchwald explains why developing a fear of God should progress from fear of punishment for one's transgressions to holding God in awe and treating Him with reverence: link
Clinging to God
The Nesivos Shalom, as elucidated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, explains why the Torah repeats this mitzvah in numerous contexts: linkR Dr Abraham Tweski, based both upon the Talmud in Kiddushin 30(b) and the Greek myth of Ulysses, explains how one cleaves to God: linkR David Horwitz reminds us that we call can emulate the description of the Leviite in Hilcos Shmittah VYovel 13:13: link
God's Majesty and Humility
Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks explains why God accepts no bribes and shows no favoritism: link
Hilcos Tefilin
Rav Soloveitchik ZTL explains the dispute between Rashi and Rabbbeinu Tam with respect to the order of the Parshiyos: linkR Asher Weiss discusses numerous aspects of Hilcos Tefilin: link
Fact or Fiction
R D Shnayer Leiman discusses the Golem of Prague: link (audio)
Pre Elul Specials
R Noach Issac Oelbaum discusses many concepts in two classical works-Nefesh HaChaim and Shaarei Teshuvah: link
Post Hirhurim Discussions
Rebbitzen Abby Lerner and Dr Deena Zimmerman and Rabbanit Chana Henkin discuss how to teach Tznius, review email questions on Hilcos Nidah and the role of a Yoetzet Halacha: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)Rebbitzen Smadar Rosensweig discusses the roles of the Avos and Imahos, the models of leadership of Moshe, Aharon and Miriam , the ascension of Shevet Levi and the lessons of Chana: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio), link 3 (audio)
Currents Events Department
R Hershel Schachter , R Mordechai Willig and R Aryeh Lebowitz discusse the religious obligation inherent in Dina Dmalchusa Dina: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio), link 2 (audio)
Last year's roundup: link
9:15 PM
Gil Student
by Steve Brizel
