Parashah Roundup: Chayei Sarah 5770

by Steve Brizel

Avraham Avinu After the Akedah

R David Horwitz, based upon the teachings of Rav Soloveithik ZTL and Rav Aaron Soloveitchik ZTL, demonstrates the nature of an additional trial of Avraham Avinu and a life dedicated to Kiddush HaShem: link

Avraham's Eulogy for Sarah

Rav Soloveitchik. ZTL, based upon a comparison of two Girsaos quoted by Rashi, discusses the relationship between Avraham and Sarah: link (audio)

R Shlomoh Riskin suggests why Sarah Imeinu died in Chevron: link

R Ephraim Buchwald, based upon Rav Soloveitchik ZTL's hesped for the Rebbitzen of Talne, Zicronah Livracha, investigates the legacy of reminds us of the eternal values of Sarah: link

R Aryeh Lebowitz discusses the proper elements of a eulogy: link (audio)

Click here to read moreThe Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah

R Yitzchak Etshalom reviews the negotiations between Avraham Avinu and Ephron: link (PDF)

R Berel Wein explains why the Cave of Machpelah is indisputably the property of the Jewish People: link

R Yissocher Frand, based upon the commentary of Rabbeinu Yona to Pirkei Avos, suggests that the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah was the tenth test of Avraham: link

R Avishai David discussses the Ramban's commentary on the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah. (Breishis 23:19): link (audio)

Shidduchim, Erusin, Kiddushin and Gittin

R Aharon Kahn discusses the past, present and future issues relating to Shidduchim: link (audio)

R Aryeh Leibowitz reviews the halachic issues involved in wedding invitations: link (audio)

R Hershel Schachter discusses the elements of Siddur Kiddushin: link (audio)

R Yona Reiss discusses the relationship between secular law and pre-nuptial agreements: link (audio)

R Dovid Gottlieb discusses whether it is a mitzvah to get married: link (audio)

R Mordechai Willig discusses birth control: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio), link 3 (audio)

Dr. Zeena Zimmerman examines health, hormones and halacha: link (audio)

Mrs. Shani Taragin explains why Shidduchim requires one to look for love in the right place: link (audio)

Dr. David Pelcowitz discusses how to strengthen our relationships in a hectic world: link (audio)

R Hershel Schacter and R Mordechai Willig discusses the relationships between husbands and wives: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R Avigdor Nevenzal and R Mordechai Willig explore the elements of Shalom Bayis: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R Herschel Schachter examines the plight of the agunah: link (audio)

Pilegesh

R Dovid Gottlieb discusses the elements and halachic issues raised by the concept of Pilegesh: link (audio)

Avraham's Instructions to Eliezer

R Asher Brander explains how and why Avraham Avinu gave specific instructions to Eliezer: link (audio)

R Avraham Gordimer investigates why Avraham Avinu instructed Eliezer to choose a spouse from his cousins in Charan: link (audio)

Eliezer's Test of Rivkah

R Aharon Lichtenstein analyzes the propriety of the test of Rivkah as designed to determine Rivkah's commitment to Chesed and to take the initiative: link

R Mordechai Willig, based upon the Kli Yakar (Breishis 24:12), reminds us that Eliezer's criteria of Tznius and Chesed remain paramount criteria in seeking a spouse: link

And God Blessed Avraham with Everything

The Nesivos Shalom, as elucidated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein , explains why Avraham Avinu merited this unique Divine Blessing: link

R Baruch Simon explains why “Avraham HaEchad” remains a vital teaching for our times: link (audio)

Avraham and Kturah

R Yaakov Medan disucsses the character of Rivkah and suggests why Avraham Avinu married Kturah: link

The Avos and Tefilah

R Sir Jonathan Sacks, based upon an insight of his predecessor, Lord Jacobvits ZL, suggests why each of the Avos is associated with the instituting of Shacharis, Mincha and Maariv: link

Divrei Sofrim

R Michael Rosensweig investigates whether the interplay between Doraissa and Drabanan: link (audio)

Kinyanim Defined

R Asher Weiss sets forth the definitions and elements of various Kinyanim: link (audio)