by Steve Brizel
Yitzchak and Rivkah, Yaakov and Esau
R Michael Rosensweig and R Avraham Gordimer explore the legacy of Yitzchak Avinu: link 1, link 2R Ezra Bick discusses where Yitzchak and Rivkah differed in how the Birkas Avraham would be transmitted and the significance of Yitzchak's blindness: link 1, link 2R Yitzchak Etshalom explores why Yitzchak favored Esau and why Rivkah loved Yaakov: linkR Mordechai Willig, based upon the teachings of R Samson Raphael Hirsch, ZL, and Mishlei 22:6, reminds us that each child must be brought up in his or her way: linkR David Horwitz, based on Midrashim quoted by R Kasher ZL in Torah Shelemah, Abarbanel and the Beer Mayim Tovim, analyzes the personalities of Yaakov and Esau: link
Click here to read moreR Zev Leff analyzes whether the clash between Yaakov and Esau was an example of predestined behavior: linkR Berel Wein discusses how Yaakov and Esau can coexist peacefully: linkR Yissocher Frand demonstrates how Yitzchak strived to keep the traditions of Avraham alive: linkR Shlomoh Riskin, based upon the Netziv's comments on their initial meeting, examines the lives of Yitzchak and Rivkah, and how it affected their relationships with Yaakov and Esau: linkR Ephraim Buchwald, based upon the comments of Ralbag, Abarbanel, and Akedas Yitzchak , as well as the opposing views of Chasidim and Misnagdim, discusses whether a Tzadik has Divine power to bestow blessings on others: linkR Sir Jonathan Sacks explains why Yaakov did not receive the name Yisrael until after a struggle at night: linkR Yaakov Neuberger reminds us that the yeshiva and the home are the two tents of education: linkR Dr. David Berger discuses Jacob/Israel, Esau/Edom and the True Israel in the Jewish-Christian Debate: link (audio)Rebbitzen Smadar Rosensweig discusses the interrelationship of the Avos and Imahos: link (audio)
Avraham, Yitzchak , Yaakov and the wells
The Nesivos Shalom, as elucidated by R Yitzchak Etshalom, explains why Avraham dug wells, and Yitzchak reopened the wells, but Yaakov did not dig wells on his own: linkR Eytan Feiner explores the roles of Avraham and Yitzchak and how they are related to Pesach and Shavuos: linkR Baruch Simon examines the digging and reopening of the wells by Avraham and Yitzchak: link (audio)R Ephraim Buchwald reminds us that Jewish history has a way of repeating itself, especially in the environments thought to be the most hospitable to Jewish survival: link
Esau's Sale of the Bchorah
R Asher Weiss and R Yonasan Sacks discuss Kinyan Davar Shelo Bo Lolam and the Sale of the Bchorah: link (audio), linkR Aharon Lichtenstein explains why Esau despised the birthright: link
The Avos and their observance of the Mitzvos
R Avishai David and R Michoel Zylberman discuss the Ramban's commentary on Breishis 26:5: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)
The hands are the hands of Esau , but the voice is the voice of Yaakov
R Asher Brander explains why Yitzchak asked Esau to hunt game for him: link
Rosh Chodesh and Kiddush HaChodesh
R Hershel Schachter and R Yonasan Sacks discuss the Mitzvah of Kiddush HaChodesh and the Tefilos of Rosh Chodesh: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)
Shoalim Vdorshim Department
Rav Soloveitchik ZTL discusses the theological and philosophical underpinnings of Chanukah and Al HaNisim: link (audio)R Hershel Schachter explains the relationship between Chanukah and the Beis HaMikdash: link (audio)R Yonasan Sacks discusses various aspects of Hilcos Chanukah: link (audio)R Noach Issac Oelbaum , R Baruch Simon and R David Brodsky discuses Hilcos Chanukah: link 1 (video), link 2 (audio), link 3R Dovid Gottlieb discusses the issues involved in using an electric Menorah on Channukah: link
10:30 PM
Gil Student
by Steve Brizel
