Parashah Roundup: Vayetze 5770

by Steve Brizel

Yaakov's Journey

R Baruch Simon reminds us that we should never miss an opportunity in life to learn from everything, everyone and every place and that we should take advantage of every moment: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

Torah Education and Torah Values

R Berel Wein reminds us that a truly successful Jewish education depends on the inculcation of Torah values and not be satisfied with knowledge, grades and test scores: link

R Michael Rosensweig illustrates how Yaakovb Avinu personified persistence and initiative in Avodas HaShem: link

R Asher Weiss explores whether Talmud Torah is a more important mitzvah than Kibud Av VaEm: link (audio)

R Dovid Gottlieb discusses Maaser Kesafim , Bar Mitzvah expenses and girls education and how much one should spend on a mitzvah: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R Avigdor Nevenzal explains why the study of Torah is an important weapon in the arsenal of the Jewish People: link

R Daniel Stein discusses how to create an atmosphere of Torah growth: link (audio)

Click here to read moreThe Dream and The Vow

R Aharon Lichtenstein reminds us that we should not be content with a superficial level of Kedushah in our lives: link

R Yitzchak Etshalom analyzes the content and meaning of Yaakov Avinu's dream and vow: link

The Nesivos Shalom, as explicated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, and R Avraham Gordimer demonstrate how Yaakov Avinu's mission was based on finding Kedusha in the ordinary: link 1, link 2

R Zev Leff investigates sleep, dream and Galus: link

R Shlomoh Riskin and R Joshua Berman explain why Yaakov Avinu constructed a monument: link 1, link 2

Tefilas Arvis Reshus

R Yonasan Sacks and R Dovid Gottlieb discuss the nature of Tefilas Maariv: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R Aryeh Leibowitz discusses the symbolism of the fighting rocks and the Tefilos instituted by the Avos: link (audio)

The Dust of the Earth

R Yissocher Frand, based on the Kli Yakar and the Sforno, suggests that the Jewish People will merit their most dynamic growth when they have historically been at their lowest point: link

Leah and Rachel

R Ephraim Buchwald and R Sir Jonathan Sacks explore the relationship between Yaakov Avinu, Leah and Rachel: link 1, link 2

R Asher Brander demonstrates the hidden love between Rachel and Leah: link

R Avishai David analyzes the Ramban's comments on Breishis 30:1-2: link (audio)

The Threat of Lavan

R Avraham Gordimer discusses the nature of the threat posed by Lavan: link

The Covenant of Separation

R Ezra Bick explicates the nature of the covenant between Yaakov Avinu and Lavan: link

Thanksgiving

R Michael Broyde surveys the various halachic views with respect to celebrating Thanksgiving: link

Shoalim Vdorshim Department

R Dovid Gottlieb discussses the elements of Hiddur Mitzvah in Hilcos Chanukah: link (audio)

R Mordechai Willig discusses the element of Mehadrin and the obligation of women in Ner Channukah and numerous issues in .Hilcos Chanukah:link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio), link 3 (audio)

R Yonasan Sacks discusses the elements of Mehadrin and Mehadrin Min HaMehadrin.and numerous aspects of Hilcos Channukah: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R Mayer Twersky investigates the basis of the permanent celebration of Channukah: link (audio)

R Aharon Kahn discusses the connection between Pirsumei Nisa and Shalom Bayis: link