Parashah Roundup: Va'era 5770

by Steve Brizel

An Overview of Sefer Shmos

R Jeffrey Saks, based on an analysis of the views of Ramban and Netziv, sets forth two different ways of understanding the events in Sefer Shmos that provide the basis for the Bris Sinai: link (audio)

Moshe Rabbeinu's Acceptance of his Role

R Baruch Simon, based on Rashi and a wide range of Mfarshim, examines the discussion between HaShem and Moshe over the oppression of the Jewish People in Egypt: link (audio)

R Berel Wein reminds us that our connection to God is predicated upon our connection with the Avos and Imahos: link

R Yissocher Frand suggests that we emulate the careers of Moshe and Aharon in our involvement in communal life: link

R Avishai David discusses Ramban's commentary with respect to the use of the term “commandment”: link (audio)

R Avroham Gordimer investigates Moshe Rabbeinu's reluctance to accept his role: link

R Michael Rosensweig delineates Moshe Rabbeinu's legacy of leadership: link

Click here to read moreShortness of Breadth and Hard Work

R Ephraim Buchwald, based on a variety of commentaries, suggests that our generation not only cannot hear, but does not know how to listen, due to its infatuation with the blandishments of our time and the surrounding secular culture: link

R Asher Brander, based on a range of commentaries, examines the Kal VaChomer of Moshe in Shmos 6:11: link

Moshe Rabbeinu's Mission

R Ezra Bick examines the various aspects of Moshe Rabbeinu's role and the role of the Ten Plagues as a means of inculcating belief in spiritual and physical freedom for the Jewish People: link

The Roles of Moshe and Aharon

R Baruch Simon sets forth why the roles of Moshe Rabbeinu and Aharon HaKohein are seemingly viewed as interchangeable elements: link (audio)

Shabbos and Yetzias Mitzrayim

The Nesivos Shalom, as explicated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, explains why Shabbos was a critical element of the redemption of the Jewish People: link

Moshe Rabbeinu's Negotiations with Pharoah

R Shlomoh Riskin explores why Moshe Rabbeinu initially suggested a three day journey: link

Freedom of Choice

R Sir Jonathan Sacks, based on the views of the Rambam and other Rishonim, explores the Jewish view of free will and Pharoah's failure to respond to the Ten Plagues: link (PDF)

R David Horwitz analyzes the doctrines of freedom of choice and God's predestination: link

R Yaakov Haber explains why the “Pharoah Syndrome” is a challenge to faith: link

Kiddush HaShem and Yehareg Al Yaavor

R Yonasan Sacks examines the plague of Tzfardea as a source for Kiddush HaShem: link (audio)

R Yitzchak Etshalom examines inconsistencies within the plagues and the hardening of Pharoah's heart: link

Mrs. Shira Smiles examines various aspects of the Ten Plagues: link

The Ten Plagues as a Means of Inculcating Emunah

R Avigdor Nevenzal discusses why recognizing hidden miracles , as set forth in the Ten Plagues, teaches us that the world is run in accordance with God's Will: link

R Chaim Eisenstein and R Dovid Gottlieb explain why recounting the Exodus of Egypt is a paradigm for Chinuch:
link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

Four or Five Aspects of Geulah?

R Soloveitchik ZL, in the course of a shiur on Sippur Yetzias Mitzrayim and
R Dr Sir Jonathan Sacks examines the hashkafic bases underlying the refraining from drinking a fifth cup of wine based on the return of the Jewish People to the Land of Israel: link 1 (audio), link 2

R Asher Weiss examines the various bases for the Four Cups: link (audio)

R Mosheh Lichtenstein discusses why seven plagues are mentioned in this week's Parsha and their relationship to the Haftarah: link

Understanding the Exodus and its Ultimate Purpose

R Mayer Twersky reminds us of the need to show equal loyalty to Mishpatim and Chukim: link and criteria for considering whether the advocacy for a “hot button” issue is Lshem Shamayim: link