Parashah Roundup: Mishpatim-Shekalim 5770

by Steve Brizel

An Overview of the Parsha

R Michael Rosensweig explores the purpose of Mishpatim: link (audio)

R Berel Wein reminds us that Halacha demands that we implement its seemingly minute details in our daily lives: link

R Avraham Gordimer and Mrs. Shira Smiles explains the connection between Parshas Mishpatim and Maamad Har Sinai: link 1, link 2 (audio)

R Baruch Simon explores the Halacha of Lifnif Mishuras Hadin: link (audio)

R Yonasan Sacks discusses the roles of Beis Din and Edus in establishing Edus Lbirur HaDavar and Edus Lkiyum HaDavar in many areas of Halacha ranging from Gittin , Kiddushin and Chalukas Karka and how a person is defined as a witness is defined in Halacha: link (audio)

Click here to read moreLitigation in Secular Court

R Dovid Gottlieb discusses litigation in secular court: link (audio)

Shabbos and the Eved Ivri

The Nesivos Shalom, as elucidated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, shows us the connection between the lack of appreciation of the Eved Ivri and our own lack of the Midah of Ahavas HaShem in properly appreciating Shabbos: link

Nezikin

R Daniel Z. Feldman and R Baruch Simon provide an overview of Nezikin.and its relevance to contemporary halachic issues: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

Makeh Aviv Vimo and Chavalah. Boxing, Cosmetic Surgery and Kidnapping Oneself

R Chaim Eisenstein discusses the halachos involved in a doctor treating his or her parents, boxing, cosmetic surgery and kidnapping oneself: link (audio)

Tashlumei Ganav Umazik

R Asher Weiss explores the Tashlimue Ganav Umazik: link (audio)

Stealing as a Practical Joke

R Daniel Feldman discusses vGzelah, Gnevah and Lo Tignovu , as well as stealing as a practical joke: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

Shabbos and Mitzvos Bein Adam Lchaveiro

R Zvi Sobolofsky illustrates the direct connection between Shabbos, Tzedakah and Mishpat: link

Sensitivity to the Helpless and Downtrodden

R Ephraim Buchwald, based on a variety of Mfarshim , explains the revolutionary aspects of the Torah's demands that we help the orphan and the widow:
link

R Avishai David discusses the commentary of the Ramban with respect to the prohibition of oppressing the orphan and the
widow: link (audio)

Kedushah, the Individual and the Community

R Mayer Twersky, based upon an observation of R Dr. Yitzchak Twersky, ZL, reminds us that we achieve Kedushah as part of being a member of Am Kadosh and as one of many Anshei Kodesh: link

Oppressing the Stranger

R Yissocher Frand reminds us not to impose the tests that we were confronted with on the next generation and based on a story related by Rav Soloveitchik ZL regarding R Chaim Soloveitchik, ZL, how to personify Rav Chesed: link

R Sir Lord Jonathan Sacks and R Shlomoh Riskin explain why the Torah reiterates the warning not to oppress the stranger: link 1, link 2

Divine Judgment and Human Judges

R Yitzchak Etshalom explores the role of accurate judgment in furthering the ongoing process of Divine Creation: link

Naaseh Vnishmah

R Avigdor Nevenzal illustrates how we can re-accept the Torah in our own lives: link

R Aharon Lichtenstein explores how we can sacrifice our own intelligence and understanding on the altar of Torah observance, and not become robots in our Avodas HaShem: link

R Michael Rosensweig discusses the role of Naaseh Vnishmah in cultivating a Torah personality: link

R Asher Brander explores the different understandings of Rashi and Ramban to the meaning of Naaseh vNishmah: link

The Acts of the Angel

R Ezra Bick, based on the Drashos HaRan, and R David Horwitz, explore the role of the angel in Shemos 24:20-23: link 1, link 2

The Four Parshiyos

The Nesivos Shalom, as elucidated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, illustrates how each of the Four Parshiyos showcases a different factor towards a more meaningful connection with Hashem: link

R Menachem Genack explains the relationship between the Four Parshiyos and
the redemption of the Jewish People: link (audio)

R Yaakov Neuberger explains the uniqueness of the half-shekel and why it serves as a reminder that all of our contributions are important: link

R Aryeh Leibowitz explores the halachos related to Parshas Shekalim: link (audio)

R Beinish Ginsburg explains why Parshas Shekalim always is read prior to Parshas Zachor: link (audio)

Shoalim vDorshin Department

Rav Soloveitchik ZTL explores many of the Halachic and Hashkafic themes of Purim: link (audio)

R Asher Weiss discusses the obligation of women in Krias HaMegilah and the Halachah
of Af Hein Oso HaNes: link (audio)

R David Brofsky discusses many of the Halachos of Purim: link