Parashah Roundup: Yisro 5770

by Steve Brizel

Moshe's Encounter with Yisro

R Berel Wein, based upon Moshe's acceptance of Yisro's advice as to the arrangement of the judicial system, urges all “insiders” in the Torah to accept the insights of the “outsider”: link

The Nesivos Shalom, as explicated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, explains why the realization of Emunah Shelemah that Yisro realized based upon the events described in the Torah is preferable to an Emunah based on human understanding: link

R Baruch Simon suggests that we emulate Yisro and strive to become attached to Tzadikim and Chachamim: link (audio)

R Ephraim Buchwald, based on the commentary of R Samson Raphael Hirsch ZL, reminds us that educated laypeople, in addition to professionals, have a unique role and responsibility in communal life, and especially in outreach work: link

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R Shlomoh Riskin discusses the critical differences between constructive and destructive criticism: link

R Eli Baruch Shulman, based on the comment of the Rambam in Hilcos Sanhredrin 2: 7, discusses the qualities required for a Dayan: link (audio)

R Chaim Eisenstein discusses the different qualifications for a Dayan as set forth in Yisro and in Parshas Devarim: link (audio)

The Preparations for Matan Torah

R Yissocher Frand contrasts true unity, as opposed to superficial unity in support of a common agenda: link

R Avigdor Nevenzal reminds us that unity does not mean equality: link

A Holy Kingdom and a Nation of Priests

R Sir Jonathan Sacks reminds us that Jewish history, Halacha , the recognition of God as the only Absolute, the consent of the Jewish People to the covenant of Sinai and the adherence to the covenant of Sinai in the exile, define the Holy Kingdom and a Nation of Priests: link

The Aseres HaDibros

Rav Soloveitchik ZL, analyzes many aspects of the Aseres HaDibros: link (audio)

R Aharon Lichtenstein, based upon the comments of the Rambam in Sefer HaMitzvos
( addition #2) reminds us to use the recalling of Maamad Har Sinai as a means of getting closer to HaShem: link

R Dovid Gottlieb discusses whether there is a mitzvah to believe in HaShem:
link (audio)

R Yonasan Sacks discusses why we stand for the reading of Aseres HaDibros and the elements of a Beis Din LiKiyum HaDavar: link (audio)

R Yitzchak Etshalom, based upon the views of Chazal and Mfarshim, analyzes various aspects of the content of the Aseres HaDibros: link

R Aryeh Lebowitz discusses the elements of Kibud Av vEm and honoring grandparents: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R Yaakov B. Neuberger, based on Ramban's commentary to Shmos 19, explores the dual nature of Shabbos: link (audio)

R David Horwitz discusses the reasons given for the observance of Shabbos in both sets of Dibros: link (audio)

R Dovid Gottlieb discusses Tosefes Shabbos: link (audio)

R Asher Brander discusses the correlation between the last five Dibros: link

R Michael Rosensweig and R Yaakov Haber discuss the elements of Lo Sachmod: link 1, link 2

R Ezra Bick and R Avraham Gordimer discuss the mitzvos that were commanded immediately after the Aseres HaDibros: link 1, link 2 (audio)

R Jeff Saks compares both sets of Dibros: link (audio)

Naaseh Vnishma

R Elyakim Krumbein discusses the seemingly forced nature of Kabalas HaTorah: link

Mrs. Shira Smiles analyzes the significance of Naaseh Vnishma: link (audio)

The Culmination of Yetzias Mitzrayim

R Hershel Schachter explains why Maamad Har Sinai was an exception to the rule that a Jew should live his or her life in a hidden and private manner and how a Jew stands Lifnei HaShem- via the Mitzvos of Tefilah and Talmud Torah: link 1, link 2

Shoalim V Dorshim Department

R David Brofsky discusses many aspects of Hilchos Purim: link