Parashah Roundup: Vayakhel-Pekudei - Ha-Chodesh 5770

by Steve Brizel

The Building of the Mishkan

R Aharon Lichtenstein explains how the building of the Mishkan after the sin of the golden calf mended a damaged relationship: link

R Hershel Schachter, based on an explanation of the Brisker Rav ZL, explains the differences between a Mitzvah Ldoros and a Horaas Shaah: link

R Yitzchak Etshalom analyzes the role of Betzalel in the building of the Mishkan: link

R Berel Wein compares the building of the Mishkan and Bayis Rishon and explores how and why the generation of the desert were able to build the Mishkan: link 1, link 2

The Nesivos Shalom, as explicated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, R Shlomoh Riskin, R Ari Kahn and R Ephraim Buchwald discuss the juxtaposition of the Mishkan and why Issurei Melacha are derived from the Mishkan and why Jews sanctify time, as opposed to space. Shabbos: link 1, link 2, link 3, link 4

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R Yissocher Frand, based upon the comments of the Maharsha in Ksubos, reminds us that when a person contemplates giving money for a worthwhile cause, he or she should check that the money is rightfully and explores the basis of saying Yasher Kochacha theirs: link 1, link 2

R Sir Lord Jonathan Sacks ,based in part on a comment of Rashi, and Lhavdil, an observation of the Dalai Lama, explains why Jews have remained faithful to the terms of theirexistence despite their dispersion: link

R Avigdor Nevenzal explains why the building of the Mishkan required donations from the heart and ( together with R Yonasan Sacks )why lighting a fire is singled out from all of the other Melachos of Shabbos: link 1, link 2, link 3 (audio)

R Asher Brander explains why HaShem and Moshe disagreed with respect to the donation of the mirrors for the laver/basin and its base: link

R Aryeh Lebowitz discusses the relationship between the Beis HaMikdash and Beis Hachneses: link (audio)

R Yaakov Neuberger explains based on the Ramban why Sefer Shmos, that culminates in the building of the Mishkan, is the Sefer HaGeulah: link (audio)

R David Horwitz, based upon the views of the Alshich and Nechama Leibowitz, Zicronah Livracha, explains why the subject of Parshas Pekudei is the community of the people of Israel: link

R Baruch Simon suggests a connection between Parshiyos Vayakhel Pekudei and Parshas HaChodesh: link (audio)

Parshas HaChodesh

R Michael Rosensweig discusses the connection between Parshas HaChodesh and Pesach: link

R Beinish Ginsburg discusses the view of the Ramban with respect to Kiddush HaChodesh and Cherus: link (audio)

Shoalim vDorshim Department

Rav Soloveitchik ZL discusses numerous halachic and hashkafic aspects of Pesach: link (audio)

R Asher Weiss discusses different halachic issues related to Leil Seder: link (audio)

Bedikas Chametz and Meciras Chametz

R Zvi Sobolofsky and R Elyakim Koenigsberg discuss Bedikas Chametz and the Bracha recited: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R Mordechai Willig and R Baruch Simon discuss Meciras Chametz: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

Matzah-Avdus, Cherus and Emunah

R Hershel Schachter explains why Matzah is the food of Emunah ,why Matzah is symbolic of both slavery and freedom and various aspects of the Haggadah: link 1, link 2, link 3 (audio)

Demonstrating and Internalizing Freedom

R Menachem Genack discusses the Halacha of Haseba: link (audio)

Dr. Michelle J. Levine traces the path from darkness to light and from slavery to redemption: link (audio)

R Mordechai Willig reminds us why Pesach is the Yom Tov of faith: link

R Mayer Twersky reminds us that Emunah and Mesorah are the twin foci of Pesach: link

R Yaakov Haber discusses why Pesach is the source of Kabalas Ol Malchus Shamayim: link

Hallel in Shul on Leil Seder

R Joshua Flug discusses the halachic issues involved in the recitation of Hallel in the synagogue on Leil Seder: link (PDF)

Karpas and Magid

R Zvi Sobolofsky analyzes the amount of Karpas one must eat and explains why the Arbaah Banim provides lessons in Chinuch and the uniqueness of Hallel at the Seder: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio), link 3 (audio)

R Yonasan Sacks discusses Sipur Yetzias Mitzrayim: link (PDF)

R Avishai David discussed the Ten Plagues: link (audio)

Pesach Matzah and Maror

R Zvi Sobolofsky suggests that the message of the Korban Pesach is the sanctity of the home: link (audio)

Matzah-Avdus, Cherus and Emunah

R Hershel Schachter explains why Matzah is the food of Emunah ,why Matzah is symbolic of both slavery and freedom and various aspects of the Haggadah: link 1, link 2, link 3 (audio)

R Michael Rosensweig explains why Matzah is an expression of Hodaah: link

R Nisson Kaplan ( in Hebrew) discusses what can be used for Maror on Pesach: link (audio)

R Joshua Flug discusses the elements of Korech: link (audio)

R Beinish Ginsburg discusses the Piyutim after the Seder: link (audio)