Parashah Roundup: Bemidbar/Yom Yerushalayim 5770

by Steve Brizel

An Overview of Sefer Bamidbar

R David Horwitz explores the introduction of Ramban to Sefer Bamidbar: link

The Census of the Jewish People

R Berel Wein explains why Sefer Bamidbar focuses on the persons and their actions: link

R Yissocher Frand discusses why each tribe was encamped around its flag: link

The Nesivos Shalom, as explicated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, based on the Seforno, explains why individual names are accentuated in the counting of the tribes: link

R Ephraim Buchwald reminds us that the elements of Yiras Shamayim and direction from parents that were the rationales of the organization of the tribes in the desert remain the ingredients for the proper establishment of a household and a family: link

R Asher Weiss analyzes the Avodas HaLeviim: link (audio)

R Avraham Gordimer explores the order of the Shevatim: link

R Asher Brander analyzes why counting people directly is prohibited: link

The Desert and Kabalas HaTorah

R Mordechai Willig , based on the Medrash, explains why humility and modesty were the key elements of Kabalas HaTorah, especially the Luchos Shniyos: link

R Dr. Lord Jonathan Sacks explains why the Torah was given in the desert: link

R Shlomoh Riskin reminds us that the Torah has escorted the Jewish People in each of its way stations in the Exile:
link

R Yakov Haber ( formerly of RIETS) explains the Medrash that stated that the Torah was given with fire, water and in the desert: link

Jewish History Department

R Dr. Shnayer Z. Leiman surveys the treatment of the Golem of Prague in recent Rabbinical literature: link

Yom Yerushalayim

R Aharon Lichtenstein exhorts us to remember the spiritual uniqueness of Yerushalayim: link 1, link 2

R Aaron Rakkefet-Rothkoff provides a first hand description of the liberation of Yerushalayim in 1967: link (audio)

R Michael Rosensweig explains why Yerushalayim is the center of the Jewish People: link (audio)

R Assaf Bednarsh explores Yerushalayim in Halacha and Hashkafa: link (audio)

R Ezra Bick discusses the Kedushas Mechitzos of Yerushalayim: link (audio)

R Shalom Rosner discusses the unique power of Yerushalayim: link (audio)

R Dovid Miller provides some thoughts on Yom Yerushalayim: link (audio)

Shoalim v Dorshim Department

R Soloveitchik ZL reminds us of the unity of the Decalogue: link (audio)

R Hershel Schachter discusses the Mesorah of Torah She Baal Peh: link (audio)

R Aharon Lichtenstein reminds us of the multiple elements of Kabalas HaTorah and underscores the centrality of the study of Torah: link 1, link 2

R Avigdor Nevenzal challenges us to find means of achieving closeness to HaShem: link (audio)

R Baruch Simon describes what it means to be an Am Kadosh and why Emes is a prerequisite for Kabalas HaTorah: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R Mordechai Willig discusses the Halachos of staying up all night on Shavuos: link (audio)

R Joshua Flug explains how each of us can be a walking Sefer Torah: link

Rebbitzen Smadar Rosensweig explains why Megilas Rus describes the ultimate mother in law/daughter in law relationship in Tanach: link (audio)

Rebbitzen Tziporah Heller discusses the deeper meanings of the Aseres HaDibros: link (audio)

R Larry Rothwachs discusses the mitzvah of remembering Maamad Har Sinai: link (audio)