Parsha Roundup: Chukas 5770

by Steve Brizel

Chukim and the Parah Adamah

Rav Soloveitchik ZL, discusses the Halachic and Hashkafic aspects of Parah Adumah and assesses the future of American Jewry: link

R Michael Rosensweig illustrates the role of Chukim in Torah study and commitment, and Kiddush HaShem as a component of national leadership: link 1, link 2

R Hershel Schachter explores the roles of ego and humility in the study of Torah: link

R Avigdor Nevenzal illustrates why the study and teaching of Torah require one to put aside one’s own biases if one wishes us to understand Torah: link

R Berel Wein and R Zvi Sobolofky remind us that the system of values and behavior of the Torah is ultimately beyond human comprehension: link 1, link 2

R Avraham Gordimer suggests why the Parsha begins with the Parah Adumah: link

R Azarya Berzon discusses logical and illogical mitzvos: link (audio)

R Shlomoh Riskin, based on the teachings of Rav Soloveitchik ZL explores the differences between Parah Adumah and Korban Pesach: link

R Ephraim Buchwald explores various interpretations and the contemporary significance of Bamidbar 21:17: link

The Passing of Miriam and The Waters of Strife

R Yissocher Frand investigates the contrast between the reaction to the deaths of Miriam HaNeviah, Aharon HaKohen and Moshe Rabbeinu: link

R Yitzchak Etshalom and R Sir Jonathan Sacks explore why Moshe Rabbeinu was punished for his hitting the rock at Mei Mrivah and not allowed to enter the Land of Israel: link 1, link 2

R David Horwitz, based on the Rambam in the fourth chapter of Shemoneh Prakim, and R Asher Brander, in a survey of the Mfarshim., discusse the sin of Moshe Rabbeinu: link 1 (audio), link 2

R Baruch Simon, based on the explanation of the Shem MiShmuel, explores the concept of latent Kdusha: link (audio)

The Copper Servant

The Nesivos Shalom., as explicated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, discusses the role of the copper serpent: link

The Song at Arnon

R Avraham Gordimer explores the Song at Arnon: link

R Asher Weiss surveys the extent of Taamei Mitzvos and, discusses whether Kivrei Tzadikim Im Tahmim: link (audio)

The Great Transition

R Mosheh Lichenstein investigates the transition of generations at Mei Merivah: link

R Yissocher Frand investigates the contrast between the reaction to the deaths of Miriam HaNeviah, Aharon HaKohen and Moshe Rabbeinu: link

Halacha Lmaaseh Department

R Baruch Simon discusses the Halachos of Shabbos in the summer: link (audio)

R Elyakim Koenigsberg: link (audio)

R Larry Rothwachs: link (audio)

R Daniel Z. Feldman, R Aryeh Leibowitz, and R Dovid Gottlieb explore numerous halachic issues relating to Tumaas Kohanim: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

Torah Im Derech and Torah Umada Department

R Jeffrey Saks discusses the approach of R Shamshon Rafael Hirsch ZL to Reform Judaism: link (audio)

David Sacks discusses being a Shomer Torah Umitzvos in Hollywood: link (audio)