Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Parashah Roundup: Va'era 5769

by Steve Brizel

An Overview of Parshiyos Shmos and Vaera-What Was Really at Stake?

  • Rav Soloveitchik zt"l discusses what was the extent of Avdus Mitzrayim: link
  • R. Eytan Feiner explores the issues at stake between Pharoh, Egyptian society and the Jewish People and its contemporary relevance: link
  • R. Yaakov Haber (formerly of RIETS) underscores the fact that the confrontation between Moshe Rabbeinu and Pharoh can serve as a model for us in dealing with confrontations to faith today: link
  • R. Asher Weiss investigates whether the four expressions of redemption are four aspects of one process of redemption or four separate redemptions: link

  • Click here to read moreMoshe Rabbeinu's Speech Impediment
  • R. Asher Brander presents different views on the nature and significance of Moshe Rabbeinu's speech impediment: link

  • The Inauguration of Moshe Rabbeinu
  • R. Yitzchak Etshalom analyzes the dialogue between G-d and Moshe Rabbeinu: link

  • Chazal's critique of Moshe Rabbeinu
  • R. Aharon Lichtenstein reminds us that we must view Biblical figures from the viewpoint of Chazal as giants who sinned, but who are still giants: link

  • Moshe Rabbeinu's Task and Mission
  • R. Jonathan Sacks explains why God revealed Himself as the God who acts in history to Moshe Rabbeinu: link
  • R. Ezra Bick discusses the task and mission of Moshe Rabbeinu: link
  • R. Nathan Lopes Cardozo asks what made Moshe Rabbeinu persist in his mission, despite numerous setbacks and problems: link

  • Moshe and Aharon
  • R. Aharon Lichtenstein explains why Moshe Rabbeinu emerged as far superior to Aharon HaKohen, even though they are viewed as equals in this Parsha: link
  • R. Michael Rosensweig explores the roles of Moshe Rabbeinu and Aharon HaKohen and reminds us that Moshe Rabbeinu's legacy as the vehicle for Matan Torah and Kabalas HaTorah, integrates all of of the spiritually and nationally ambitious dimensions that are present in his early encounters: link

  • Shabbos in Egypt
  • R. Yitzchak Adlerstein, based upon the teachings of the Nesivos Shalom, reminds us that just as Moshe Rabbeinu negotiated a day of rest which infused the Jewish People a much needed respite from their servitude, we should also use Shabbos to infuse our lives with Kedushah: link

  • The Three Day Trip
  • R. Shlomo Riskin analyzes why Moshe Rabbeinu mentioned that the journey of the Jewish People was only three days in its duration: link

  • The Hardening of Pharoh's Heart
  • R. Yaakov Medan asks why God hardened Pharoh's heart: link
  • R. Berel Wein explains why Pharaoh is the epitome of arrogant stubbornness or “don't confuse with me with the facts, I have already made up my mind”: link
  • R. David Horwitz explores the conflict between predestination and free will: link

  • Dtzach Adash Bachav
  • R. Amnon Bazak explains the purpose of the Ten Plagues: link
  • R. Ephraim Buchwald, based upon the teachings of Rav Hirsch zt"l, explains the structure of the Ten Plagues: link
  • R. Avraham Gordimer underscores why it was so important for Pharoah and Egyptian society to recognize the supremacy of God: link

  • The Plague of Blood
  • R. Yissocher Frand explains why Moshe Rabbeinu told Aharon HaKohen to initate the Plague of Blood: link

  • The Plague of Hail
  • R. Baruch Simon reminds us of the halachic and hashkafic ramifications of Tefilah in a proper location: link

  • R. Dovid Gottlieb discusses the halachic issues involved in entering a church: link


  • Last year's roundup: link


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