Parashah Roundup: Vayechi 5769

by Steve Brizel

by Steve Brizel

Biblical Heroes

R. Dr. David Berger underscores the importance that Biblical heroes are heroes and are chosen by God because of their moral superiority as opposed to some irrational basis: link (audio)

Life in Galus

R. Yitzchak Adlerstein, based upon the Nesivos Shalom, illustrates how Yaakov Avinu minimized the effects of living in Egypt: link

Click here to read moreYaakov Avinu's Fears

R. Ezra Bick explores the tensions inherent between life and death in Eretz Canaan and Mitzrayim that were voiced by Yaakov Avinu: link

The Tears of Reunion

R. Aharon Lichtenstein explains why the episodes of crying are proof of Yosef's unsucessful efforts at a reconciliation with his brothers: link

Yosef's Reunion with his Brothers as a Model for Teshuvah

R. Jonathan Sacks, by comparing Yosef's comments with the teshuvah of Resh Lakish and Resh Lakish's comments on the nature of teshuvah, reminds us that teshuvah redeems the past and shows that we are capable of recreating ourselves: link

Yaakov Avinu's Blessings to his Sons

R. Herschel Schachter explains why Yaakov Avinu's Brachos to his children began with the same expression as the Brachos of Avraham Avinu and Yitzchak Avinu and based upon the words of Rav Soloveitchik zt"l, urges us to transmit the Mesorah via connecting our practices, attitudes and style to the Torah views of past generations and recognizing the difference between a legitimate Chiddush and an illegitimate shinui: link

R. Aharon Lichtenstein contrasts the understanding of Rashi with Rashbam and Sforno as to whether the blessings were specialized for each son or whether the blessings were generalized and capable of being realized by each son: link

R. Avigdor Nevenzal offers a series of explanations for a famous statement of the Talmud with respect to Reuven (Shabbos 55b): link

R. Ephraim Buchwald , based upon Yaakov Avinu comments to Reuven, reminds us that timing can validate or invalidate the best of intentions and emotions: link

R. Avraham Gordimer explains why Yosef was promised Shechem: link

Yaakov Avinu's Brachos to Efraim and Menashe

R. Yissocher Frand, and R. Nathan Lopes Cardozo, based upon the teachings of R Yaakov Kamenetsky zt"l, explains why Yaakov Avinu gave special brachos to Efraim and Menashe: link 1, link 2

R. Yitzchak Etshalom explores Yaakov Avinu's Brachos to his grandchildren in light of the other familial Brachos in Sefer Breishis: link

R. Berel Wein reminds us that three successful generations of Torah scholars in a family generally means that the Torah will have a place in a family: link

R. Mordechai Willig and R. Shlomo Riskin explain why Yaakov Avinu reversed the order of Menashe and Efraim: link 1, link 2

R. Baruch Simon explains why Yaakov Avinu used a metaphor of fish in the sea: link (audio)

The Location of Kever Rachel

R. Yitzchak Etzshalom discusses both the Northern and Southern Theories of the Location of Kever Rachel: link 1 (PDF), link 2 (PDF)

The Beginning and End of Sefer Breishis

R. Zvi Sobolofsky reminds us that a deep sense of Emunah enhances one's appreciation of Eretz Yisrael and vice versa: link

Baruch Shem Kvod Malchuso Lolam Vaed

R. Asher Weiss explores the halachic implications of Baruch Shem Kvod Malchuso Lolam Vaed: link

Spiritual and Physical Exile

R. Asher Brander, based upon the teachings of R Gedalyah Shorr, explains that the Petirah of Yaakov Avinu marked a pre slavery servitude, that evolved into physical slavery with the demise of Levi: link

Hilchos and Inyanei Aveilus

R. Daniel Feldman and R. Dovid Gottlieb discuss aspects of Hilcos Aveilus as well as Mitzvah Lkayem Divrei HaMes and Kvurah in Ertez Yisrael: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio), link 3 (audio), link 4 (audio)

Last year's roundup: link