Parashah Roundup: Vayakhel-Pekudei - Ha-Chodesh 5769

by Steve Brizel

Moshe and Klal Yisrael After the Episode of the Golden Calf

R. Aharon Lichtenstein explains why Moshe Rabbeinu spoke to the entire Jewish People after the Episode of the Golden Calf: link

Shabbos and Mishkan

The Nesivos Shalom, as elucidated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, explains the unique versatility of Shabbos and the Mishkan: link

R. Berel Wein explains why Shabbos is the cornerstone of Jewish life and unity: link

R. Avigdor Nevenzal explains why the observance of Shabbos is testimony to the creation of this world and the next world: link

R. Yissocher Frand, based on the writings of R. Samson Raphael Hirsch zt"l, explains the hashkafic underpinnings of the Melacha of Hotzaah: link

R. Zvi Sobolofsky shows how the proper observance and the study of the Melacha of Hotazaah, despite its being classified as a Melacha Gruah by Tosfos (Shabbos 2a) is an expression of Kabalas Ol Malchus Shamayim: link

Click here to read moreShabbos, Lifnei Iver and Kiruv

R. Aharon Lichtenstein explores the halachic issues involved with Shabbos and not yet observant Jews: link

The Melacha of Borer

R. Dovid Gottlieb surveys the halachic issues involved in the Melacha of Borer: link (audio)

The Calling of Betzalel

R. Yitzchak Etshalom elaborates on the calling of Betzalel: link

R. Baruch Simon explores the role of Ohaliav: link (audio)

Mishkan-Lchatchilah or Bdieved

R. Menachem Liebtag explores the much debated issue between Rashi and Ramban, as to whether the commandment to build the Mishkan preceded or was a consequence of the Episode of the Golden Calf: link

R. Asher Brander demonstrates how the Mishkan embodied the spiritual values of the Avos and Imahos: link

The Proof is in the Details

R. Shlomo Riskin suggests that the seemingly repetitive narrative of the construction of the Mishkan serves as a reminder that Moshe Rabbeinu's leadership, total devotion to the Divine Will and rendering of a precise accounting was a rebuke to the scorners of his generation and serves as a model for the actions of leaders of all following generations: link

Mitzvos LeDoros and Horaas Shaah

R. Herschel Schachter illustrates the differences between a Mitzvah LeDoros and a Horaas Shaah and reminds us of the dangers of confusing these categories and departing from the established values of Judaism: link

Parshas Pekudei

R. Elchanan Samet demonstrates that the theme of this Parsha is the description of how the construction of the Mishkan was completed: link

R. Ephraim Buchwald, based on a comment of Rashi, explains why the donation of the mirrors were viewed by God as more precious than all of the other donations for the Mishkan and reminds us that one must worship God with his or her Yetzer Tov and Yetzer HaRah: link

R. Avraham Gordimer suggests that in the same manner that the Avodah of Aharon HaKohen in Parshas Shemini represents God's acceptance of Teshuvah by man, the manifestation of God's Glory represents that He is agreeable to manifest His presence in man's world: link (audio)

R. Michael Rosensweig asks whether students ever originate anything: link (audio)

R. Dovid Horwitz, based upon the explanation of the Alshikh, explains the seemingly passive voice that the Torah uses to describe the completion of the Mishkan: link

R. Jonathan Sacks explains why the Mishkan was a temporary structure: link

Parshas HaChodesh

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

Shoalim vDorshim Shloshim Yom Department

R. Daniel Z. Feldman explores the dimensions of Shoalim vDorshim Shloshim Yom Kodem HaChag: link (audio)

R. Assaf Bednarsh discusses the halachic sources and requirements for Bdikas Chametz: link

R. Elyakim Koenigsberg discusses the halachic requirements for Matzah Shmurah and how much is actually needed during Pesach: link

R. Asher Weiss explores the halachic issues involved in Birkas HaChamah: link

The Nesivos Shalom, as elucidated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, suggests that the search for Chametz and its eradication, has both an external and internal effect on our Avodas HaShem: link

R. Herschel Schachter discusses the intricacies of Hilcos Meciras Chametz: link (audio)

Rav Soloveitchik zt"l explores the Mitzvos of Pesach, Matzah and Sipur Ytzias Mitzrayim: link

R. Zvi Sobolofsky discusses the lessons of Chinuch that we can learn from the Arba Banim.and the significance of Dayenu: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R. Mordechai Willig discusses finishing the Seder before Chatzos: link (audio)