Parashah Roundup: Behar-Bechukosai 5769

by Steve Brizel

Lag BaOmer Special

R. Dr. Shnayer Leiman investigates the historical background of Lag BaOmer: link (audio)

Cheating in Prices

R. Elyakim Koenigsberg discusses the prohibition of Onaah: link (audio)

Seeking Medical Care

R. Dovid Gottlieb, based upon a statement of Ramban, and other Acharonim who discuss the view of Ramban, discusses whether one should seek medical care: link (audio)

Click here to read moreTzedakah, Mishpat and the Economic Collapse

R. Ephraim Buchwald underscores the importance of Tzedakah and reminds us to distinguish between someone who may be “crushed” emotionally and someone who is “crushed” financially as well as keeping in mind the difference between Tzedakah and Mishpat: link

The Jewish View of “Slavery”

R. Jonathan Sacks, based upon the Rambam, suggests why the Torah did not abolish slavery: link

Shemittah and Yovel

R. Yitchak Etshalom discusses a famous comment of Rashi about Shemittah and all of the other Mitzvos: link

R. Josh Hoffman and R. Avraham Gordimer explore different halachic and hashkafic aspects of Yovel: link 1, link 2

R. Dovid Gottlieb investigates many halachic dimensions of Shemittah: link (audio)

R. Yonasan Sacks shows how Shemitta and Yovel parallel Shabbos and Yom Tov: link

The Tochacha

R. Dovid Horwitz delves into the background of the well known view of the Ramban with respect to Galus Bavel and Galus Edom and the historical and hashkafic evidence that underscore Ramban's views: link

R. Aharon Lichtenstein and R. Jay Kelman warn against the consequences of treating God casually: link 1, link 2

R. Berel Wein suggests that we must always learn from the consequences of “strange fires” within our midst and remind ourselves the events of the Tochacha have passed before our eyes: link

R. Yissocher Frand, based upon the last Mishnah in Shas (Uktzin 3:12) and a story involving a trip by R. Yaakov Kaminetsky zt"l to Israel, illustrates why intercommunal peace within Klal Yisrael is a condition precedent for the Messianic Age: link

Shoalim v Dorshim Department

Rav Soloveitchik zt"l reminds us to remember the theological integrity and unity of the Aseres HaDibros, the nature of the Mitzvah of Talmud Torah and explores Hilchos Gerus: link

R. Herschel Schachter discusses the differences between Torah Shebicsav andTorah SheBaal Peh: link (audio)

R. Yonasan Sacks discusses how Sefiras HaOmer, as a bridge between Pesach and Shavuos, is a means of preparing for Kabalas HaTorah: link (audio)

R. Mordechai Willig discusses the halachic issues involved in staying up all night on the first night of Shavuos: link (audio)

R. Asher Weiss discusses the halachic boundaries of Amelus BaTorah: link

R. Baruch Simon explores the ideal of Amelus BaTorah and why Sefiras HaOmer has seven cycles of seven days: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

The Nesivos Shalom, as elucidated by R. Yitzchak Adlerstein, reminds us that Amelus BaTorah requires the complete subjugation of one's self to a life of Torah: link

R. Shlomo Riskin and R. Asher Brander explain why Sefiras HaOmer helps us realize that there is no sanctity without sacrifice and based on Ramban and Rabbeinu Bchaya offers an explanation as to the meaning of 49 and 50: link 1, link 2

Rebbitzen Smadar Rosensweig demonstrates how Megilas Rus presents the ultimate mother in law and daughter in law relationship: link (audio)

Pirkei Avos

R. Michael Rosensweig discusses several Mishnayos in the fifth chapter of Avos: link (audio)

Last year's roundup: link