Parashah Roundup: Chukas-Balak 5769

by Steve Brizel

Zos Chukas HaTorah

R Michael Rosensweig emphasizes the role of Chukim in Torah study and commitment: link

R Avigdor Nevenzal elucidates what it means to sacrifice one's self for Torah: link

R Zvi Sobolofsky explains why Parah Adumah represents the limits of human understanding and represents man's subjecting himself to the Divine Will: link

R Eli Baruch Shulman discusses why we need the Parah Adumah: link

R Shlomoh Riskin, based upon the teachings of Rav Soloveitchik ZTL, explicates the unique nature of Parah Adumah: link

Click here to read moreDeath and Closure

R Yissocher Frand and R Ephraim Buchwald contrast the emotional reaction of the Jewish People to the deaths of Miriam HaNeviah. Aharon HaKohen and Moshe Rabbeinu: link 1, link 2

The Waters of Dispute

R Aharon Lichenstein and R Jonathan Sacks surveys the many suggestions in Chazal and the Mfarshim as to the exact nature of the transgressions of Moshe Rabbeinu and Aharon HaKohen: link 1, link 2

R Berel Wein and R Mosheh Lichtenstein survey the transition in independence and leadership necessitated by Moshe Rabbeinu's not being allowed to enter the Land of Israel: link 1, link 2

R David Horwitz, based upon the Rambam in Shemoneh Prakim and the teachings of Nechama Leibowitz, Zicronah Livracha, suggests that Moshe Rabbeinu's transgression involved both deos and midos: link

R Yitzchak Etshalom and R Asher Brander explores numerous issues implicated by the failure of Moshe Rabbeinu to speak to the rock: link 1, link 2

Tumas Kohanim

R Dovid Gottlieb discusses whether a Kohen can enter a cemetery: link (audio)

R Asher Weiss and R Larry Rothwachs explores whether Tumas Kohanim precludes Kohanim from davening at Meoras Hamachpelah and whether Kohen can visit Kivrei Tzadikim: link 1, link 2

R Elyakim Koenigsberg discusses many halachic issues entailed by Tumas Kohanim: link (audio)

The Copper Servant

The Nesivos Shalom, as elucidated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, explains why the transgressions and teshuvah in this week's Parsha required the construction of a copper servant: link

Summer Vacation Special

R Baruch Simon discusses the halachos of Tefilas HaDerech: link (audio)

R Aharon Rakkafet-Rothkoff discusses why Talmidie Chachamim love baseball: link (audio)

Bilaam and Balak

R Shmuel Maybruch explains why Parshas Balak is not included in Kriyas Shema: link (audio)

R Daniel Feldman, based on Chazal , the Chasam Sofer and the Baalei Mussar. discusses several aspects of the halacha of Kavod HaBriyos that are derived from this week's Parsha: link (audio)

R Avraham Gordimer explores Balak's personality and why the Torah records the episode of Bilaam and Balak in its entirety: link 1, link 2

Knaim Pogim Bo and Viglilante Justice

R Dovid Gottlieb discusses the meaning and limitations of this Halacha: link (audio)

Shoalim v Dorshim Department

Rav Soloveitchik discusses Hilcos Tishah B'Av, Kinos and the differences between Aveilus Yeshanah and Aveilus Chadashah, as set forth in a chapter of “Out of the Whirlwind”: link 1, link 2

R Zvi Sobolofsky discusses various halachos of the three weeks: link (audio)