by Steve Brizel
Yaakov Avinu's Farewell and Blessings
R Ezra Bick provides an overview of the themes of the Parsha-the tension between the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan: linkThe Nesivos Shalom, as explicated by R Yotzchak Adlerstein, tells us why the Torah tells us that Yaakov Avinu lived seventeen years in the land of Egypt: linkR Berel Wein explains why the seal of God is truth: linkR Yissocher Frand discusses why blessings are between man and his fellow man, and based on an insight of R Yaakov Kamenetsky ZL, why Ephraim was singled out for a special blessing: linkR Yitzchak Etshalom explores the issues raised by the Torah's description of Kever Rachel: link 1 (PDF), link 2 (PDF)Click here to read moreR Avigdor Nevenzal discusses the nature of the transgression of Reuven and suggests an approach in dealing with such passages both in the Torah and as understood in the Talmud: link 1, link 2R Baruch Simon, based on Rashi, suggests that we strive to accomplish a lot in our lives without being ostentatious: link (audio)R Asher Brander explores Yaakov Avinu's critique of Shimon and Levi: linkR David Horwitz analzes the reconciliation between Yosef and his brothers: linkR Sir Jonathan Sacks examines the reconciliation of the values of truth and peace: linkR Shlomoh Riskin and R Avraham Gordimer suggest why we invoke Ephraim and Menashe in blessing our sons: link 1, link 2R Mordechai Willig explains why Yaakov placed Ephraim ahead of Menashe when he blessed them: linkR Ephraim Buchwald explains, especially in the light of contemporary events, why it is a singularly important for parents to bask in the blessings of their children: linkR Eytan Feiner delves into the unique and eternal nature and role of Yaakov Avinu: linkR Avraham Gordimer explains why Yosef was promised the city of Shechem: linkR Aharon Lichenstein explores the blessings that Yaakov Avinu bestowed on all of his sons: linkR David Forhrman examines whether Yosef reconciled with his brothers: link (audio)R Dovid Gottlieb discusses the brachos given to Yissocher and Zvulun , deathbed wishes, aspects of Hilcos Aveilus and kvurah in the Land of Israel: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio), link 3 (audio), link 4 (audio)R Hershel Schachter discusses the halachos involved in Malchus Yisrael: link (audio)R Avishai David discusess the Ramban's comments on the first Shoresh of the Sefer HaMitzvos with respect to Mitzvos of a rabbinic nature and the famous comment in the Talmud as to the 613 mitzvos given to Moshe Rabbeinu: link (audio)R Hershel Schachter, based on a comment of Rav Soloveitchik ZL, reminds us never to confuse the differences between Chiddush and Shinui, and the need for a strong Mesorah to distinguish between a legitimate Chiddush and an illegitimate Shinui: linkR Michael Rosensweig explains why the proclamation of Shema Yisrael calmed Yaakov Avinu: link
Hilcos Krias Shma
R Asher Weiss explores the function of the recital of Baruch Shem Malchuso Lolam Vaed: link (audio)
Hilcos Aveilus
Rav Soloveitchik ZL discuses halachic and hashkafic concepts of Hilcos Aveilus: link (audio)
by Steve Brizel
9:35 PM
Gil Student
