Parashah Roundup: Vayishlakh 5770

by Steve Brizel

Yaakov's Confrontation with Esau

Rav Soloveitchik ZL, sets forth the limitations inherent in interfaith ecumenical theological dialogue: link

R Herschel Schachter shows how to draw the proper balance between being a Ger and a Toshav: link

R Mayer Twersky illustrates why the meeting between Yaakov and Esau serves the guide for all relationships with the non-Jewish world and suggests that a life of Avodas HaShem requires us to consider the factor ofShema Yigrom HaChet: link 1, link 2

The Nesivos Shalom, as elucidated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, explores the messages that Yaakov Avinu sent to Esau: link

R Sir Jonathan Sacks explains why the Torah tells us that Yaakov Avinu wrestled with the Angel of Esau: link

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R Yissocher Frand reminds us that the battle with the angel of Esau takes on new dimensions in every generation: link

R Berel Wein explains why Yaakov Avinu required both human and superhuman means of assistance in fighting the angel of Esau: link

R Aharon Lichtenstein , R Baruch Simon and R Aryeh Lebowitz explain how Yaakov Avinu emerged complete: link 1, link 2 (audio), link 3 (audio)

R Ephraim Buchwald reminds us that while the name Yaakov enables the Jewish People to survive, the name Yisrael is synonymous with our flourishing as a people: link

R Shlomoh Riskin and R Avraham Gordimer surveys the conflict between Yaakov Avinu and Esau in light of the clash between Torah, Greco-Roman and Christian values: link 1, link 2

R Avigdor Nevenzahl explores the historical and religious aftermaths of the encounter with Esau , many hashkafic lessons derived from the prohibition of the Gid HaNasheh: link 1, link 2

R Yaakov Neuberger and R Avishai David analyze commentary of the Ramban on Parshas Vayishlach: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R Dovid Horwitz, based upon the Kli Yakar, shows how Yaakov Avinu acted out of character in returning for the small vessels: link

The Stop in Beit-El

R Ezra Bick explains the significance of Yaakov Avinu's stop in Beit-El: link

The Deaths of Devorah and Rachel

R Asher Brander analyzes the relationship between the deaths of Devorah and Rachel: link

Shimon and Levi-The Brothers of Dinah

R Michael Rosensweig and R Yitzchak Etshalom explore the views of Yaakov Avinu and Shimon and Levi in their reaction to the rape of Dinah: link 1, link 2

R Dovid Gottlieb discusses the proper motivation required for Gerus in cases of Gerus Lshem Ishus: link (audio)

Issur Gid HaNasheh

R Asher Weiss explores the nature of the Issur Gid HaNasheh: link

Shoalim vDorshim Department

Rav Soloveitchik ZL discusses various halachic and hashkafic aspects of Chanukah: link (audio)

R Aharon Lichtenstein explores various views in the Rishonim and Acharonim whether women can and should light their own Channukah candles: link

R Dovid Miller reviews Hilcos Chanukah: link (audio)

R Hershel Schachter discusses Simchah on Channukah and Hadlakas HaMenorah: link (audio)

R Zvi Sobolofsky discusses Neros Channukah and Neros Shabbos and the Halachic basis for instituting Chanukah and Purim: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R Baruch Simon discusses the proper time for lighting Neros Channukah on weekdays and Erev Shabbos: link (audio)

R D David Berger discusses human initiative, Divine Providence and the absence of any discussion of the miracle of the cruise of oil in Maccabees I and II: link