Parashah Roundup: Acharei Mos-Kedoshim 5770

by Steve Brizel

Parshas Acharei Mos

R Berel Wein suggests that muckraking after the death of a person is reserved for God: link

R Yissocher Frand, based on an incident in the life of R Chaim Soloveitchik ZL, explains the special need to seek atonement for transgressions of an interpersonal nature on Erev Yom HaKipurim: link

Rav Soloveitchik ZL explicates the Halachic and Hashkafic elements of the Seder Avodas Yom HaKippurim: link

R Avigdor Nevenzal explores the relationship between Yom HaKipurim, Kaparah and Talmud Torah: link

The Nesivos Shalom, as explicated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, explains how we are to invest our observance of the Mitzvos with a sense of exuberance and vitality: link

R Asher Weiss discusses the prohibition of Lifnei Iver Lo Siten Michshol: link (audio)

R Zvi Sobolofsky explains why we are commanded to make Siyagim, especially in the area of Arayos: link

R Yaakov Haber ( formerly of RIETS) explores numerous rationales for the Issurei Arayos: link

R Baruch Simon explains why elevating oneself in Kedusha is a step by step process: link (audio)

R Avraham Gordimer discusses the sequences and penalties for Issurei Arayos: link

Parshas Kedoshim

R Mayer Twersky discusses how Kedoshim Tihiyu is the lodestar of Jewish existence: link 1, link 2

R Michael Rosensweig explains why we are commanded to internalize Halachic values and adopt a Halachic world view: link

R Berel Wein reminds us that Kedusha is not limited to the domain of the shul and the place of Torah study: link

R Yitzchak Etshalom explores why “Ani HaShem” is the constant refrain in this Parsha and the meaning of Kedoshim Tihiyu as understood by Rashi, Ramban and Rambam: link 1, link 2

R Asher Weiss discusses the Lo Takifu and the halachic issues raised by tattoos: link (audio)

R Aryeh Leibowitz discusses the halachic dimensions of Peos HaRosh: link (audio)

R Mayer Twersky, as well as R Hershel Shachter, R Mordechai Willig and R Michael Rosensweig explains why one cannot allow sympathy for the plight of someone with homosexual leanings with legitimization of the gay agenda within Halacha: link 1 (audio), link 2

R Yaakov Haber ( formerly of RIETS) explores numerous rationales for the Issurei Arayos: link

R Ari Zahtz explores the dimensions of Vahavta Lreacha Kamocha: link (audio)

R Azara Berzon discusses Kibud VaEm: link (audio)

Yom HaShoah

R Tamir Granot investigates different hashkafic approaches to the Holocaust: link

R Nathan Lopes Cardozo explains why justifying God undermines His very being: link

R Ephraim Buchwald and R Jonathan Rosenblum explains why Jewish continuity cannot be built solely on commemorating and remembering the Holocaust: link 1, link 2

R Avishai David discusses Yom HaShoah and Yom HaAtzmaut: link (audio)

R Itiel Oron explains the critical importance of the week from Yom HaShoah to Yom HaAtzmaut in the philosophy of Halacha: link (audio)

R Aryeh Leibowitz discusses the halachic issues raised in commemorating Yom HaShoah and Responsa from the Holocaust: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

Yom HaZikaron

R Dovid Miller discusses Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

Yom HaAtzmaut

R Aharon Soloveitchik ZL discusses the recitation of Hallel on Yom HaAtzmaut: link (audio)

R Aharon Lichtenstein discusses Yom HaAtzmaut with respect to integrating the past, present and future: link

R Herschel Schachter reminds us that it is no accident that the calls for internationalization R”L of Yerushalayim have increased and have been led by the Roman Catholic Church and why we are overjoyed and thankful for the existence of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel, even if we are at times very unhappy with the political leadership of the state and discusses ten reasons for supporting the establishment of the State of Israel., as well as seven aspects of Kedushas Eretz Yisrael: link 1, link 2, link 3 (audio), link 4 (audio)

R Yaakov Medan searches for sources of “Hatikvah” in Tanach , Chazal and Rambam: link

R Norman Lamm explains the critical importance of a sovereign Jewish state for American Jews: link (PDF)

R Baruch Simon , R David Brofsky and R Eli Ozarowski explore the halachic issues with respect to the celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut: link 1 (audio), link 2, link 3 (PDF)

R Michael Rosensweig explains how Yom HaAtzmaut should serve as a reminder that Eretz Yisrael represents a unique venue for Kedusha and spiritual opportunity: link

R Shmuel Marcus challenges us to emotionally recapture the joy upon the establishment of the State of Israel: link (audio)

R Zvi Sobolofsky discusses the relationship between Yom HaAtzmaut and Kedushas Eretz Yisrael: link (audio)

R Joshua Flug discusses how one who resides in the Diaspora can maintain a connection to the Land of Israel: link (PDF)

R Yaacov Haber ( of Torahlab) explains his views on Yom HaAztmaut as well as the spiritual highs and lows of present day life in Israel: link

Shoalim v Dorshim Department

Rav Soloveitchik ZL discusses various aspects of Sefiras HaOmer and the Aseres HaDibros: link (audio)

R David Brofsky discusses the halachos of Sefiras HaOmer: link

Pirkei Avos

R Aharon Lichtenstein, R Michael Rosensweig and R Yonasan Sacks discuss various Mishnayos and hashkafic issues in Pirkei Avos: link 1 (audio), link 2