Esther Wachsman describes the sense of unity generated for the safe return of Nachshon Wachsman, HaShem Yimkam Damo, z"l: link
R. Dovid Miller and R. Ezra Schwartz examine the connection between Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)
R. Mosheh Lichtenstein evaluates the religious significance of the establishment of the State of Israel in the light of Purim and Chnukah: link
R. Hershel Schachter explores the contemporary application of the Mitzvah of living in Eretz Yisrael and sets forth 10 reasons to support Hakamas Medinas Yisrael: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)
R. Shalom Rosner examines the meaning of Geulah today: link (audio)
R. Joshua Flug discusses whether one should recite a Bracha on Halel on Yom HaAtzmaut: link
R. Zvi Sobolofsky explores Kedushas Eretz Yisrael: link (audio)
R. Michael Rosensweig explains why Yom HaAtzmaut presents us with an opportunity for Kedushah, spiritual opportunity, Hallel and Hakaras Hatov: link
An Overview of Acharei Mos-Kedoshim
R. Yitzchak Etshalom explains the sequencing of the various mitzvos in both parshiyos: link
R. Baruch Simon demonstrates a common theme underscoring both Parshiyos, namely acting in advance of the appropriate time and with proper reverence for the Ziknei HaDor: link (audio)
Acharei Mos and Sefer Vayikra
R. Avraham Walfish explains why Parshas Acharei Mos is the pivotal parsha in Sefer Vayikra: link
Avodas Yom Hakippurim
Rav Soloveitchik z"l explores the many Halachic and Hashkafic dimensions of the Avodas Yom HaKippurim: link
Issurei Arayos
R. Yakov Haber (formerly of RIETS) explores many of the reasons for Issuei Arayos: link
R. Zvi Sobolofsky explains why the concept of Asu Siyag LaTorah is a mechanism for our Yiras Shamayim, and especially so in the area of Arayos: link
Chukos HaGoyim
R. Dovid Gottlieb explores the Halachic and Hashkafic aspects of Chukos HaGoyim: link (audio)
Kedoshim Tihiyu
R. Michael Rosensweig and R. Mayer Twersky explain why Parshas Kedoshim is a key to acquiring a halachic values and world view and a focused, consecrated life: link 1, link 2
R. Berel Wein, based upon the famous words of the Ramban, exhorts us not to compartmentalize our lives: link
R. Yissocher Frand, based upon the Chasam Sofer’s understanding of a Machlokes Rashi and Ramban, reminds us that this portion was given in a mass gathering to emphasize that the fact that we are commanded to achieve Kedusha through a certain degree of abstinence, it can only be done in the context of family and community: link
R. Asher Brander reminds us that Parshas Kedoshim is the third Parsha where the Aseres HaDibros are given and explains the unifying elements of all the Mitzvos: link
Lifnei Iver
R. Asher Weiss discusses the dimensions of Lifnei Iver Lo Siten Michshol: link
Kiddush HaShem
The Nesivos Shalom, as elucidated by R. Yitzchak Adlerstein, explains why the Rambam discusses the halachos of Kiddush HaShem in Hilcos Yesodei HaTorah: link
Pikuach Nefesh
R. Zvi Sobolofsky explores the halachic dimensions of Pikuach Nefesh: link (audio)
Vahavta Lreacha Kamocha
R. Mordechai Willig and R. Daniel Stein discuss the relationships between observant and non- observant Jews and inviting a non-observant Jew for a Shabbos meal: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio), link 3 (audio)
R. Hershel Shachter discusses halachic issues relating to Gerus and Kiruv: link (audio)
R. Dovid Gottlieb discusses the obligation and limit of Kiruv: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)
R. Daniel Feldman discusses priorities in Tzedaka: link (audio)
R. Shlomo Riskin, based upon R. Hai Gaon’s understanding of the time of the demise of R. Akiva’s students and the views of R Yochanan Ben Zakkai and R Akiva in the aftermath of Churban Bayis Sheni, suggests an alternative explanation for their demise: link
Lo Takifu and Tatoos
R. Asher Weiss explores the prohibition of Lo Takifu and Tatoos: link
Link to last year’s roundup: link
