R Berel Wein suggests that Parshas Maasei symbolizes our wanderings as a people through history, as well as the consequences of our decisions of the past with respect to their impact on the future as individuals: link
R Yissocher Frand and R Dovid Gottlieb investigate the misplaced priorities of the tribes of Gad and Reuven: link 1, link 2 (audio)
R Yitzchak Etshalom discusses the themes of tribal integrity and family integrity: link
R Ephraim Buchwald explains how words can heal or hurt: link
The Nesivos Shalom, ZL, as explicated by R Yitzchak Adlerstein, investigates why Am Yisrael stopped 42 times during the journey through the desert, and the fundamental hashkafic lessons learned therefrom: link
R Shlomoh Riskin, based on the Ramban, suggests that Maasei Avos Siman LBanim, as a key to understanding Jewish history throughout the millennia, explains why Am Yisrael stopped 42 times during the desert: link
R Sir Jonathan Sacks, based on the Ramban and R Yehudah HaLevi, examines the religious significance of the Land of Israel: link, and the uniqueness of the voices of the Neviim: link (PDF)
R Ezra Bick discusses the connection between the Parshiyos of Nedarim, Tevilas Kelim, and the war against Midyan: link
R Asher Brander reminds us that that a Jew doing right represents a loving Torah reminds us that a life well lived is a walking advertisement of Hashem’s presence in the world is (scary and) empowering: link
R Asher Weiss discusses Mitzvos HaYachid VHaTzibur, and Tevilas Kelim: link (audio)
R Hershel Schachter underscores the importance of straightening out our priorities: link,and why the Torah elaborates on the boundaries of the Land of Israel: link
R Michael Rosensweig analyzes the perfection of Torah and the role of Nedarim: link, and the role of the Chacham as reflected in Nedarim: link
R Baruch Simon examines the relationship between Parshas Masei and Torah SheBaal Peh: link (audio), and the Midah of Histapkus: link (audio)
R Mayer Twersky discusses the importance of moderate abstinence: link
R Avigdor Nevenzal examines the significance of adhering to one’s vows: link, and the dangers of acting in haste: link
R Dovid Horwitz evaluates the choice of Shevet Reuven: link (audio)
R Chanan Balk discusses the roles of Moshe Rabbeinu and Yirmiyahu HaNavi, their destinies, and one act of Kabalas Ol Malchus Shamayim: link (audio), as well as suggests a new theory with respect to the Parshiyos that precede and follow Tisha B’Av: link (audio)
R Shmuel Maybruch discusses aspects of Kedushas Yisrael: link (audio), as well Halachic issues with respect to pests and produce: link (audio)
Shloshim Yom Kodem Department
Rav Soloveitchik ZL discusses the Halachos, Hashkafa and Kinos of Tisha B’Av: link (audio)
R Yitzchak Etshalom discusses various themes in Megilas Eicha: link 1 (PDF), link 2 (PDF)
Rebbitzen Esther Farbstein and Mrs. Ruth Lichtenstein discuss spiritual resistance during the Holocaust: link
R D Norman Lamm and R Ephraim Buchwald remind us that the Holocaust cannot serve as a model for a positive view of Jewish identity. R Moshe Ziemba discusses the role of R Menachem Ziemba HaShem Yimkam Damo ZL with an emphasis on his Gadlus BaTorah, leadership and support of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising: link 1, link 2 (Pages 259-261), link 3
For various views on how to constructively confront the issues confronting the next generation of Orthodoxy in North America, see: link 1, link 2, and link 3
R D Shnayer Z. Leiman discusses a famous letter of R Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook ZL on Ahavas Yisrael, and the role of R Kook ZL, in a tragic incident that rocked the pre World War II Yishuv-the assassination of Chaim Arlosoroff ZL: link 1 (PDF), and how R Yekutiel Yehudah Greenwald ZL spent Tishah B’Av at the University of Leipzig: link 2 (PDF)
For a discussion on the drafting of yeshiva students, see the views of R Shlomoh Yosef Zevin ZL: link
