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Moadim

Pesach

  1. תשע״ד (5774) — 2 essays, Parsha
  2. תשע״ה (5775) — 4 essays, Parsha
  3. תשע״ו (5776) — 4 essays, Parsha
  4. תשע״ז (5777) — 2 essays, Parsha
  5. תשע״ח (5778) — 2 essays, Parsha
  6. תשע״ט (5779) — 2 essays, Parsha
  7. תש״פ (5780) — 2 essays, Parsha
  8. תשפ״א (5781) — 2 essays, Haftorah
  9. תשפ״ב (5782) — 2 essays, Parsha
  10. תשפ״ג (5783) — 2 essays, Tehillim
  11. תשפ״ד (5784) — 2 essays, Parsha
  12. תשפ״ה (5785) — 1 essay, Tehillim
  13. תשפ״ו (5786) — 3 essays, Medrash

Achron Shel Pesach: Then What

The essay explores the linguistic connection between Moshe's complaint 'U'me'az basi el Paroh' (since I came to Pharaoh) and the triumphant 'Az Yashir' (then sang Moshe) at the Sea. It argues that the word 'Az' signifies the complex relationship between cause and effect in Hashem's plan, where perceived hardships (causes of suffering) are actually the necessary steps (effects of the plan) toward ultimate redemption. By starting the Shira with 'Az,' Moshe demonstrated that the Jewish people had attained the clarity of Emunah to see the hand of G-d even within setbacks.

Medrashwith Beshalach, Shemos

Small Shares: The Spiritual Power of the Korban Omer

The essay explores the hidden power of the Korban Omer, which despite being a small offering of simple barley, is credited by the Midrash with providing the merit for Avraham's inheritance of Israel and the salvation of the Jewish people in various eras. The central insight is that the Omer represents the 'Gevurah' of Hashem—that He gives abundantly according to His infinite power but asks for repayment only according to our limited human capacity. This mindset of recognizing Hashem's humble demands versus His massive chessed creates a unique spiritual bond that protects the Jewish people.

Medrashwith Emor, Sefiras HaOmer

Stranger Danger: The Purity of the Night of Pesach

The essay explores the specific prohibition of a 'ben nechar' (stranger) eating the Korban Pesach, contrasting the physical Egyptian oppression with the spiritual purity of Israel on the night of the Exodus. Drawing on Rav Hutner’s Pachad Yitzchok, it argues that the night of the 15th of Nissan was a unique historical moment where Klal Yisrael existed in its most pristine state—freed from external nations and not yet diluted by the 'Erev Rav' or internal dissent—representing a template for the future Redemption.

Medrashwith Bo

Service with a Song

This essay explores the significance of Hallel during Pesach, emphasizing the transition from being servants of Pharaoh to servants of Hashem, and the joy that comes with this new identity.

Tehillim

Moment of Glory

The essay explores the significance of Krias Yam Suf during Pesach, emphasizing the connection between Moshe Rabbeinu and the miracle, and how the prayers of Bnei Yisroel reflect the legacy of the Avos.

Parsha

The Brightest Darkness

The essay explores the significance of Hallel during Pesach, particularly on Leil HaSeder, emphasizing its connection to the Geulah and the transition from servitude to freedom.

Tehillim

Split Ends

Kapital 136, known as Hallel HaGadol, praises Hashem's eternal kindness. It reflects on the miracles of Krias Yam Suf and the significance of the twelve lanes created for Bnei Yisroel.

Tehillim

Watch Your Language

The essay explores the significance of Tehillim 114 in relation to Pesach, emphasizing the importance of language and identity in the context of Yetzias Mitzrayim.

Tehillim

Heart of the Matter

The essay explores the significance of the Mitzvah of Tashbisu during Pesach, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's heart (Lev) in fulfilling this commandment and achieving spiritual growth.

Parsha

Our Water

The final days of Pesach focus on Krias Yam Suf, emphasizing the transition from servitude to freedom and the importance of recognizing divine assistance in times of trouble.

Parsha

Achron Shel Pesach

The essay explores the significance of Shira in the context of Pesach, particularly focusing on the Shira of Dovid Hamelech and its implications for gratitude and introspection.

Haftorah

Pour It Out

The essay explores the significance of the 'Shfoch Chamascha' paragraph in the Haggadah, emphasizing its role as a plea for divine retribution against enemies and its connection to the themes of yearning for closeness to Hashem.

Parsha

Achron Shel Pesach

The essay explores the significance of Krias Yam Suf and the events at Marah, emphasizing the theme of miracles in the Jewish experience and the lessons learned about reliance on divine intervention.

Parshawith Beshalach

Neighborhood Day

The essay discusses the significance of the Korban Pesach and the importance of community and proximity in fulfilling this mitzvah, emphasizing the role of the Yetzer Tov as a supportive neighbor in our spiritual journey.

Parsha

Achron Shel Pesach

The essay explores the significance of Krias Yam Suf during Pesach, emphasizing the role of Atzmos Yosef in the miracle and the lessons of connection to our ancestors.

Parshawith Beshalach

Thank You Hashem

The essay explores the significance of the 'Dayenu' in the Haggadah, emphasizing its connection to gratitude and the historical context of Jewish survival through praise.

Parsha

Achron Shel Pesach

The essay discusses the significance of Krias Yam Suf during Pesach, emphasizing the connection between Moshe Rabbeinu's actions and the faith of Bnei Yisroel in Hashem and themselves.

Parsha

Poor Us

The essay explores the connection between Pesach and Tisha B'Av, emphasizing the significance of Matzah and the concept of 'Lechem Oni' as a means to access true freedom and spiritual growth during Pesach.

Parsha

Achron Shel Pesach

The essay explores the significance of the last days of Pesach, emphasizing the theme of Emunah in Hashem and the connection to the events of Krias Yam Suf.

Parsha

Free At Last

The essay explores the significance of the Haggadah's opening lines during the Seder, emphasizing the themes of freedom and the importance of Torah study in achieving true liberation.

Parsha

It’s a Match

The essay explores the imperative of viewing oneself as if they left Mitzrayim during Pesach, emphasizing the connection between freedom and eligibility for divine relationship.

Parsha

Simply Complete

This essay explores the significance of Sefiras HaOmer as a preparation for Mattan Torah, emphasizing personal growth and the concept of Temimus during this period.

Parshawith Emor

The Time is Now

This essay connects the lessons of Parshas Metzorah to the upcoming Yom Tov of Pesach, emphasizing the importance of readiness and encouragement in the process of Taharah for the Metzorah.

Parshawith Metzora

We Are Miracle

Acharon Shel Pesach highlights the unique Kedusha and miracles associated with Krias Yam Suf, emphasizing the importance of faith and the divine intervention during the Exodus.

Parsha

Celebrating the Maror

The essay explores the significance of the Seder night and the connection between the bitterness of Maror and the joy of Matzah, emphasizing that hardships can lead to redemption.

Parsha

The Ultimate Song

This essay explores the significance of Shir HaShirim, emphasizing its unique status as the 'ultimate song' that reflects both joy and longing for Hashem, particularly in the context of Pesach.

Haftorah

Weeks and Weeks

This essay discusses the mitzvos of Yomim Tovim and Sefiras HaOmer, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth during this period.

Parshawith Emor

What’s So Great?

Shabbos HaGadol is a unique observance that commemorates the Jews' preparation for the Korban Pesach and their miraculous escape from Egypt. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual readiness and Teshuvah as we approach Pesach.

Parshawith Tzav

Permanent Kedusha

This essay discusses the importance of maintaining spiritual cleanliness and the permanence of Kedusha compared to Tumah. It emphasizes that our choices affect our spiritual status and that through Teshuva, we can return to a state of Tahara.

Parshawith Shemini

The Yom Tov of Eating

The essay explores the significance of the Rasha's question during the Seder and how Pesach's Mitzvos emphasize the connection between physical enjoyment and spiritual fulfillment.

Parsha