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The Parsha Archive

Moadim

Rosh Hashanah

  1. תשע״ד (5774) — 2 essays, Parsha
  2. תשע״ה (5775) — 3 essays, Parsha
  3. תשע״ו (5776) — 5 essays, Parsha
  4. תשע״ז (5777) — 1 essay, Parsha
  5. תשע״ח (5778) — 1 essay, Haftorah
  6. תשע״ט (5779) — 3 essays, Parsha
  7. תש״פ (5780) — 3 essays, Haftorah
  8. תשפ״א (5781) — 1 essay, Haftorah
  9. תשפ״ב (5782) — 1 essay, Parsha
  10. תשפ״ג (5783) — 1 essay, Tehillim
  11. תשפ״ד (5784) — 1 essay, Tehillim
  12. תשפ״ה (5785) — 1 essay, Tehillim
  13. תשפ״ו (5786) — 1 essay, Medrash
  14. תשפ״ז (5787) — 1 essay, Medrash
תשפ״ז5787

Rosh Hashana – Moments of Silence

The essay asks why the Torah anticipated years of זכרון תרועה (Rosh Hashana on Shabbos, without shofar) alongside years of יום תרועה, and why the Medrash links זכרון תרועה specifically to Yitzchok Avinu. Drawing on R' Yonasan Shteif, it explains that Avrohom drew people under the wings of the Shechinah through reasoning and outreach, while Yitzchok did so through Torah and Avodah itself, which sustain the world. The shofar parallels Avrohom's external arousal to teshuva, while on Rosh Hashana that falls on Shabbos the added kedusha of the day allows the Yitzchok path — Torah and Avodah alone — to awaken us, teaching us to recognize the inherent power of our own avodas Hashem in sustaining the world.

Medrash

תשפ״ו5786

Rosh Hashana

The essay explores the placement of the agricultural laws of Peah and Leket within the Torah's discussion of the holidays in Parshas Emor. It explains that these 'Matnos Aniyim' embody the trait of 'Vittur' (relinquishing ownership/submission), which acts as a spiritual protection against destruction. This quality of self-nullification is central to the theme of Rosh Hashanah—accepting G-d's kingship—and serves as the merit, exemplified by Rachel Imenu, through which the Jewish people are judged favorably and promised redemption.

Medrashwith Emor

תשפ״ה5785

Royal Garb

This essay explores the themes of Hashem's kingship and divine providence as expressed in Kapital 93 of Tehillim, particularly in relation to Rosh Hashanah.

Tehillim

תשפ״ד5784

Covered Up

Kapital 81 is linked to Rosh Hashanah, emphasizing themes of redemption and the importance of recognizing moments of light amidst darkness. It teaches us how to navigate challenges and anticipate the coming Geulah.

Tehillim

תשפ״ג5783

Blast Away

The essay explores the significance of Kapital 47 of Tehillim, recited before Tekias Shofar on Rosh Hashanah, emphasizing its themes of Malchus and the awakening of inner Kedusha through the Shofar.

Tehillim

תשפ״ב5782

Big Party

The essay explores the significance of the Mishteh Gadol that Avrohom made for Yitzchok's weaning, connecting it to the themes of Rosh Hashanah and personal growth.

Parsha

תשפ״א5781

Good Clouds

The Haftorah from Yeshaya focuses on the hope of Geulah and the swift return of Bnei Yisroel to Yerushalayim, using metaphors of clouds and doves to illustrate this process.

Haftorahwith Ki Savo

תש״פ5780

King Me

The essay explores the Haftorah readings for Rosh Hashanah, connecting the themes of prayer and redemption through the narratives of Chana and Rochel. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing our spiritual stature and the potential for return to holiness.

Haftorah

Light Sources

The Haftorah emphasizes the theme of light as a metaphor for the joy and transformation that will accompany the Geulah, highlighting our relationship with Hashem and the nations of the world.

Haftorahwith Ki Savo

True Happiness

This Haftorah emphasizes the relationship between Hashem and Klal Yisroel, highlighting the joy and renewal that will come with the Geulah, akin to the joy of a newlywed couple.

Haftorahwith Nitzavim

תשע״ט5779

A Blast of Truth

The essay explores the significance of the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah, linking it to themes of truth and the Akeida, emphasizing its role in awakening our spiritual essence and affecting our judgment.

Parshawith Pinchas

Clothes Make the Man

This Haftorah emphasizes our relationship with Hashem and the significance of clothing as a metaphor for our inner essence, especially as we approach Rosh Hashanah.

Haftorahwith Nitzavim

So Very Precious

The Haftorah for Ki Savo emphasizes the transformation of Yerushalayim and the relationship with the nations post-Geulah, highlighting the irreplaceable value of life and the Shechina.

Haftorahwith Ki Savo

תשע״ח5778

Direct Connect

The essay explores the connection between Chana's prayer and Rosh Hashanah, emphasizing the importance of direct communication with Hashem during this Yom Tov.

Haftorah

תשע״ז5777

Inner Strength

Rosh Hashana is a time for reflection and renewal of our commitment to Hashem's kingship. The focus is on the mitzvah of Shofar and the importance of intention in our prayers.

Parsha

תשע״ו5776

Among The Nations

This essay explores the connection between Parshas Ve’Eschanan and the weeks of Nechama following Tisha B'Av, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Jewish identity amidst external influences.

Parshawith Ve'eschanan

Calling and Answering

Parshas Ki Savo discusses the Mitzvah of Bikurim and its significance, highlighting the connection between the joy of bringing first fruits and the historical context of Klal Yisroel's redemption from Egypt.

Parshawith Ki Savo

Hold on Tight

The essay explores the connection between Parshas Vayelech and the themes of Teshuva during the Aseres Yimei Teshuva, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our distance from Hashem and the power of returning to Him.

Parshawith Vayelech

Rosh Hashana

Rosh Hashana is a day of introspection and judgment, yet it is also a Yom Tov meant to be celebrated with joy. The balance between fear of judgment and the joy of being part of Klal Yisroel is essential for a meaningful observance.

Parsha

The Best Intentions

The essay explores Avraham's intentions during the Akeidah, emphasizing the importance of actions alongside good intentions and their lasting impact on future generations.

Parshawith Vayera

תשע״ה5775

Good Business

Moshe's final message emphasizes the importance of connecting to Hashem through supporting Talmidei Chachamim, especially as we approach Rosh Hashanah.

Parshawith Nitzavim

It’s Contagious

The essay explores the significance of reading the Tochecha in Parshas Ki Savo before Rosh Hashana, emphasizing the importance of serving Hashem with joy and the contagious nature of happiness.

Parshawith Ki Savo

Parshas Nitzvim-VaYelech

This essay explores the significance of Moshe's final address to Klal Yisroel on the last day of his life, connecting it to the themes of Rosh Hashana, including the acceptance of Hashem's kingship and the importance of individual responsibility.

Parshawith Nitzavim, Vayelech

תשע״ד5774

Matnos Aniyim and Korbonos

This essay explores the connection between the agricultural mitzvos of Matnos Aniyim and Korbonos, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Hashem's role in our accomplishments.

Parshawith Emor

The Key to Bitachon

This essay explores the connection between the Mitzvos of Shemita and Yovel and their role in instilling Bitachon in Hashem, alongside the interpersonal Mitzvos that enhance our relationships with others.

Parshawith Behar