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27 essays
Korachתשפ״ו
Ground Rules: Understanding the Mouth of the Earth
Moshe Rabbeinu's demand for a supernatural death for Korach was not a personal vendetta, but a necessary validation of the hierarchy of holiness (Kedusha) in the world. By linking the 'mouth of the earth' to the punishment of Kayin, the essay explains that even inanimate objects reflect God's glory, and Korach's denial of Moshe's unique status was a fundamental denial of the concept of 'Melo Chol Ha’aretz Kevodo'.
Medrash
MatosThe Three Weeksתשפ״ו
Growing Up: The Gratitude of Moshe Rabbeinu
The essay explores why Moshe Rabbeinu delegated the war against Midyan to Pinchas despite God's direct command for Moshe to lead it. By contrasting this with the plagues in Egypt where Aaron struck the Nile and earth, the author explains that Moshe's Hakaras Hatov (gratitude) towards Midyan was a personal realization that his time spent there—though difficult—was essential for his growth and leadership, teaching that even bleak periods of exile can be the catalyst for redemption.
Medrash
Pinchasתשפ״ו
Return Count
The essay explores the significance of the census in Parshas Pinchas following the plague at Shittim. Drawing on the Sfas Emes, it argues that being counted (mispar) represents the dwelling of holiness within the natural order (teva), demonstrating G-d's love for Bnei Yisrael even when they are not at their most elevated spiritual state.
Medrash
Maseiתשפ״ה
Generational Wealth
The essay explores why Hashem showed Moshe the future leaders and sinners of every generation specifically when defining the boundaries of Eretz Yisroel. Citing Rav Hirsch’s linguistic analysis of 'Dor' as a 'connection,' the author argues that Eretz Yisroel provides a unique spatial bond that strengthens the positive influence of righteous leaders over the negative influences present in every generation.
Medrash
Chukasתשפ״ה
In the Clouds
The essay explores why Har HaHar remained standing while the Clouds of Glory flattened other mountains. It connects the mountain's unique 'double-peak' structure to Aharon HaKohen's role as a peacemaker who brought those distanced by sin back to the Torah, symbolizing the inclusion of the 'small' with the 'great' under divine protection.
Medrash
Korachתשפ״ה
Leadership Staff
The essay explores the symbolic significance of Aharon’s staff (Matteh), which a Midrash identifies as the same staff used by Yehuda, Yaakov, and Moshe. It argues that the staff, originating from Gan Eden, represents a level of Bitachon (trust in God) that transcends Teva (nature), serving as an essential tool for Jewish leadership to remain aware that they are merely instruments of the Divine will.
Medrash
Behaloschaתשפ״ה
The King Heralds
The essay explores why the silver trumpets (Chatzotzros) were uniquely reserved for Moshe Rabbeinu's exclusive use and hidden before his death. Drawing on the Netziv's distinction between 'Malchus' (natural order) and 'Tiferes' (supernatural order), it argues that Moshe's leadership represented a higher plane of existence that aimed to unite Klal Yisroel as 'Yeshurun'—a level above the standard natural kingdom.
Medrash
Shelachתשפ״ב
Power of One
The essay explores the significance of Kalev's courage during the Chet HaMeraglim, emphasizing the power of individual conviction when supported by faith in Hashem.
Parsha
Korachתשפ״א
Keep Going
This week's Sedra focuses on leadership, highlighting the challenges faced by Moshe and the transition to monarchy in Israel. The Haftorah emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in leadership.
Parsha
Nasoתשע״ט
Nasso: Nurture Above Nature
The Haftorah discusses Manoach, the father of Shimshon, and explores his character as a non-argumentative individual who rose above the tendencies of his Shevet, Dan. It highlights how his qualities contributed to the birth of a savior for Klal Yisroel.
Haftorah
Shelachתשע״ח
Grape Fruit
This essay explores the lessons from the Meraglim's journey and their connection to the season of Bikurei Anavim, emphasizing the need for Shemirah and the importance of hard work in achieving one's purpose.
Parsha
Korachתשע״ח
Korach Authority Issues
The essay discusses the authority challenges posed by Korach and the importance of the Mesorah in Jewish tradition. It emphasizes that personal connections to Hashem should be guided by established leaders.
Parsha
Behaloschaתשע״ח
Long Term Solution
This essay explores the leadership dynamics in Behaloscha, focusing on the roles of Moshe, Eldad, and Meidad, and the nature of true spiritual growth.
Parsha
Chukasתשע״ח
Seeing Stars
The essay explores the story of Mei Meriva and its implications for Moshe Rabbeinu's actions, emphasizing the connection between divine will and human actions.
Parsha
Balakתשע״ח
Sunny Disposition
The essay discusses the events in Parsha Balak, focusing on the punishment of those who sinned with Baal Peor and the significance of the sun's role in identifying them. It emphasizes the importance of intention in our actions.
Parsha
Nasoתשע״ח
There’s Always Time
The essay discusses the significance of the Nesiim's offerings of wagons and oxen for the Mishkan, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acting upon the Ratzon Hashem in the present moment.
Parsha
Behaloschaתשע״ז
Destination Please
The essay explores the conversation between Moshe and Yisro, emphasizing the importance of Yisro's presence for the Jewish people and the significance of treating converts with love and respect.
Parsha
Korachתשע״ז
Korach Stick Figures
The essay explores the story of Korach and the significance of the Mateh Aron sprouting almonds, emphasizing the message of individual holiness and the power of collective action in realizing Hashem's will.
Parsha
Balakתשע״ז
Mouth Off
Parshas Balak highlights the unusual role of Bnei Yisroel as background players while exploring the significance of Moshe's strength and the concept of 'Kocho B’Piv'.
Parsha
Pinchasתשע״ז
Pinchas
This essay explores the significance of the Korban Tamid and its placement in the Torah, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a personal connection to Hashem even as the national experience changes.
Parsha
Behaloschaתשע״ו
Don’t Be Jealous
This essay explores Aharon HaKohen's feelings of discouragement when he was not involved in the Korbanos of the Nissim and how Hashem consoled him with the Mitzvah of Hadlakas HaMenorah, emphasizing the unique role of Shevet Levi.
Parsha
Chukasתשע״ו
Send A Message
The essay explores Moshe Rabbeinu's message to the King of Edom, emphasizing the shared heritage and the significance of Bnei Yisroel's suffering in Egypt as a preparation for receiving the Torah.
Parsha
Pinchasתשע״ו
Take Me to Your Leader
The essay discusses Moshe's request for a successor to lead Klal Yisroel, emphasizing the importance of leadership in both physical and spiritual battles, particularly against the Yetzer Harah.
Parsha
Matosתשע״ו
The Final Act
This essay discusses Moshe Rabbeinu's final act as a leader, tying his death to the war against Midyan and exploring the implications of his actions and inactions.
Parsha
Bamidbarתשע״ד
Degalim and Pikudim
The essay explores the lessons from Sefer Bamidbar, focusing on the counting of the Jews and the significance of the Degalim, emphasizing the human imperfections of the Dor Hamidbar and Hashem's love for each individual.
Parsha
Pinchasתשע״ד
Internal Shalom
The essay explores the character of Pinchas and his lineage, emphasizing the conflict between good and evil. It highlights the importance of choosing a clear moral path, as exemplified by Pinchas and Aharon.
Parsha
Shelachתשע״ד
Knowing Ourselves
This essay explores the failure of the Meraglim, who, despite being respected leaders, allowed their fears of losing status to distort their perceptions of Eretz Yisroel, leading to a grave sin against Hashem.
Parsha