Skip to content
The Parsha Archive

Search

8 essays

  1. Vayigashתשפ״ג

    Seeing Eyes

    The essay discusses the concept of divine judgment and the necessity of public accountability for the wicked, drawing parallels between the future judgment and the experiences of the Jewish people during the Exodus.

    Parsha

  2. Vayigashתשע״ט

    Identity Crisis

    The essay explores Yosef's strategic decisions to ensure his family's survival in Mitzrayim, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their identity and separation from Egyptian influences.

    Parsha

  3. Vayetzeiתשע״ט

    Vayeitzei Haters

    The essay explores the contrasting descriptions of Leah and Rochel, focusing on Leah's 'soft eyes' and the implications of her character and emotions, particularly her hatred for Esav.

    Parsha

  4. Lech Lechaתשע״ח

    All Dusty

    The essay explores the relationship between Avrom and Lot, emphasizing how Lot's negative influence affected Avrom's ability to receive divine communication. It highlights the importance of connection to Torah for survival and legacy.

    Parsha

  5. Vayishlachתשע״ח

    Vayishlach

    This week's Parsha discusses Yaakov Avinu's life, focusing on his name change to Yisroel and the significance of this transformation in relation to his descendants and their spiritual challenges.

    Parsha

  6. Vayetzeiתשע״ז

    Acute Awareness

    This essay explores Yaakov Avinu's actions in Charan, emphasizing his pure intentions and strength in overcoming obstacles, symbolized by the rock at the well.

    Parsha

  7. Noachתשע״ז

    Parshas Noach: Not Together Forever

    The essay asks why the Torah records the story of the Dor Haflaga at all, and what precisely their sin was, noting from the Ran that they could not have literally intended to battle Hashem. Since the Medrash and Pele Yoetz treat their unity as a merit that saved them from destruction, the author proposes that Hashem's dispersal of their language was not punishment but preparation: only one nation may be 'Am Echad,' and the impenetrable unity of the nations would have prevented Klal Yisroel from influencing them. Drawing on the Sforno and Sfas Emes, he argues that Jewish separateness ('Am Levadad Yishkon,' 'Lech Lecha') is precisely the means of being an Or Lagoyim, which is why the Doros of Shem and Avraham's birth immediately follow this parsha.

    Parsha

  8. Vayishlachתשע״ה

    Fighting Submission

    This essay explores the encounter between Yaakov and Eisav, emphasizing the spiritual battle against the Yetzer Harah and the significance of the Gid Hanasheh as a reminder of our vulnerability.

    Parsha