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7 essays
Chayei Sarahתשפ״ה
Chayei Sarah – פרק ל׳׳ט Foreign Status
This essay explores the themes of suffering and divine connection in Tehillim, particularly through the lens of the status of 'Ger' as expressed by Dovid Hamelech and Avrohom Avinu.
Tehillim
Vayishlachתשפ״ה
Maid Service
Kapital 123 reflects the struggles of Bnei HaGalus and their reliance on Hashem. It emphasizes the importance of humility and spiritual identity in times of persecution.
Tehillim
Lech Lechaתשפ״ד
Listening Ear
This essay explores the themes of trust in God and the characteristics of a Tzaddik as described in Tehillim 112, using examples from the lives of Hillel and Avraham.
Tehillim
Vayechiתשפ״ד
Not Just Hope — Vayechi, פרק ק׳׳ל
The essay analyzes Tehillim 130 ("Shir Hamaalos Mima'amakim"), showing via Sforno that it is a tefillah composed by the Leviim on behalf of future Bnei HaGolah, and that its central theme is Selicha as the gateway to Geulah. Focusing on the seemingly redundant phrase "Kivisi Hashem Kivsa Nafshi," it links it to Yaakov's words to Dan, "L'Yeshuascha Kivisi Hashem," and to the Medrash's claim that "Hakol B'Kivuy." Citing the Ozhorover Rebbe's Aish Dos, it defines Kivuy not as mere hope but as Bitul Atzmi — the self-destruction inherent in Tzemicha, whereby a seed must break open to sprout. Hence selfless Kivuy enables honest self-examination and true Selicha, which in turn plants the seed of Geulah.
Tehillim
Vayishlachתשפ״ד
Rest Time
This essay discusses the importance of Tefillah during times of war, emphasizing the lessons from Tehillim Kapital 20, particularly the connection to Yaakov Avinu's prayers.
Tehillim
Vayishlachתשפ״ג
Mind Games
The essay explores the themes of intention versus action in the context of Yaakov and Esav, highlighting Dovid Hamelech's prayers in Tehillim and their connection to the Parsha.
Tehillim
Vayeraתשפ״ג
Vayera - פרק קכ״א - Heaven and Earth
The essay explores the origin of the phrase "Ezri M'Im Hashem Oseh Shamayim V'Aretz" in Tehillim 121, tracing it to a Midrash in which Yitzchok silently davened these words while bound on the Mizbeach. Using the Minchas Yitzchok's resolution of the Bais Shammai/Bais Hillel dispute over whether Shamayim or Aretz was created first (based on the principle that the ultimate purpose comes last, and that Shamayim/Aretz correspond to Neshama/Guf), the author argues the purpose of creation is the fusion of the physical and spiritual. Yitzchok's tefillah was thus not a plea born of fear but a request for more time to fulfill his Tafkid in a physical world, and it was answered with "Al Ta'as Lo Meuma."
Tehillim