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12 essays
Devarimתשפ״ו
Brotherly Love: Navigating the Relationship with Esav
The essay explores the complex relationship between Bnei Yisrael and the descendants of Esav as described in Parshas Devarim. It explains that the Torah's use of the term 'brothers' refers to a failed partnership where Esav was meant to support Yaakov's spiritual pursuits; consequently, the commands to purchase food and maintain distance serve as eternal lessons for navigating Galus while recognizing that Hashem is our true provider.
Medrash
Ve'eschananShabbos NachamuTisha B'Avתשפ״ו
Doublespeak: The Meaning of Yeshayahu's Double Consolation
The essay explores why Yeshayahu Hanavi was granted the unique reward of delivering 'double consolations' (Nechamos Kefulos). It explains that Yeshayahu's profound love and defense of Klal Yisroel, despite their flaws, mirrored the Divine process of 'Hadraga' (gradual progression). Just as the Geulah must arrive 'Kim-a Kim-a' (little by little) to allow the nation to adapt to its intense light, Yeshayahu’s double language serves to soothe and gradually elevate a people burdened by their past.
Medrash
Ekevתשפ״ו
Ekev: Constant Contact
Moshe's words שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל אַתָּה עֹבֵר הַיּוֹם signaled that after his death Klal Yisroel would no longer rely on his intercessory tefillos — דְּבָרִים אֲחֵרִים יִתְחַדְּשׁוּ. Drawing on the Arugas Habosem's resolution of שִׁוִּיתִי ה' לְנֶגְדִּי תָמִיד with the demand of הִתְחַדְּשׁוּת (unlike a human king, closeness to HKBH only deepens awe), the essay explains that the zechus of Krias Shema — constant connection to Hashem — is precisely what enables the nation to stand on its own. Moshe's hint that they daven for him was thus a test: had they internalized his message, they would recognize they no longer needed his tefillos.
Medrash
Vezos HaberachaPekudeiSimchas Torahתשפ״ו
Make Good Choices
The essay explores why Moshe Rabbeinu was uniquely suited to bless the Jewish people before his death, based on a Medrash comparing him to Adam and the Patriarchs. It argues that Moshe's greatness (As At Alis Al Kulana) stemmed from his profound understanding of human choice (Bechira); by making even a small physical effort (Asok Attah B'Yadecha), one triggers Divine assistance that allows the impossible to become reality.
Medrash
Re'ehתשפ״ו
Re'eh — Good Choices
The essay explores the seeming contradiction between two Midrashim (Devarim Rabba and Eicha Rabba, both citing R' Elazar) about when the paradigm shift occurred that good comes automatically to those who do good and evil to those who do evil — at Sinai or at Moshe's words in Nitzavim. Drawing on the Panim Yafos' explanation of why the Torah writes אֲשֶׁר תִּשְׁמְעוּ rather than אִם, and why וּבָחַרְתָּ בַחַיִּים is needed at all, the author concludes that unlike a detached human advisor who is content to let a student fail and learn the hard way, HKBH has a vested interest in our success and only wants us to receive הֲטָבָה. Internalizing that Ratzon Hashem allows us to see reality through the lens of לֹא יָצָאת טוֹבָה לְעוֹשֵׂה רָעָה even when appearances suggest otherwise.
Medrash
Shoftimתשפ״ה
Above the Law
The essay explores why a Jewish king is traditionally exempt from human judgment, reconciling the Midrashic view that only God can judge a king with the Halachic reality that Davidic kings could be judged. Drawing on the Mechilta and the Chassam Sofer, it argues that a true king is a conduit for 'Kavod Shamayim' (Divine Honor). Because the king represents the Shekhinah rather than personal power, he exists on a plane above human litigation, provided he maintains the selflessness exemplified by Nachshon ben Amminadav at the Red Sea.
Medrash
DevarimTisha B'Avתשפ״ה
Bitter Ends
The essay explores the deep calendrical and spiritual connection between Pesach and Tisha B'Av through the lens of 'Maror' (bitterness). It argues that while Pesach represents a time of intense Divine love where one can achieve holiness despite internal bitterness ('Matzah' and 'Maror' together), Tisha B'Av marks the loss of that proximity, leaving us to face our imperfections in a state of spiritual loneliness.
Medrash
Ki Savoתשפ״ה
Every Last Drop
The essay explores the miracle of rain as described in the Midrash, where every single drop is guided by a unique angel to ensure it never mixes with another. By comparing rain to the Manna (Monn) in the desert, it argues that divine sustenance is tailored specifically for each individual's needs, teaching us to focus on our own portion and avoid envy of others.
Medrash
Ki Seitzeiתשפ״ה
Health and Healing
The essay explores the Mitzvah to remember Miriam's Tzara'as, interpreting it not as a physical ailment but as 'cholei hanefesh' (sickness of the soul) rooted in ego (Gaiva). By connecting the Midrash of Moshe's prayer to the waters of Marah, it argues that Torah and humility are the ultimate healing and preventative measures against spiritual decline.
Medrash
Ve'eschananתשפ״ה
Hearing Test
The essay explores the deep connection between Krias Shema and Mattan Torah, explaining that the act of 'hearing' represents the ultimate state of being a receiver (Mekabel). By analyzing the laws of the Hebrew slave (Eved Ivri) and the structure of the human ear, the author demonstrates that saying Shema is not just a declaration of faith, but a daily reenactment of our commitment at Sinai to be absolute servants of God.
Medrash
Ekevתשפ״ה
On the Water
The essay explores the Midrashic statement that all of God's miracles for Israel involve water. By analyzing the properties of water—its lack of independent form and its total submission to its container—the author explains that miracles (Nissim) serve to teach humans to nullify their own egos and desires to the Will of God, a process central to true Teshuva and the crossing of the Jordan River.
Medrash
Re'ehתשפ״ה
Re’eh: Meat Matters
The essay explores the transition from the Midbar, where meat could only be eaten as a sacrifice, to Eretz Yisroel, where 'Basar Taiva' (meat of desire) was permitted. It explains that this shift wasn't just practical but educational, teaching how to elevate physical desires (Achila) into holiness rather than falling into base gluttony (Le'itah).
Medrash