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48 essays
Ki Seitzeiתשפ״ג
Self Righteous
This essay explores the themes of redemption and righteousness as expressed in Tehillim 85, connecting them to the teachings of the Parsha Ki Seitzei regarding justice and compassion.
Parsha
Ekevתשפ״ב
Ekev – פרק קי׳׳א: Fear First
The essay asks how the verse "Raishis Chachma Yiras Hashem" fits into Tehillim 111, a chapter devoted entirely to praise of Hashem, and how the Tanchuma's reading of Yirah as the 'crown' of Torah differs from the plain meaning of 'beginning.' Drawing on the Divrei Sharei Chaim's explanation of the Medrash Pliah of Iyov's three-walled Sukkah, it presents Chachma, Gevurah and Osher as gifts forming three walls, while Yiras Shamayim is the fourth wall each person must build himself. The praise of Hashem in the pasuk is precisely that the greatest crown — Keser Shem Tov, Yiras Shamayim — is not dependent on Mazel or Zechus Avos but lies entirely in our own hands, which is also why Moshe could call it a 'Milsa Zutrasa' opportunity.
Parsha
Ve'eschananתשפ״ב
Evil is Good
The essay explores the concept of loving Hashem with both the Yetzer Tov and Yetzer Harah, emphasizing that our faults can reveal our strengths and potential for growth.
Parsha
Ki Savoתשפ״ב
Ki Sava – פרק ק׳׳א: Vocal Chords
The essay asks why the Tochacha attributes the Klalos to a failure to serve Hashem "B'Simcha U'BiTuv Levav," noting the Gemara in Erachin identifies that phrase with Shira. Drawing on Rav Hutner's Pachad Yitzchok, it explains that Dibur, and especially Shira, is a "Peleh"—a link between Ruchani and Gashmi—so Shira is the proper response to moments when the Hanhaga of Olam Habah breaks into Olam Hazeh. Dovid Hamelech's "Im Chesed Ashira Im Mishpat Ashira" expresses a constant state of Peleh, in which Din and Rachamim are recognized as one, which is what enabled his exacting, God-centered Malchus. The Klalos come precisely when we separate Chesed from Mishpat and thereby lose our voice for Shira.
Parsha
Ki Seitzeiתשפ״ב
Seating Plan
This essay discusses the Mitzvos in Parshas Ki Seitzei, particularly focusing on the significance of Amalek and the connection to Tehillim, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the Kisei HaKavod.
Parsha
Shoftimתשפ״ב
Son of Kings
This essay explores the significance of appointing a king in Israel, focusing on King David's final prayers for his son Solomon, emphasizing the responsibilities and spiritual legacy of kingship.
Parsha
Vezos HaberachaSimchas Torahתש״פ
Hold On Tight
The essay explores the significance of Simchas Torah and the Haftorah from Sefer Yehoshua, emphasizing the themes of leadership and continuity from Moshe to Yehoshua.
Parsha
Vezos HaberachaSimchas Torahתשע״ח
All Aglow
The essay explores the significance of Simchas Torah, emphasizing the joy of completing the Torah and starting anew, while reflecting on the spiritual heights achievable through a connection to the Torah.
Parsha
Ki Seitzeiתשע״ח
Cloud Cover
This essay discusses the Mitzvah of remembering Amalek and the importance of understanding their tactics to avoid their influence. It emphasizes the need for vigilance among Klal Yisroel.
Parsha
Ekevתשע״ח
Constructive Removal
Moshe Rabbeinu emphasizes the importance of removing the 'Orlas Halev' to connect with Hashem and achieve personal growth. This metaphorical covering of the heart represents obstacles that hinder spiritual development.
Parsha
Ve'eschananתשע״ח
For Now and Forever
The essay explores Moshe's prayers to enter Eretz Yisroel and the reasons behind Hashem's refusal, emphasizing the importance of striving for spiritual growth amidst challenges.
Parsha
Shoftimתשע״ח
Shoftim — Flying Wheat
The essay asks why the Torah needs to state that a premeditated murderer receives no protection in an Ir Miklat, and follows Rashi's Drush that hating one's fellow (a "mitzvah kallah") inevitably leads to an aveirah chamurah like bloodshed. It harmonizes Rashi with the Ohr HaChaim's reading of the pasuk as describing the Yetzer Hara, who poses as a friend, lies in ambush, and widens a small breach into a large one. Using the Ksav Sofer's explanation of Rav and Shmuel's dispute in Brachos (fly vs. kernel of wheat), the author shows both the relentlessness of the Yetzer Hara and the sustaining purpose of the struggle — the immeasurable schar earned in battle — a fitting message for Chodesh Elul.
Parsha
Re'ehתשע״ח
Straight Shooters
Moshe instructs Klal Yisroel on their responsibilities upon entering Eretz Yisroel, emphasizing the importance of following the Torah's path rather than individual judgment.
Parsha
Ki Savoתשע״ח
Together Forever
This week's Parsha discusses the Mitzvos for Bnei Yisroel upon entering Eretz Yisroel, emphasizing the importance of Torah and unity as a nation.
Parsha
Ki Savoתשע״ז
Basket Case
The essay explores the Mitzvah of Bikurim, emphasizing the importance of treating the first fruits with respect and the role of the basket in this process as a metaphor for nurturing one's potential through Torah.
Parsha
VayelechYom Kippurתשע״ז
Be Strong
This week's Parsha teaches the importance of facing challenges with strength and faith in Hashem's support, especially during the Aseres Yimei Teshuva.
Parsha
Ve'eschananתשע״ז
Good News
This essay explores the connections between Parshas V’Eschanan and the theme of Nechama, particularly in the context of Moshe's prayers and Hashem's response regarding entering Eretz Yisroel.
Parsha
Ki Seitzeiתשע״ז
Shoe In
This essay explores the mitzvot of Yibum and Chalitzah, highlighting their significance in preserving the legacy of the deceased and ensuring a Kiddush Hashem.
Parsha
Shoftimתשע״ז
Shoftim: These Days
The essay explores the seemingly superfluous words "HaShofet Asher Yihiyeh Bayamim Hahem" in the parsha's instruction to bring difficult cases to the higher court, which the Gemara in Rosh Hashana explains as a warning against comparing today's authorities unfavorably to earlier generations. Drawing on the Bnei Yissaschar's reading that a person's inability to resolve a halachic question stems from his own aveiros rooted in kinah, taavah and kavod, the author suggests the Torah is anticipating the despondency that follows such self-awareness. Rather than lamenting our diminished stature relative to prior doros, we must turn to the Morei Derech Hashem placed in our own generation \u2014 a fitting message for the opening days of Elul.
Parsha
Re'ehתשע״ז
Thinking Thoughts
This essay discusses the Mitzvah of Shemitta and its connection to Tzeddaka, emphasizing the importance of Bitachon and the moral obligation to help others despite financial concerns.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
Ki SavoRosh Hashanahתשע״ו
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.
Parsha
Ki Seitzeiתשע״ו
Everything To Gain
The essay explores the connection between two Mitzvos in Parshas Ki Seitzei, emphasizing the importance of treating vulnerable individuals with dignity while adhering to the principles of Torah law.
Parsha
Ekevתשע״ו
Fathers and Sons
This essay explores the connection between the experiences of Bnei Yisroel in the Midbar and their commitment to Mitzvos, emphasizing that hardships can lead to spiritual growth.
Parsha
Re'ehתשע״ו
Groups of Children
This essay explores the Mitzvah of 'Lo Sisgodidu' and its implications for unity within Klal Yisroel, emphasizing our identity as children of Hashem.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
Shoftimתשע״ו
It Grows on Trees
This essay explores the Torah's command regarding fruit trees during sieges, emphasizing the importance of recognizing potential in both trees and people. It highlights the spiritual significance of wars fought by Klal Yisroel.
Parsha
Devarimתשע״ו
Look Beyond
This essay explores the connection between Parshas Devarim and Tisha B'Av, emphasizing the importance of unity and understanding among Klal Yisroel to overcome baseless hatred.
Parsha
Ve'eschananתשע״ו
V'Eschanan
Parshas V'Eschanan, following Tisha B'Av, emphasizes the importance of separating from the native inhabitants of Eretz Yisroel to prevent our children from straying from the path of Hashem.
Parsha
Shoftimתשע״ה
A Kingly Light
This essay explores the role of a king in Klal Yisroel as outlined in Parshas Shoftim, emphasizing the importance of appointing a king who reflects the light of Hashem rather than merely serving mundane purposes.
Parsha
Ve'eschananתשע״ה
Adding, Subtracting and Connecting
This essay explores the importance of adhering to the Torah and Mitzvos, emphasizing the prohibitions of adding or subtracting from them, and the contrast between true devotion to Hashem and the pitfalls of idol worship.
Parsha
Good Business
Moshe's final message emphasizes the importance of connecting to Hashem through supporting Talmidei Chachamim, especially as we approach Rosh Hashanah.
Parsha
Ki SavoRosh Hashanahתשע״ה
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.
Parsha
Re'ehתשע״ה
Love: Limited and Unlimited
This essay explores the complex relationship between love and loyalty in the context of the Mitzvah not to love a Masis, emphasizing the importance of maintaining our connection to Hashem.
Parsha
Ekevתשע״ה
Making Choices
This essay explores Moshe's actions regarding the broken Luchos and the significance of the Aron he built. It emphasizes the importance of making choices that enhance Kvod Shamayim, even when they seem counterintuitive.
Parsha
Devarimתשע״ה
Parshas Devarim – Tisha B’Av
This essay explores the connection between Parshas Devarim and Tisha B'Av, focusing on the term 'Eicha' used by Moshe Rabbeinu and its implications for understanding our spiritual state.
Parsha
Ki Seitzeiתשע״ה
Parshas Ki Setzei: No Small Feat
The essay asks why the Torah teaches the principle of "Mitzvah Goreres Mitzvah" specifically through the cluster of seemingly minor mitzvos of Shiluach HaKan, Ma'akeh, Kilayim, Shatnez and Tzitzis. Drawing on Rashi, the Medrash, Rabbeinu Yona and the Rashash, it argues that these are the prototypical mitzvos kallos, non-obligatory mitzvos whose fulfillment naturally elevates a person to accomplish greater things. It further shows that profound lessons in Emunah/Bitachon (Ma'akeh) and Bein Adam L'Chaveiro (Kilai Behema) are deliberately embedded in these 'small' mitzvos, and applies this to the Yomim Noraim: small, sustainable kabalos fuel greater growth.
Parsha
NitzavimVayelechRosh Hashanahתשע״ה
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.
Parsha
HaazinuShabbos Shuvaתשע״ה
The Power of Love
The essay discusses the importance of tailoring communication to different spiritual levels within Klal Yisroel and emphasizes the potential for Teshuva M’Ahava to transform past misdeeds into merits.
Parsha
Vezos HaberachaShemini Atzeresתשע״ה
What Comes First?
The essay explores the significance of Shmini Atzeres as a day of closeness to Hashem, emphasizing the duality of the day with Simchas Torah and the importance of maintaining a spiritual connection in daily life.
Parsha
Ki Savoתשע״ד
Hapiness For Ourselves and Others
The essay explores the significance of Ma'aser Ani and its connection to joy and divine favor, emphasizing how giving with happiness can transform negative emotions into positive ones.
Parsha
Shoftimתשע״ד
Parshas Shoftim: The Yachid and the Rabbim
Beginning with the Torah's unusual description of Klal Yisroel as "V'hanisharim" (the remaining ones) after Eidim Zomemim are executed, the essay shows that every single Jew is a precious diamond whose loss leaves the nation permanently incomplete. Yet from Egla Arufa and the obligation of Levaya we learn (per the Maharal) that the Zechus HaRabim of a Tzibbur offers protection that no individual possesses. Drawing on the Maharal, R' Chaim Shmulevitz, the Rama M'Pano, and R' Simcha Zissel, the author concludes that individuals who take responsibility for others are themselves considered a Klal, and thereby merit the Tzibbur's eternality and leniency in judgment \_ssummary_note":null,"x":null}
Parsha
Ki Seitzeiתשע״ד
Take No Prisoners
This essay discusses the lessons from Parshas Ki Seitzei, focusing on the battle against the Yetzer Harah and the importance of preparation and awareness in our spiritual struggles.
Parsha
Ve'eschananתשע״ד
The Children of Hashem
This essay explores the significance of teaching Torah to children, emphasizing that students are also considered children of Hashem. It highlights the connection between learning Torah and our relationship with Hashem.
Parsha
Re'ehתשע״ד
The Place of Hashem
This essay explores the significance of locations mentioned in Parshas Re’eh, contrasting the detailed instructions for receiving blessings with the vague reference to the place of the Mizbeach, emphasizing the effort required to attain a connection with Hashem.
Parsha
Ekevתשע״ד
The Time is Now
This week's Parsha emphasizes our relationship with Hashem, focusing on the importance of living in the present and fulfilling our responsibilities as Jews without procrastination.
Parsha
Ki Seitzeiתשע״ד
The Yachid and the Rabbim
This essay explores the Mitzvah of Yifas Toar in Parshas Ki Seitzei, emphasizing the spiritual battle against the Yetzer Harah and the importance of preparedness and community in overcoming personal struggles.
Parsha
Devarimתשע״ד
Words of Love
This week's Parsha, Devarim, features Moshe's rebuke to Klal Yisroel, emphasizing that Tochacha is given out of love to prevent further wrongdoing. It connects to Tisha B'Av as a reminder of the need for self-examination.
Parsha