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9 essays

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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