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17 essays
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
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
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
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
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
Ki Seitzeiתשפ״ג
Self Righteous
The essay explores the themes of redemption and righteousness in Tehillim 85, emphasizing the importance of prayer and acts of kindness as reflections of divine justice.
Tehillim
Shoftimתשפ״ג
Shoftim – פרק כ״ו: Completely Committed
The essay explores why Dovid Hamelech asks to be judged ("Shofteni Hashem") in Tehillim 26 when elsewhere he pleads not to be judged, contrasting Rashi's answer (he is comfortable being judged relative to Reshaim) with Sforno's (the perek is a plea not to be judged solely on the Batsheva episode). It then examines the meaning of "V'Ani B'Tumi Elech," linking it through two Yalkutim to "Tamim Tihiyeh Im Hashem Elokecha" in Parshas Shoftim and to "Toras Hashem Temima." Citing the Knaf Renanim's insight that the Torah, like water, is savored most by one who has been parched, the author explains that Dovid's very stumble enabled a deeper appreciation of Torah and thus greater closeness to Hashem. The lesson for Elul: rather than fixate on failings, use them to access the reviving power of Torah.
Tehillim
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
Ekevתש״פ
Remember When
This essay discusses the Haftorah for Ekev, focusing on the themes of divine remembrance and reassurance amidst doubt. It emphasizes the importance of the Korbanos brought by Moshe during the Miluim as a means of connecting with Hashem.
Haftorah
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
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
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
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
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
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
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