Skip to content
The Parsha Archive

Search

9 essays

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Shoftimתשפ״ד

    Completely Shielded

    This essay explores the themes of longing and faith in Tehillim 84, attributed to the Bnei Korach, emphasizing the importance of Temimus in one's relationship with Hashem.

    Tehillim

  6. Re'ehתשפ״ד

    Lifeblood

    This essay explores the themes of reliance on Hashem and the connection between the spiritual and physical aspects of life, as expressed in Tehillim and the Torah.

    Tehillim

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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