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16 essays
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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