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3 essays
Mishpatimתשפ״ב
Mishpatim — Slave Labor
Examining the Haftorah of Mishpatim, in which Tzidkiyahu's generation frees its Jewish slaves during Nevuchadnetzer's siege only to re-enslave them once the danger passes, the essay asks why Chazal identify neglect of Eved Ivri as the exclusive cause of Galus, and why the Nevuah of destruction came only after the re-enslavement. Drawing on Ibn Ezra and the Shem M'Shmuel, it explains that the term 'Ivri' recalls Avraham's crossing of the river into a world of spiritual Cheirus; enslaving a fellow Jew therefore denies the very essence of Klal Yisroel. Having tasted renewed freedom and then rejected it, the people showed they had no conception of being Bnei Avraham living M'Ever L'Nahar, and thus forfeited Eretz Yisroel.
Parsha
Shemosתשע״ט
Shemos — Free Yourself
Reading Sefer Shemos as destiny rather than history, the essay analyzes the sequence of pesukim marking the turning point of Shibud Mitzrayim, focusing on the cryptic "VaYaar Elokim Es Bnei Yisroel VaYeda Elokim." Citing the Yerushalmi in Taanis that five factors brought the Geulah (Tzara, Tzevacha, Zechus Avos, Teshuva, and the Ketz), it asks why the other four were needed once the Ketz arrived. Using the Mabit's insight in Beis Elokim that sin is a Shibud HaNefesh and Teshuva a Geulas HaNefesh, the author argues the four factors are prerequisites that make redemption possible — and that the Teshuva must be a visible, transformative one, worthy of "VaYaar Elokim."
Parsha
Parshas Ki Sisa – Purim Retrospective Vision
The essay explores the significance of Purim and its everlasting nature, contrasting it with other Yom Tovim that may not be celebrated in the future. It emphasizes the ongoing relevance of the miracles of Purim in our lives.
Parsha