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2 essays
Titzavehתשפ״ה
Pressed into Service
The essay explores the themes of Tehillim 128, emphasizing the importance of meticulous observance of mitzvot and the spiritual growth of children, likening them to olive saplings that can flourish despite challenges.
Tehillim
Mishpatimתשפ״ג
פרק ט׳׳ו - Mishpatim: Zero Interest
Tehillim 15 answers Dovid Hamelech's question of who merits closeness to Hashem, culminating with avoiding Ribis and Shochad — which Chazal explain as refraining even from permitted cases (Ribis Akum, a Dayan recusing himself over past benefit), i.e. acting Lifnim Mishuras HaDin. Drawing on Maharal (via R' Chaim Friedlander) that Ribis is called an 'Ol' because charging interest is intuitive and natural, the essay explains why Chazal equate accepting the Ol Ribis with Kabalas Ol Malchus Shamayim and tie it to Yetzias Mitzrayim: denying Ribis is denying the purpose of the Exodus. One who trains himself to forgo even permitted profit and permitted self-interest conditions himself to place Hashem's will above his own, and is thus worthy of a Makom Kavod.
Tehillim