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10 essays
Vayigashתשפ״ו
A Good Cry
The essay explores the significance of Yosef's crying during his revelation to his brothers, linking it to the ultimate redemption of Israel. Drawing on the Sfas Emes, it argues that tears and the hardships of exile (Galus) are not merely punishments but necessary tools to extract latent holiness and refine the soul.
Medrash
Mishpatimתשפ״ו
Six of One
The essay explores why the Torah mandates a six-year term for a Hebrew slave (Eved Ivri), linking the number six to the days of Creation and the six historical exiles (Galuyos). It argues that just as exile is intended for character refinement and spiritual growth, the servant's tenure is meant to be a transformative period; failing to leave after six years indicates a failure to internalize the message of Divine servitude established at Har Sinai.
Medrash
Mishpatimתשפ״ה
Mishpatim – פרק פ׳׳ג Now and Then
This essay discusses Kapital 83 of Tehillim, reflecting on the emotional pleas for divine intervention against enemies, and the connection between Israel's suffering and the Shechina's presence.
Tehillim
Vayakelתשפ״ג
Big Tent
This essay explores the themes of yearning for redemption and the transient nature of existence as expressed in Tehillim 61, connecting it to the Mishkan and the importance of how we are remembered.
Tehillim
Terumahתשפ״ג
Small Spaces
The essay explores the themes of yearning for divine presence and guidance during exile, as expressed in Tehillim 80, while connecting it to the concept of the Keruvim and the Mishkan.
Tehillim
Boתשפ״ג
פרק ע׳׳ז - Bo: By Choice
The essay analyzes Kapital 77 of Tehillim, which Rashi reads as a lament over the decrees of Galus and which culminates in the memory of Yetzias Mitzrayim. It focuses on the phrase "Ga'alta B'Zroah Amecha Bnei Yaakov V'Yosef Selah", joining the Gemara in Sanhedrin (Yosef Kilkel), the Midrash that we were redeemed 'Betrunia' against the Midas HaDin because we resembled the Mitzriyim, and the Midrash in Bamidbar Rabbah linking the two Bakar of Shevet Gad's korban to Yaakov and Yosef. Using the Shem M'Shmuel's identification of Bakar with the middah of Havchana (discernment), the author concludes that the zechus of Yaakov and Yosef was the inherited ability to distinguish right from wrong, which preserved our identity as a Shoshana Bein HaChochim and made the Geulah possible.
Tehillim
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
Vaeraתש״פ
Justice for All
The Haftorah for Parshas Va’Era connects to themes of justice and divine punishment, reflecting on the relationship between Hashem, Pharaoh, and the eventual redemption of Bnei Yisroel.
Haftorah
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