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6 essays

  1. 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

  2. BeshalachShemosPesachתשפ״ו

    Achron Shel Pesach: Then What

    The essay explores the linguistic connection between Moshe's complaint 'U'me'az basi el Paroh' (since I came to Pharaoh) and the triumphant 'Az Yashir' (then sang Moshe) at the Sea. It argues that the word 'Az' signifies the complex relationship between cause and effect in Hashem's plan, where perceived hardships (causes of suffering) are actually the necessary steps (effects of the plan) toward ultimate redemption. By starting the Shira with 'Az,' Moshe demonstrated that the Jewish people had attained the clarity of Emunah to see the hand of G-d even within setbacks.

    Medrash

  3. BoParshas HaChodeshParshas HaChodeshתשפ״ו

    Big Month Ahead

    The essay explores the significance of Parshas Hachodesh and Chodesh Nissan, specifically why it is called 'Chodesh Ha'aviv' (the month of spring). Drawing on the Shinover Rebbe, it explains that the 'temperate weather' of spring (neither too hot nor too cold) is a metaphor for a balanced approach to Avodas Hashem—avoiding both over-exertion and spiritual sluggishness—which was the necessary mindset for the transition from slavery to serving God.

    Medrash

  4. Boתשפ״ו

    Bread Line

    The essay explores the Midrashic connection between the Matzah eaten with the Korban Pesach and the cakes (ugos) Sarah Immenu prepared for the angels. It posits that while 'Lechem' (bread) represents a compromise connecting the physical and spiritual, Matzah represents a higher existence of true freedom (Cheirus) where the physical is entirely elevated to the spiritual.

    Medrash

  5. 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

  6. BoPesachתשפ״ו

    Stranger Danger: The Purity of the Night of Pesach

    The essay explores the specific prohibition of a 'ben nechar' (stranger) eating the Korban Pesach, contrasting the physical Egyptian oppression with the spiritual purity of Israel on the night of the Exodus. Drawing on Rav Hutner’s Pachad Yitzchok, it argues that the night of the 15th of Nissan was a unique historical moment where Klal Yisrael existed in its most pristine state—freed from external nations and not yet diluted by the 'Erev Rav' or internal dissent—representing a template for the future Redemption.

    Medrash