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2 essays

  1. EmorRosh Hashanahתשפ״ו

    Rosh Hashana

    The essay explores the placement of the agricultural laws of Peah and Leket within the Torah's discussion of the holidays in Parshas Emor. It explains that these 'Matnos Aniyim' embody the trait of 'Vittur' (relinquishing ownership/submission), which acts as a spiritual protection against destruction. This quality of self-nullification is central to the theme of Rosh Hashanah—accepting G-d's kingship—and serves as the merit, exemplified by Rachel Imenu, through which the Jewish people are judged favorably and promised redemption.

    Medrash

  2. Shoftimתשפ״ה

    Above the Law

    The essay explores why a Jewish king is traditionally exempt from human judgment, reconciling the Midrashic view that only God can judge a king with the Halachic reality that Davidic kings could be judged. Drawing on the Mechilta and the Chassam Sofer, it argues that a true king is a conduit for 'Kavod Shamayim' (Divine Honor). Because the king represents the Shekhinah rather than personal power, he exists on a plane above human litigation, provided he maintains the selflessness exemplified by Nachshon ben Amminadav at the Red Sea.

    Medrash