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10 essays
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
Certain Uncertainty
The essay explores the deep connection between the primordial Serpent (Nachash) and Haman, noting that both were punshished after a span of seventy verses. It argues that their power lies in exploiting moments of 'safek' (doubt) and uncertainty, such as Chava's slight hesitation or Bnei Yisrael's questioning of Hashem's presence; the antidote to this 'Amalekite' energy is the fierce certainty and emunah demonstrated by the children Mordechai encountered.
Medrash
Chukasתשפ״ו
Chukas: The First Step
The essay explores the deeper meaning of the Parah Adumah beyond its classification as a 'chok' (statute). Drawing on the insight of the second Belzer Rebbe, it argues that the red heifer represents the aspect of Teshuvah that is beyond human control—the ultimate purification granted only by G-d—and emphasizes the importance of a person taking the 'first step' (as exemplified by R' Eliezer) while relying on Divine assistance.
Medrash
Ekevתשפ״ו
Ekev: Constant Contact
Moshe's words שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל אַתָּה עֹבֵר הַיּוֹם signaled that after his death Klal Yisroel would no longer rely on his intercessory tefillos — דְּבָרִים אֲחֵרִים יִתְחַדְּשׁוּ. Drawing on the Arugas Habosem's resolution of שִׁוִּיתִי ה' לְנֶגְדִּי תָמִיד with the demand of הִתְחַדְּשׁוּת (unlike a human king, closeness to HKBH only deepens awe), the essay explains that the zechus of Krias Shema — constant connection to Hashem — is precisely what enables the nation to stand on its own. Moshe's hint that they daven for him was thus a test: had they internalized his message, they would recognize they no longer needed his tefillos.
Medrash
Vayeraתשפ״ו
Laughing Matter
The essay explores the profound nature of Sarah's laughter (tzchok) upon the birth of Yitzchak, explaining that his birth triggered global miracles including the healing of the sick and the brightening of the sun and moon. By analyzing the name Yitzchak as an acronym for his parents' ages and the ten trials of Avraham, the author argues that Yitzchak represents the synthesis of Din (judgment) and Rachamim (mercy), teaching that true joy comes from recognizing how challenges and trials lead to ultimate salvation.
Medrash
Re'ehתשפ״ו
Re'eh — Good Choices
The essay explores the seeming contradiction between two Midrashim (Devarim Rabba and Eicha Rabba, both citing R' Elazar) about when the paradigm shift occurred that good comes automatically to those who do good and evil to those who do evil — at Sinai or at Moshe's words in Nitzavim. Drawing on the Panim Yafos' explanation of why the Torah writes אֲשֶׁר תִּשְׁמְעוּ rather than אִם, and why וּבָחַרְתָּ בַחַיִּים is needed at all, the author concludes that unlike a detached human advisor who is content to let a student fail and learn the hard way, HKBH has a vested interest in our success and only wants us to receive הֲטָבָה. Internalizing that Ratzon Hashem allows us to see reality through the lens of לֹא יָצָאת טוֹבָה לְעוֹשֵׂה רָעָה even when appearances suggest otherwise.
Medrash
Small Shares: The Spiritual Power of the Korban Omer
The essay explores the hidden power of the Korban Omer, which despite being a small offering of simple barley, is credited by the Midrash with providing the merit for Avraham's inheritance of Israel and the salvation of the Jewish people in various eras. The central insight is that the Omer represents the 'Gevurah' of Hashem—that He gives abundantly according to His infinite power but asks for repayment only according to our limited human capacity. This mindset of recognizing Hashem's humble demands versus His massive chessed creates a unique spiritual bond that protects the Jewish people.
Medrash
Ki Savoתשפ״ה
Every Last Drop
The essay explores the miracle of rain as described in the Midrash, where every single drop is guided by a unique angel to ensure it never mixes with another. By comparing rain to the Manna (Monn) in the desert, it argues that divine sustenance is tailored specifically for each individual's needs, teaching us to focus on our own portion and avoid envy of others.
Medrash
Ve'eschananתשפ״ה
Hearing Test
The essay explores the deep connection between Krias Shema and Mattan Torah, explaining that the act of 'hearing' represents the ultimate state of being a receiver (Mekabel). By analyzing the laws of the Hebrew slave (Eved Ivri) and the structure of the human ear, the author demonstrates that saying Shema is not just a declaration of faith, but a daily reenactment of our commitment at Sinai to be absolute servants of God.
Medrash
ShelachTisha B'AvThe Three Weeksתשפ״ה
Seasonality
The essay explores the significance of the Torah's mention of the grape-ripening season (Tekufas Tamuz) during the mission of the Spies. It connects the timing of the Spies' report to the eventual destruction of the Temple, arguing that Hashem's 'diligent' orchestration of the exile during a season of fruit reflects a blend of judgment and mercy. The core failure of the Meraglim was a lack of Bitachon—relying on their own righteousness rather than trusting in Hashem's unconditional providence even during difficult times.
Medrash