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7 essays
Achrei MosYom Kippurתשפ״ו
A Silent Scream
The essay explores the Midrashic idea that the Kohen Gadol enters the Holy of Holies with the 'merit of Judah' (Zechus Yehuda). By analyzing the blessing given to Judah by Moses, the author explains that Judah's true power was the 'silent scream'—a prayer emanating from total reliance on G-d, which serves as the ultimate spiritual key for Jewish leadership and the Yom Kippur service.
Medrash
Shemosתשפ״ו
Clothing Choices
The essay explores why the daughters of Yisro identified Moshe as an 'Egyptian man' despite his Hebrew identity. While the Midrash suggests he wore Egyptian clothing, the essay delves deeper, using the insights of R' Chatzkel Sarna to explain that Egypt represented the 'lowliest' kingdom that lacked self-awareness of its blessings. Moshe, as the humblest of men, adopted the positive aspect of this 'lowliness'—true humility—recognizing that all his strength and success came from Hashem rather than his own merits.
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
Korachתשפ״ו
Ground Rules: Understanding the Mouth of the Earth
Moshe Rabbeinu's demand for a supernatural death for Korach was not a personal vendetta, but a necessary validation of the hierarchy of holiness (Kedusha) in the world. By linking the 'mouth of the earth' to the punishment of Kayin, the essay explains that even inanimate objects reflect God's glory, and Korach's denial of Moshe's unique status was a fundamental denial of the concept of 'Melo Chol Ha’aretz Kevodo'.
Medrash
MatosThe Three Weeksתשפ״ו
Growing Up: The Gratitude of Moshe Rabbeinu
The essay explores why Moshe Rabbeinu delegated the war against Midyan to Pinchas despite God's direct command for Moshe to lead it. By contrasting this with the plagues in Egypt where Aaron struck the Nile and earth, the author explains that Moshe's Hakaras Hatov (gratitude) towards Midyan was a personal realization that his time spent there—though difficult—was essential for his growth and leadership, teaching that even bleak periods of exile can be the catalyst for redemption.
Medrash
Pinchasתשפ״ו
Return Count
The essay explores the significance of the census in Parshas Pinchas following the plague at Shittim. Drawing on the Sfas Emes, it argues that being counted (mispar) represents the dwelling of holiness within the natural order (teva), demonstrating G-d's love for Bnei Yisrael even when they are not at their most elevated spiritual state.
Medrash
Tazriaתשפ״ו
Tazria: Long-Term Planning
The essay explores why the Kohen is central to the diagnosis and purification of Tzara'as. It explains that the 24 Matnot Kehunah (priestly gifts) were a reward for Aharon’s calculated, non-impulsive behavior during the Golden Calf incident. By interacting with the Kohen, the Metzora—whose affliction stems from impulsive speech—learns to adopt Aharon's trait of 'yishuv hadaas' (composure) and long-term planning.
Medrash