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6 essays
Tzavתשפ״ו
Be Grateful
The essay explores why the Korban Todah (Thanksgiving offering) is the only sacrifice destined to endure in the Messianic era. By linking the Todah to the concepts of the 'South' (Darom) and the highest form of Teshuva, the author argues that gratitude is the ultimate tool for aligning human will with Divine will. In the future, when Divine goodness is fully revealed, all service of God will naturally stem from a place of profound thanksgiving.
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
Terumahתשפ״ו
Golden Rule
The essay explores the purpose of gold in the world, noting a Midrash that gold was only created for the sake of the Mishkan. It argues that gold represents the potential for both spiritual height and destructive deviation; while it was used for the Golden Calf, its use in the Mishkan serves as a rectification (kapparah) by demonstrating that even the most precious materials must be used strictly 'al pi hadibbur' (according to God's word).
Medrash
Achrei MosYom Kippurתשפ״ו
Yom Kippur
The essay explores the connection between the Avotomy (Patriarchs) and the Korbanos of Yom Kippur, specifically focusing on the 'Ayal' (ram) associated with Yitzchok. Drawing on the Shem M'Shmuel, it explains that the Ayal symbolizes the 'Gevurah' (inner strength) required to overcome one's natural instincts and Yetzer Hara, a power granted to Klal Yisroel through the merit of the Akeida which took place on Yom Kippur.
Medrash
Chukasתשפ״ה
In the Clouds
The essay explores why Har HaHar remained standing while the Clouds of Glory flattened other mountains. It connects the mountain's unique 'double-peak' structure to Aharon HaKohen's role as a peacemaker who brought those distanced by sin back to the Torah, symbolizing the inclusion of the 'small' with the 'great' under divine protection.
Medrash
Ekevתשפ״ה
On the Water
The essay explores the Midrashic statement that all of God's miracles for Israel involve water. By analyzing the properties of water—its lack of independent form and its total submission to its container—the author explains that miracles (Nissim) serve to teach humans to nullify their own egos and desires to the Will of God, a process central to true Teshuva and the crossing of the Jordan River.
Medrash