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54 essays
Noachתשפ״ג
Big Tzaddik
The essay explores the character of Noach as the only person in Tanach referred to as a Tzaddik, emphasizing the importance of pure intentions and the desire for Kiddush Shem Shamayim.
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Beraishisתשפ״ג
Pathways
This essay explores the connections between Parshas Beraishis and Tehillim, emphasizing the importance of choices in life and the guidance provided by Torah.
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Korachתשפ״ב
Battle of Wills
The essay explores the rebellion of Korach and its deeper meanings, particularly the connection between Korach's descendants and the Psalms attributed to them, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's desires with the will of God.
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Maseiתשפ״ב
Body and Soul
This essay explores the connection between the Torah and the inheritance of Eretz Yisroel, emphasizing the importance of integrating Torah learning with action to achieve spiritual fulfillment.
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Ekevתשפ״ב
Ekev – פרק קי׳׳א: Fear First
The essay asks how the verse "Raishis Chachma Yiras Hashem" fits into Tehillim 111, a chapter devoted entirely to praise of Hashem, and how the Tanchuma's reading of Yirah as the 'crown' of Torah differs from the plain meaning of 'beginning.' Drawing on the Divrei Sharei Chaim's explanation of the Medrash Pliah of Iyov's three-walled Sukkah, it presents Chachma, Gevurah and Osher as gifts forming three walls, while Yiras Shamayim is the fourth wall each person must build himself. The praise of Hashem in the pasuk is precisely that the greatest crown — Keser Shem Tov, Yiras Shamayim — is not dependent on Mazel or Zechus Avos but lies entirely in our own hands, which is also why Moshe could call it a 'Milsa Zutrasa' opportunity.
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Vayeraתשפ״ב
Fear of Love
The essay explores the connection between Parshas Vayera and its Haftorah, focusing on the character of Ovadiah and the concept of Yirah and Ahava in relation to Nisyonos.
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Ki Savoתשפ״ב
Ki Sava – פרק ק׳׳א: Vocal Chords
The essay asks why the Tochacha attributes the Klalos to a failure to serve Hashem "B'Simcha U'BiTuv Levav," noting the Gemara in Erachin identifies that phrase with Shira. Drawing on Rav Hutner's Pachad Yitzchok, it explains that Dibur, and especially Shira, is a "Peleh"—a link between Ruchani and Gashmi—so Shira is the proper response to moments when the Hanhaga of Olam Habah breaks into Olam Hazeh. Dovid Hamelech's "Im Chesed Ashira Im Mishpat Ashira" expresses a constant state of Peleh, in which Din and Rachamim are recognized as one, which is what enabled his exacting, God-centered Malchus. The Klalos come precisely when we separate Chesed from Mishpat and thereby lose our voice for Shira.
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Mishpatimתשפ״ב
Mishpatim — Slave Labor
Examining the Haftorah of Mishpatim, in which Tzidkiyahu's generation frees its Jewish slaves during Nevuchadnetzer's siege only to re-enslave them once the danger passes, the essay asks why Chazal identify neglect of Eved Ivri as the exclusive cause of Galus, and why the Nevuah of destruction came only after the re-enslavement. Drawing on Ibn Ezra and the Shem M'Shmuel, it explains that the term 'Ivri' recalls Avraham's crossing of the river into a world of spiritual Cheirus; enslaving a fellow Jew therefore denies the very essence of Klal Yisroel. Having tasted renewed freedom and then rejected it, the people showed they had no conception of being Bnei Avraham living M'Ever L'Nahar, and thus forfeited Eretz Yisroel.
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Nasoתשפ״ב
Peace Process
The essay explores the significance of Birchas Kohanim and its connection to the Torah, emphasizing the concept of Shalom as the ultimate blessing derived from the Torah.
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Ki Seitzeiתשפ״ב
Seating Plan
This essay discusses the Mitzvos in Parshas Ki Seitzei, particularly focusing on the significance of Amalek and the connection to Tehillim, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the Kisei HaKavod.
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Bechukosaiתשפ״ב
Toil and Trouble
This essay explores the relationship between our actions and their consequences, emphasizing that our destiny is shaped by our commitment to Torah study and the importance of sincere effort in our spiritual pursuits.
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Toldosתשפ״א
Curtain Call
The Parsha of Toldos highlights the contrasting worldviews of Yaakov and Eisav, leading to their enduring rivalry. The Haftorah from Malachi emphasizes Hashem's love for His people despite their shortcomings.
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Tzavתשע״ח
All Fired Up
This essay explores the significance of the eternal fire on the Mizbeach and its connection to the concept of spiritual strengthening through Korbanos.
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Terumahתשע״ח
Be Square
This essay explores the significance of the Mizbeach's square shape in relation to the Aseres Hadibros, emphasizing the unity of spiritual knowledge and practical behavior.
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Ki Seitzeiתשע״ח
Cloud Cover
This essay discusses the Mitzvah of remembering Amalek and the importance of understanding their tactics to avoid their influence. It emphasizes the need for vigilance among Klal Yisroel.
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Kedoshimתשע״ח
Heart of Hearts
This essay explores the mitzvos of love and hate in Parshas Kedoshim, emphasizing their connection to the heart and their significance for the Jewish people's relationship with Eretz Yisroel.
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Vayishlachתשע״ח
Vayishlach
This week's Parsha discusses Yaakov Avinu's life, focusing on his name change to Yisroel and the significance of this transformation in relation to his descendants and their spiritual challenges.
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Yom Kippurתשע״ז
Angels of Truth
On Yom Kippur, we strive to resemble angels by wearing white and refraining from physical needs, reflecting on our spiritual growth and the essence of Malachim.
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Shavuosתשע״ז
Breaking Bread
The essay explores the significance of the Shtei Halechem on Shavuos, linking it to the themes of reliance on God and the relationship between the Jewish people and the Torah.
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Achrei Mosתשע״ז
Come Inside
This essay explores the Mitzvah of Shechutei Chutz, emphasizing the importance of intention in performing Mitzvos and the relationship between Bnei Yisroel and the Umos HaOlam.
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Ve'eschananתשע״ז
Good News
This essay explores the connections between Parshas V’Eschanan and the theme of Nechama, particularly in the context of Moshe's prayers and Hashem's response regarding entering Eretz Yisroel.
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Terumahתשע״ז
Lights and Action
Parshas Terumah discusses the construction of the Menorah, emphasizing its complexity and the lessons it teaches about action and divine assistance.
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Bechukosaiתשע״ז
Net Worth
The essay explores the Halachos of Erachin, emphasizing the intrinsic value of each person in the eyes of Hashem, based on their potential rather than accomplishments.
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Ekevתשע״ז
Small Things
This essay explores Moshe's teachings in Parsha Ekev, emphasizing the importance of Yiras Shamayim and humility in serving Hashem, while reflecting on our relative position in the world.
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Beshalachתשע״ז
The Oasis
This essay explores the significance of the oasis in Elim, where Bnei Yisroel found twelve springs and seventy date trees, symbolizing the diverse paths to Torah and Mitzvos amidst their journey in the Midbar.
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Sukkosתשע״ז
The Shakes
The essay explores the significance of the Na’anuim during Sukkos, emphasizing their role as Shiyarei Mitzvah that can prevent negative occurrences and enhance our relationship with Hashem.
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Lech Lechaתשע״ז
Walk in Front
This essay discusses the significance of the Mitzvah of Bris Milah in Parshas Lech Lecha, highlighting its impact on Jewish identity and the transformation of Avrohom.
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Noachתשע״ו
A Heavenly Scent
This essay explores the significance of Noach's sacrifices after the Mabul and how they influenced Hashem's decision not to curse the earth again. It emphasizes the importance of overcoming one's desires in serving Hashem.
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Ki Seitzeiתשע״ו
Everything To Gain
The essay explores the connection between two Mitzvos in Parshas Ki Seitzei, emphasizing the importance of treating vulnerable individuals with dignity while adhering to the principles of Torah law.
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Shelachתשע״ו
Fringe Benefits
The essay explores the connection between the topics of Avodah Zarah, Shabbos, and Tzitzis in Parshas Shelach, emphasizing their significance in relation to Kol HaTorah Kula.
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Vayishlachתשע״ו
Mission Unaccomplished
The essay explores Yaakov's mourning for Devorah and Rivka, emphasizing the significance of their unfulfilled missions and the importance of Avodas Hashem over outcomes.
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Kedoshimתשע״ו
Parshas Kedoshim: Above and Below
Parshas Kedoshim emphasizes the importance of Mitzvos and their connection to Kedusha, highlighting that our actions can elevate the divine presence in our lives.
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Shavuosתשע״ו
Receiving The Gift
Shavuos is a celebration of receiving the Torah, emphasizing the importance of being receptive to this gift. The connection to Megilas Rus highlights the relationship between giving and receiving in the context of Kinyan.
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Korachתשע״ו
Secret Recipe
The essay explores the dual nature of Ketores, its power to heal and its potential danger, emphasizing the importance of intent in its use.
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VayeraRosh Hashanahתשע״ו
The Best Intentions
The essay explores Avraham's intentions during the Akeidah, emphasizing the importance of actions alongside good intentions and their lasting impact on future generations.
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Sukkosתשע״ו
The Promise of Sukkos
The essay explores the unique joy of Sukkos, connecting it to the spiritual purification of Yom Kippur and the legacy of Yaakov Avinu. It emphasizes that true happiness on Sukkos stems from a renewed commitment to serving Hashem.
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Toil Toil
This essay explores the significance of the phrase 'Im Bechukosai Telechu' in relation to the importance of diligent Torah study, emphasizing that Hashem desires our engagement in learning for our own benefit.
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Ve'eschananתשע״ה
Adding, Subtracting and Connecting
This essay explores the importance of adhering to the Torah and Mitzvos, emphasizing the prohibitions of adding or subtracting from them, and the contrast between true devotion to Hashem and the pitfalls of idol worship.
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Good Business
Moshe's final message emphasizes the importance of connecting to Hashem through supporting Talmidei Chachamim, especially as we approach Rosh Hashanah.
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Ki SavoRosh Hashanahתשע״ה
It’s Contagious
The essay explores the significance of reading the Tochecha in Parshas Ki Savo before Rosh Hashana, emphasizing the importance of serving Hashem with joy and the contagious nature of happiness.
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Toldosתשע״ה
It’s Not So Simple
This essay explores the contrasting characters of Yaakov and Eisav, emphasizing how their respective traits influenced their spiritual paths and outcomes.
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ChukasParshas Parahתשע״ה
Selfless Devotion
This essay explores the deeper lessons of Parah Aduma, emphasizing the importance of selfless devotion to the will of Hashem, even when the reasons behind the mitzvot are not understood.
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BeharBechukosaiתשע״ה
The Power of A Year
This essay explores the significance of Shemitah and its connection to Har Sinai, emphasizing its role in maintaining a relationship with Hashem and the land of Israel.
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Sukkosתשע״ה
Thinking About the Sukkah
The essay explores the unique mitzvos of Sukkos, emphasizing the need for intention (kavana) when fulfilling the mitzvah of sitting in the Sukkah, and connects this to the love Hashem has for the Jewish people.
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Weeks and Weeks
This essay discusses the mitzvos of Yomim Tovim and Sefiras HaOmer, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth during this period.
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Vezos HaberachaShemini Atzeresתשע״ה
What Comes First?
The essay explores the significance of Shmini Atzeres as a day of closeness to Hashem, emphasizing the duality of the day with Simchas Torah and the importance of maintaining a spiritual connection in daily life.
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Gravity and Toys
The essay explores the concept of a Nazir and the significance of his commitment to personal growth, likening it to breaking free from gravity. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and overcoming personal inhibitions to achieve true growth.
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Ki Savoתשע״ד
Hapiness For Ourselves and Others
The essay explores the significance of Ma'aser Ani and its connection to joy and divine favor, emphasizing how giving with happiness can transform negative emotions into positive ones.
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Matosתשע״ד
Nedarim and Individuality
This essay explores the significance of Nedarim in relation to individuality and unity within Klal Yisroel, emphasizing the importance of Achdus in the context of the Bais HaMikdash.
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Terumahתשע״ד
Our Own Personal Mishkan
This essay discusses the significance of building a personal Mishkan for Hashem within ourselves, emphasizing the sustainable connection through Torah and Mitzvos.
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Titzavehתשע״ד
Parshas Titzveh: The Message of the Ketores
This essay explores the significance of the Ketores and its symbolism in Avodas HaShem, emphasizing that fulfilling Hashem's will is what truly matters, regardless of one's personal role.
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Shekalim of Fire
This essay discusses the significance of the Machatzis HaShekel and the concept of Nidivus Lev, emphasizing that the passion and dedication behind a mitzvah are more important than its size.
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Re'ehתשע״ד
The Place of Hashem
This essay explores the significance of locations mentioned in Parshas Re’eh, contrasting the detailed instructions for receiving blessings with the vague reference to the place of the Mizbeach, emphasizing the effort required to attain a connection with Hashem.
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Behaloschaתשע״ד
The Power of Anivus
This essay explores the concept of Anivus (humility) as exemplified by Moshe Rabeinu, and how it relates to discerning the Ratzon Hashem (will of God). It discusses the consequences faced by Aron and Miriam for their criticism of Moshe, emphasizing the importance of humility in understanding divine intentions.
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