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9 essays
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.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
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.
Parsha