Search
24 essays
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
Ki SisaParshas Parahתשפ״א
Flock of One
This essay discusses the significance of Parshas Parah in relation to the upcoming Korban Pesach and the themes of redemption and divine care for the Jewish people, as illustrated through the metaphor of sheep.
Parsha
Vayechiתשע״ט
Final Approach
The essay explores Yaakov Avinu's final instructions to his sons regarding Me’aras Hamachpelah, emphasizing the importance of spiritual over material concerns.
Parsha
Vayigashתשע״ט
Identity Crisis
The essay explores Yosef's strategic decisions to ensure his family's survival in Mitzrayim, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their identity and separation from Egyptian influences.
Parsha
Shemosתשע״ט
Shemos — Free Yourself
Reading Sefer Shemos as destiny rather than history, the essay analyzes the sequence of pesukim marking the turning point of Shibud Mitzrayim, focusing on the cryptic "VaYaar Elokim Es Bnei Yisroel VaYeda Elokim." Citing the Yerushalmi in Taanis that five factors brought the Geulah (Tzara, Tzevacha, Zechus Avos, Teshuva, and the Ketz), it asks why the other four were needed once the Ketz arrived. Using the Mabit's insight in Beis Elokim that sin is a Shibud HaNefesh and Teshuva a Geulas HaNefesh, the author argues the four factors are prerequisites that make redemption possible — and that the Teshuva must be a visible, transformative one, worthy of "VaYaar Elokim."
Parsha
Vayishlachתשע״ט
Suspending Halacha
This essay explores the encounter between Yaakov and Esav, highlighting the significance of their meeting and the implications of Esav's kiss. It emphasizes the importance of unity among the Jewish people to overcome hatred.
Parsha
Undercoat
This essay explores the complex relationship between Yaakov and Yosef, focusing on the significance of the Kesones Pasim and its implications for understanding divine presence during challenging times.
Parsha
Lech Lechaתשע״ח
All Dusty
The essay explores the relationship between Avrom and Lot, emphasizing how Lot's negative influence affected Avrom's ability to receive divine communication. It highlights the importance of connection to Torah for survival and legacy.
Parsha
Build The Wall
The essay explores the unique counting of the Leviim in Parshas Bamidbar, linking it to the spiritual protection needed during exile and the significance of Yocheved's birth.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
Pesachתשע״ח
Poor Us
The essay explores the connection between Pesach and Tisha B'Av, emphasizing the significance of Matzah and the concept of 'Lechem Oni' as a means to access true freedom and spiritual growth during Pesach.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
Vayishlachתשע״ז
A Lonely Mother
This essay explores the significance of Rochel Imeinu's burial and her role in interceding for Klal Yisroel during their exile, emphasizing the connection between her name for Binyamin and her legacy of survival in Galus.
Parsha
Tisha B'Avתשע״ז
Moadim L’Simcha
The essay explores the paradox of Tisha B’av being a day of mourning yet also a time referred to as a Moed, suggesting it offers an opportunity for reflection and self-examination.
Parsha
Among The Nations
This essay explores the connection between Parshas Ve’Eschanan and the weeks of Nechama following Tisha B'Av, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Jewish identity amidst external influences.
Parsha
Devarimתשע״ו
Look Beyond
This essay explores the connection between Parshas Devarim and Tisha B'Av, emphasizing the importance of unity and understanding among Klal Yisroel to overcome baseless hatred.
Parsha
Moonshine
This essay explores the significance of the birth of Peretz and Zarach, emphasizing the connection between Peretz and the lineage of Moshiach, and the symbolism of the moon in relation to hope and renewal.
Parsha
Vayetzeiתשע״ו
The Ultimate Promise
This essay discusses Yaakov's journey and his promise to Hashem, emphasizing the importance of commitment to Torah and Mitzvos for protection during difficult times.
Parsha
Ve'eschananתשע״ו
V'Eschanan
Parshas V'Eschanan, following Tisha B'Av, emphasizes the importance of separating from the native inhabitants of Eretz Yisroel to prevent our children from straying from the path of Hashem.
Parsha
Vayishlachתשע״ה
Fighting Submission
This essay explores the encounter between Yaakov and Eisav, emphasizing the spiritual battle against the Yetzer Harah and the significance of the Gid Hanasheh as a reminder of our vulnerability.
Parsha
Vayechiתשע״ה
May You Be Blessed
The essay explores Yaakov's blessings to his grandsons Menashe and Ephraim, emphasizing the significance of their names and the challenges of their future descendants. It highlights the power of blessings and the responsibility passed from Yaakov to Yosef.
Parsha
Devarimתשע״ה
Parshas Devarim – Tisha B’Av
This essay explores the connection between Parshas Devarim and Tisha B'Av, focusing on the term 'Eicha' used by Moshe Rabbeinu and its implications for understanding our spiritual state.
Parsha
Parshas Ki Sisa – Purim Retrospective Vision
The essay explores the significance of Purim and its everlasting nature, contrasting it with other Yom Tovim that may not be celebrated in the future. It emphasizes the ongoing relevance of the miracles of Purim in our lives.
Parsha
Devarimתשע״ד
Words of Love
This week's Parsha, Devarim, features Moshe's rebuke to Klal Yisroel, emphasizing that Tochacha is given out of love to prevent further wrongdoing. It connects to Tisha B'Av as a reminder of the need for self-examination.
Parsha