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70 essays
Shavuosתשפ״ג
Army of One
The essay explores the connection between Shavuos and Megilas Rus, emphasizing the significance of the Torah and the divine orchestration of events in the lives of its characters.
Parsha
Achrei MosYom Kippurתשפ״ג
Entrance Pass
The essay explores the significance of the Avodah on Yom Kippur, particularly the phrase 'B’Zos Yavo Aron,' linking it to the Kohanim and the Shevatim's merit.
Parsha
Vaeraתשפ״ג
Go Fish
The essay explores the connections between the Parsha Va'era and its Haftorah from Yechezkel, focusing on the metaphors used to describe Pharaoh and the people of Mitzrayim as fish, illustrating their spiritual failings and the consequences of their actions.
Parsha
Simchas Torahתשפ״ב
Heart Attack
Simchas Torah marks the end of the Yemei HaRachamim V’HaSelichos and emphasizes the importance of clinging to the Torah during both light and dark times.
Parsha
Shelachתשפ״ב
Power of One
The essay explores the significance of Kalev's courage during the Chet HaMeraglim, emphasizing the power of individual conviction when supported by faith in Hashem.
Parsha
Shoftimתשפ״ב
Son of Kings
This essay explores the significance of appointing a king in Israel, focusing on King David's final prayers for his son Solomon, emphasizing the responsibilities and spiritual legacy of kingship.
Parsha
Yisroתשפ״ב
Tuneless
The essay explores the Haftorah for Parshas Yisro, focusing on the themes of Kabbalas HaTorah and the significance of Chizkiyahu's potential as Moshiach, while addressing the importance of Yiras Hashem.
Parsha
Vaeraתשפ״ב
Va’era Serpentine
The essay explores the connections between Parshas Va’Era and its Haftorah from Yechezkel, highlighting the metaphorical language used to describe Pharaoh and the implications for understanding the Parsha's themes.
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VayikraPurimParshas Zachorתשפ״ב
Zochor
This essay explores the significance of Parshas Zochor in preparing for Purim, focusing on Shaul's battle against Amalek and the lessons of unity and kindness exemplified by the Keni.
Parsha
VayakelPekudeiParshas HaChodeshתשפ״א
Hachodesh Princely View
This essay explores the significance of the Haftorah for Parshas Hachodesh, focusing on the role of the Nasi and Kohen Gadol in the future Mikdash and the implications for spiritual growth as Chodesh Nissan approaches.
Parsha
Korachתשפ״א
Keep Going
This week's Sedra focuses on leadership, highlighting the challenges faced by Moshe and the transition to monarchy in Israel. The Haftorah emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in leadership.
Parsha
MishpatimParshas Shekalimתשפ״א
Shekalim
This essay explores the themes of gratitude and the dangers of ingratitude as illustrated by the story of Yoash and the Mitzvah of Shekalim, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's blessings.
Parsha
Vaeraתשפ״א
Va’era Serpentine
The essay explores the connections between the Parsha Va’era and its Haftorah from Yechezkel, focusing on the symbolism of Pharaoh as a serpent and the implications of the miracles performed by Moshe and Aaron.
Parsha
Vayetzeiתש״פ
Can’t Shake It
This week's Parsha focuses on Yaakov's journey and the Haftorah reflects on the significance of Shevet Ephraim, emphasizing the enduring essence of identity despite misdeeds.
Parsha
Heads Up
This essay explores the Haftorah of Parshas Shekalim, focusing on King Yoash's instructions regarding donations to the Bais Hamikdash and the deeper meanings behind the Shekalim and their connection to themes of repentance and elevation.
Parsha
Vezos HaberachaSimchas Torahתש״פ
Hold On Tight
The essay explores the significance of Simchas Torah and the Haftorah from Sefer Yehoshua, emphasizing the themes of leadership and continuity from Moshe to Yehoshua.
Parsha
Boתשע״ט
Action and Reaction
The essay explores the complex relationship between Moshe and Pharaoh, focusing on Moshe's anger during their final confrontation. It highlights the significance of Pharaoh's words and their impact on Moshe's commitment to Yichud Hashem.
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Nameless and Selfless
The essay explores the significance of Levi's actions in the story of Yosef and his brothers, emphasizing the selflessness and kindness that define the character of Shevet Levi, which is crucial for effective leadership.
Parsha
Vaeraתשע״ט
Self Determination
The essay explores the interaction between Moshe and Pharaoh during the Makkah of Tzefardeah, emphasizing the significance of Moshe's request and the concept of self-determination in the face of divine control.
Parsha
Lech Lechaתשע״ט
You First
Parshas Lech Lecha discusses the life of Avrohom Avinu, focusing on his interactions with Malki-Tzedek and the implications of their blessings. It contrasts the spiritual paths of Avraham and Noach, emphasizing the importance of placing Hashem first.
Parsha
Mishpatimתשע״ט
Your Place
The essay explores the events surrounding Mattan Torah and the implications of the phrase 'Na’aseh V’Nishma', highlighting the mistakes of Nadav, Avihu, and the Zekenim, and the lessons of self-awareness and humility.
Parsha
Pesachתשע״ח
Achron Shel Pesach
The essay discusses the significance of Krias Yam Suf during Pesach, emphasizing the connection between Moshe Rabbeinu's actions and the faith of Bnei Yisroel in Hashem and themselves.
Parsha
Vayakelתשע״ח
All Lit Up
This essay explores the significance of Betzalel's leadership in constructing the Mishkan, emphasizing his dedication and the connection between the Aron and the Torah as sources of light and spiritual insight.
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Shemosתשע״ח
All Natural
The essay explores the lessons from the Parsha of Shemos, focusing on Pharaoh's ignorance of Yosef and the implications of recognizing divine providence in our lives.
Parsha
Vaeraתשע״ח
Be Strong
The essay discusses the significance of Moshe and Aron's ages when they approached Pharaoh, emphasizing that their age represents a milestone of Gevurah, which is essential for their mission.
Parsha
Either Way
This essay explores the Chet HaEgel and its implications, emphasizing the lesson of universal applicability of the Torah, especially in times of despair.
Parsha
Shelachתשע״ח
Grape Fruit
This essay explores the lessons from the Meraglim's journey and their connection to the season of Bikurei Anavim, emphasizing the need for Shemirah and the importance of hard work in achieving one's purpose.
Parsha
Vayikraתשע״ח
It’s Electric
The essay explores the significance of humility (Anivus) as exemplified by Moshe Rabbeinu, particularly in the context of the Korbanos and their spiritual implications.
Parsha
Korachתשע״ח
Korach Authority Issues
The essay discusses the authority challenges posed by Korach and the importance of the Mesorah in Jewish tradition. It emphasizes that personal connections to Hashem should be guided by established leaders.
Parsha
Behaloschaתשע״ח
Long Term Solution
This essay explores the leadership dynamics in Behaloscha, focusing on the roles of Moshe, Eldad, and Meidad, and the nature of true spiritual growth.
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Sheminiתשע״ח
One State Solution
The essay explores the lessons from the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, emphasizing the importance of unity and proper intention in serving Hashem.
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Chukasתשע״ח
Seeing Stars
The essay explores the story of Mei Meriva and its implications for Moshe Rabbeinu's actions, emphasizing the connection between divine will and human actions.
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Re'ehתשע״ח
Straight Shooters
Moshe instructs Klal Yisroel on their responsibilities upon entering Eretz Yisroel, emphasizing the importance of following the Torah's path rather than individual judgment.
Parsha
Balakתשע״ח
Sunny Disposition
The essay discusses the events in Parsha Balak, focusing on the punishment of those who sinned with Baal Peor and the significance of the sun's role in identifying them. It emphasizes the importance of intention in our actions.
Parsha
Beshalachתשע״ח
The Waiting Game
This essay explores the significance of Miriam's song after Krias Yam Suf, highlighting her prophetic role and the deeper meanings behind her actions and the instruments used.
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Nasoתשע״ח
There’s Always Time
The essay discusses the significance of the Nesiim's offerings of wagons and oxen for the Mishkan, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acting upon the Ratzon Hashem in the present moment.
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VayelechYom Kippurתשע״ז
Be Strong
This week's Parsha teaches the importance of facing challenges with strength and faith in Hashem's support, especially during the Aseres Yimei Teshuva.
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Behaloschaתשע״ז
Destination Please
The essay explores the conversation between Moshe and Yisro, emphasizing the importance of Yisro's presence for the Jewish people and the significance of treating converts with love and respect.
Parsha
Korachתשע״ז
Korach Stick Figures
The essay explores the story of Korach and the significance of the Mateh Aron sprouting almonds, emphasizing the message of individual holiness and the power of collective action in realizing Hashem's will.
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Balakתשע״ז
Mouth Off
Parshas Balak highlights the unusual role of Bnei Yisroel as background players while exploring the significance of Moshe's strength and the concept of 'Kocho B’Piv'.
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Ki Sisaתשע״ז
Night and Day
The essay explores the Chet HaEgel, emphasizing the importance of understanding the roots of mistakes and recognizing personal growth to avoid similar pitfalls.
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Parshas Vayeshev
Parshas Vayeshev explores the relationship between Yosef and his brothers, focusing on the implications of Yehudah's words and actions. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the divine hand in our lives, especially during Chanukah.
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Vayigashתשע״ז
Parshas Vayigash
This week's Parsha discusses Yosef's reunion with his family and his economic policies in Mitzrayim, highlighting the exemption of the Kohanim from taxes as a form of gratitude and preparation for future challenges.
Parsha
Pinchasתשע״ז
Pinchas
This essay explores the significance of the Korban Tamid and its placement in the Torah, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a personal connection to Hashem even as the national experience changes.
Parsha
Vaeraתשע״ז
Power of Three
This essay explores the significance of the number three in relation to Moshe and Aron’s genealogy and their leadership roles, emphasizing the concept of balance represented by the Middah of Tiferes.
Parsha
Shoftimתשע״ז
Shoftim: These Days
The essay explores the seemingly superfluous words "HaShofet Asher Yihiyeh Bayamim Hahem" in the parsha's instruction to bring difficult cases to the higher court, which the Gemara in Rosh Hashana explains as a warning against comparing today's authorities unfavorably to earlier generations. Drawing on the Bnei Yissaschar's reading that a person's inability to resolve a halachic question stems from his own aveiros rooted in kinah, taavah and kavod, the author suggests the Torah is anticipating the despondency that follows such self-awareness. Rather than lamenting our diminished stature relative to prior doros, we must turn to the Morei Derech Hashem placed in our own generation \u2014 a fitting message for the opening days of Elul.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
Yisroתשע״ז
Universal Response
The essay discusses the events leading up to Kabalas HaTorah at Har Sinai, emphasizing the unity of Klal Yisroel in accepting the Torah and the importance of passing it on to future generations.
Parsha
Unto Others
This essay explores the lessons from Yehuda's commitment to bring Binyamin back and its implications for personal responsibility and influencing others, connecting it to the themes of Chanukah.
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Behaloschaתשע״ו
Don’t Be Jealous
This essay explores Aharon HaKohen's feelings of discouragement when he was not involved in the Korbanos of the Nissim and how Hashem consoled him with the Mitzvah of Hadlakas HaMenorah, emphasizing the unique role of Shevet Levi.
Parsha
Vaeraתשע״ו
Hakaras HaTov in Parshas Vaera
This essay explores the theme of Hakaras HaTov as demonstrated through Moshe and Aharon's actions during the Makkos, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the good done by others, even inanimate objects.
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Shemosתשע״ו
Mark of a Leader
The essay discusses Moshe Rabbeinu's transformation into a leader during his encounter with the burning bush, emphasizing his innate concern for Klal Yisroel and the qualities that define true leadership.
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Vayakelתשע״ו
Risking It All
The essay explores the connection between Betzalel's appointment to build the Mishkan and the sacrifices of his grandfather Chur, emphasizing the theme of Mesiras Nefesh and its rewards.
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Chukasתשע״ו
Send A Message
The essay explores Moshe Rabbeinu's message to the King of Edom, emphasizing the shared heritage and the significance of Bnei Yisroel's suffering in Egypt as a preparation for receiving the Torah.
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Pinchasתשע״ו
Take Me to Your Leader
The essay discusses Moshe's request for a successor to lead Klal Yisroel, emphasizing the importance of leadership in both physical and spiritual battles, particularly against the Yetzer Harah.
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Matosתשע״ו
The Final Act
This essay discusses Moshe Rabbeinu's final act as a leader, tying his death to the war against Midyan and exploring the implications of his actions and inactions.
Parsha
BoParshas HaChodeshתשע״ו
The New You
This essay explores the significance of Kiddush HaChodesh, the first mitzvah given to the Jewish people, emphasizing its role in renewal and growth, and its unique applicability to Klal Yisroel.
Parsha
Vayigashתשע״ו
Wagons of Achrayus
This essay explores the significance of the wagons sent by Yosef to Yaakov, linking it to the concept of Achrayus (responsibility) as taught in the Parsha of Egla Arufa.
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Yisroתשע״ו
What Did You Hear?
This essay explores the significance of Yisro's advice to Moshe, emphasizing the importance of constructive criticism and viewing others positively.
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Shoftimתשע״ה
A Kingly Light
This essay explores the role of a king in Klal Yisroel as outlined in Parshas Shoftim, emphasizing the importance of appointing a king who reflects the light of Hashem rather than merely serving mundane purposes.
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Vayigashתשע״ה
Building for the Klal
The essay discusses Yaakov's decision to send Yehuda to establish a Yeshiva in Mitzrayim, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and commitment to the needs of the community.
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Vayeraתשע״ה
Nisayon and Emunah
The essay explores the significance of the Akeida as a unique test of faith for Avraham, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the Ratzon Hashem despite external pressures.
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Not About Me
This essay explores the omission of Moshe's name in Parshas Titzaveh and its connection to the selflessness exemplified by Mordechai and Esther during Purim.
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NitzavimVayelechRosh Hashanahתשע״ה
Parshas Nitzvim-VaYelech
This essay explores the significance of Moshe's final address to Klal Yisroel on the last day of his life, connecting it to the themes of Rosh Hashana, including the acceptance of Hashem's kingship and the importance of individual responsibility.
Parsha
Shemosתשע״ה
Setting Up The Geulah
This essay explores the early life of Moshe Rabeinu in the context of the Geulah from Mitzrayim, emphasizing how his upbringing in Pharaoh's palace was essential for his leadership qualities.
Parsha
Bamidbarתשע״ד
Degalim and Pikudim
The essay explores the lessons from Sefer Bamidbar, focusing on the counting of the Jews and the significance of the Degalim, emphasizing the human imperfections of the Dor Hamidbar and Hashem's love for each individual.
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Pinchasתשע״ד
Internal Shalom
The essay explores the character of Pinchas and his lineage, emphasizing the conflict between good and evil. It highlights the importance of choosing a clear moral path, as exemplified by Pinchas and Aharon.
Parsha
Shelachתשע״ד
Knowing Ourselves
This essay explores the failure of the Meraglim, who, despite being respected leaders, allowed their fears of losing status to distort their perceptions of Eretz Yisroel, leading to a grave sin against Hashem.
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Shoftimתשע״ד
Parshas Shoftim: The Yachid and the Rabbim
Beginning with the Torah's unusual description of Klal Yisroel as "V'hanisharim" (the remaining ones) after Eidim Zomemim are executed, the essay shows that every single Jew is a precious diamond whose loss leaves the nation permanently incomplete. Yet from Egla Arufa and the obligation of Levaya we learn (per the Maharal) that the Zechus HaRabim of a Tzibbur offers protection that no individual possesses. Drawing on the Maharal, R' Chaim Shmulevitz, the Rama M'Pano, and R' Simcha Zissel, the author concludes that individuals who take responsibility for others are themselves considered a Klal, and thereby merit the Tzibbur's eternality and leniency in judgment \_ssummary_note":null,"x":null}
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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.
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