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56 essays
The End of the Beginning
Simchas Torah celebrates the completion of the Torah and the beginning of a new cycle. The connection between the creation narrative and the themes of accountability and spiritual growth is explored.
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Simchas Torahתשפ״ג
Flying High
The essay explores the significance of Simchas Torah, emphasizing the joy of celebrating the Torah and the deeper understanding of its value through the words of King David in Tehillim.
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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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Rosh Hashanahתשפ״ב
Big Party
The essay explores the significance of the Mishteh Gadol that Avrohom made for Yitzchok's weaning, connecting it to the themes of Rosh Hashanah and personal growth.
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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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Hachodesh
This essay discusses the significance of Parshas Hachodesh and its connection to the upcoming month of Nissan, emphasizing the themes of preparation for Pesach and self-worth in serving Hashem.
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Pesachתשפ״ב
Heart of the Matter
The essay explores the significance of the Mitzvah of Tashbisu during Pesach, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's heart (Lev) in fulfilling this commandment and achieving spiritual growth.
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Terumahתשפ״ב
Lasting Impressions
The essay discusses the construction of the Mishkan and its significance, emphasizing the importance of procreation and creating lasting impressions over merely relying on the Mikdash.
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Emorתשפ״ב
Temimus and Sefiras HaOmer
This essay explores the concept of 'Temimus' in relation to the mitzvah of Sefiras HaOmer, emphasizing the importance of self-value and respect for others as a path to spiritual growth.
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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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Shavuosתש״פ
A Sixth Sense
The essay explores the connection between Shavuos and Megillas Rus, emphasizing the significance of the number six in both contexts and the importance of accepting the Torah.
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Terumahתש״פ
Shining Bright
The essay explores the significance of the month of Iyar, referred to as Chodesh Ziv, in relation to the construction of the Bais HaMikdash and the impact of actions on others.
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Beraishisתשע״ט
Ground Rules
This essay explores the complexities of the curses given to Adam, Chava, and the ground after the sin of the Etz HaDaas, emphasizing the connection between their actions and the consequences faced by each.
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Yisroתשע״ט
Yisro
The essay explores the significance of Bnei Yisroel's encampment at Midbar Sinai, focusing on their unity and orientation towards the east, symbolizing a connection to light and heritage as they prepare for Kabbalas Hatorah.
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Vezos HaberachaSimchas Torahתשע״ח
All Aglow
The essay explores the significance of Simchas Torah, emphasizing the joy of completing the Torah and starting anew, while reflecting on the spiritual heights achievable through a connection to the Torah.
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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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Ekevתשע״ח
Constructive Removal
Moshe Rabbeinu emphasizes the importance of removing the 'Orlas Halev' to connect with Hashem and achieve personal growth. This metaphorical covering of the heart represents obstacles that hinder spiritual development.
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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.
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Shoftimתשע״ח
Shoftim — Flying Wheat
The essay asks why the Torah needs to state that a premeditated murderer receives no protection in an Ir Miklat, and follows Rashi's Drush that hating one's fellow (a "mitzvah kallah") inevitably leads to an aveirah chamurah like bloodshed. It harmonizes Rashi with the Ohr HaChaim's reading of the pasuk as describing the Yetzer Hara, who poses as a friend, lies in ambush, and widens a small breach into a large one. Using the Ksav Sofer's explanation of Rav and Shmuel's dispute in Brachos (fly vs. kernel of wheat), the author shows both the relentlessness of the Yetzer Hara and the sustaining purpose of the struggle — the immeasurable schar earned in battle — a fitting message for Chodesh Elul.
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Yisroתשע״ח
Sights and Sounds
The essay explores the significance of the miraculous events at Har Sinai during Mattan Torah, emphasizing the heightened senses of sight and hearing as a message about the potential for growth in understanding the Torah.
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Vayetzeiתשע״ז
Acute Awareness
This essay explores Yaakov Avinu's actions in Charan, emphasizing his pure intentions and strength in overcoming obstacles, symbolized by the rock at the well.
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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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Ki Savoתשע״ז
Basket Case
The essay explores the Mitzvah of Bikurim, emphasizing the importance of treating the first fruits with respect and the role of the basket in this process as a metaphor for nurturing one's potential through Torah.
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Vayikraתשע״ז
Bigger and Smaller
The essay explores the significance of Korbanos, particularly the Minchas Ani, emphasizing the importance of self-diminishment in spiritual growth and connection to Hashem.
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Metzoraתשע״ז
Carefully Raised
This essay explores the Halachos of Tumah and the importance of maintaining Tahara, emphasizing the connection between avoiding Tumah and personal elevation.
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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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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.
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Simchas Torahתשע״ז
Sing a Song
Simchas Torah is a celebration of the completion of the yearly cycle of Krias Hatorah, emphasizing the individuality of each person's relationship with the Torah and the importance of making it one's own.
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BoParshas HaChodeshתשע״ז
Spring Forward
The essay explores the significance of the month of Aviv in relation to the Exodus from Egypt, emphasizing the potential for growth and spiritual freedom that it represents.
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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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Achrei MosYom Kippurתשע״ו
Bloodless
This essay explores the severity of the prohibition against consuming blood, linking it to the concept of the Nefesh and its potential for growth and choice.
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Ekevתשע״ו
Fathers and Sons
This essay explores the connection between the experiences of Bnei Yisroel in the Midbar and their commitment to Mitzvos, emphasizing that hardships can lead to spiritual growth.
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Chayei Sarahתשע״ו
How Old Are You?
The essay explores the significance of Yishmael's lifespan in the context of Torah study and respect for parents, highlighting the tension between his actions as a Rasha and a Tzaddik.
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Shoftimתשע״ו
It Grows on Trees
This essay explores the Torah's command regarding fruit trees during sieges, emphasizing the importance of recognizing potential in both trees and people. It highlights the spiritual significance of wars fought by Klal Yisroel.
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Pesachתשע״ו
It’s a Match
The essay explores the imperative of viewing oneself as if they left Mitzrayim during Pesach, emphasizing the connection between freedom and eligibility for divine relationship.
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TitzavehYom Kippurתשע״ו
Leopards and Life
This essay explores the significance of the Tzitz worn by the Kohen Gadol, connecting its roles in atonement and character development, particularly regarding the middah of Azus Panim.
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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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Vayikraתשע״ו
Soul Food
This essay explores the significance of the Korban Mincha, emphasizing that even a simple offering from an Ani is valued by Hashem as if it were a greater sacrifice, highlighting the importance of intention and closeness to God.
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SheminiParshas Parahתשע״ו
Waters of Change
This essay explores the connection between Parshas Shmini and Parshas Parah, emphasizing the themes of Tahara and the impact of Tzaddikim's passing on the community's spiritual growth.
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Matosתשע״ה
A Place of Refuge
This essay explores the significance of the Arei HaLeviim and their connection to the concept of refuge in Jewish life, emphasizing the importance of spiritual rejuvenation.
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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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YisroParshas Parahתשע״ה
Introduction to Kabalas HaTorah
This essay discusses the significance of the introductory verses to Mattan Torah, emphasizing the importance of small actions in achieving spiritual growth and divine assistance.
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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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Ki Seitzeiתשע״ה
Parshas Ki Setzei: No Small Feat
The essay asks why the Torah teaches the principle of "Mitzvah Goreres Mitzvah" specifically through the cluster of seemingly minor mitzvos of Shiluach HaKan, Ma'akeh, Kilayim, Shatnez and Tzitzis. Drawing on Rashi, the Medrash, Rabbeinu Yona and the Rashash, it argues that these are the prototypical mitzvos kallos, non-obligatory mitzvos whose fulfillment naturally elevates a person to accomplish greater things. It further shows that profound lessons in Emunah/Bitachon (Ma'akeh) and Bein Adam L'Chaveiro (Kilai Behema) are deliberately embedded in these 'small' mitzvos, and applies this to the Yomim Noraim: small, sustainable kabalos fuel greater growth.
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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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Shavuosתשע״ד
Celebrating Ourselves
The essay discusses the significance of Shavuos and the Aseres Hadibros, emphasizing that the Torah is a guide for self-improvement and personal growth.
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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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ChukasParshas Parahתשע״ד
Maximizing Potential
This week's Parsha discusses the concept of Chok, particularly through the Mitzvah of Para Aduma and the story of Mei Meriva, emphasizing the importance of maximizing potential and understanding our limitations.
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Kedoshimתשע״ד
Our Endless Capacity
This essay explores the concept of Kedoshim Tehiyu, emphasizing our potential to attain holiness through everyday mitzvos and personal growth.
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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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BechukosaiYom Kippurתשע״ד
The Optimism of Torah
The essay explores the significance of Lag B'Omer, celebrating R' Akiva's resilience and optimism after the loss of his students, emphasizing the importance of seeing the hidden good in every circumstance.
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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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