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41 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
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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Ve'eschananתשפ״ב
Evil is Good
The essay explores the concept of loving Hashem with both the Yetzer Tov and Yetzer Harah, emphasizing that our faults can reveal our strengths and potential for growth.
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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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Yom Kippurתשפ״ב
Strong Fabric
The essay explores the significance of the Kohen Gadol's linen garments on Yom Kippur, connecting him to the Malach Gavriel and emphasizing the power of human action in achieving spiritual change.
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Sukkos Skin Deep
The essay explores the significance of the Arba Minim during Sukkos, emphasizing their connection to joy and the concept of 'Hadar' as a reflection of survival and beauty through challenges.
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Bechukosaiתשפ״א
Our Only Hope
The essay discusses the consequences of following or forsaking Hashem's ways, emphasizing that true hope and purification come from reliance on Him.
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Zochor No Mercy
The essay discusses the importance of remembering Amalek's destructive role and the imperative to eradicate it, as illustrated in the Haftorah about Shaul's battle against Amalek.
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PinchasRosh Hashanahתשע״ט
A Blast of Truth
The essay explores the significance of the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah, linking it to themes of truth and the Akeida, emphasizing its role in awakening our spiritual essence and affecting our judgment.
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Noachתשע״ט
Dying Words
The essay explores the significance of the term 'Yigva' in relation to the deaths during the Mabul, suggesting it denotes a quick and relatively painless death, often associated with Tzaddikim, and reflects on the implications of thoughts of Teshuva.
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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."
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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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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.
Parsha
Noachתשע״ח
Full Forty
The essay explores the significance of the number forty in relation to the Mabul, emphasizing its lessons for spiritual renewal and transformation.
Parsha
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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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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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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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.
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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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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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Hold on Tight
The essay explores the connection between Parshas Vayelech and the themes of Teshuva during the Aseres Yimei Teshuva, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our distance from Hashem and the power of returning to Him.
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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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Beraishisתשע״ו
Intellectual Decisions
The essay explores the story of Kayin and Hevel, emphasizing the importance of intention in offerings and the need for self-improvement and learning from mistakes.
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Yom Kippurתשע״ו
One Day Alone
The essay explores the significance of Viduy on Erev Yom Kippur and the unique spiritual opportunity of Yom Kippur itself, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with Hashem.
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Terumahתשע״ו
The Table’s Turn
This essay explores the significance of the Shulchan in the Mishkan and its connection to the sins committed at Shitim, emphasizing the importance of integrating spiritual and material pursuits.
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The Time is Now
This essay connects the lessons of Parshas Metzorah to the upcoming Yom Tov of Pesach, emphasizing the importance of readiness and encouragement in the process of Taharah for the Metzorah.
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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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Yom Kippurתשע״ה
Clarity for Tomorrow
The essay explores the joy of Yom Kippur, emphasizing its significance as a day of forgiveness and spiritual clarity, and encourages maintaining the growth achieved during this holy day throughout the year.
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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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Vayikraתשע״ה
Our Avodah
The essay explores the significance of Korbonos and their connection to Tefillah, emphasizing that both serve as a means to draw closer to Hashem and inspire Teshuvah.
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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.
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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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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.
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HaazinuShabbos Shuvaתשע״ה
The Power of Love
The essay discusses the importance of tailoring communication to different spiritual levels within Klal Yisroel and emphasizes the potential for Teshuva M’Ahava to transform past misdeeds into merits.
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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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What’s So Great?
Shabbos HaGadol is a unique observance that commemorates the Jews' preparation for the Korban Pesach and their miraculous escape from Egypt. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual readiness and Teshuvah as we approach Pesach.
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Being Zoche to Punishment
This essay explores the concept of Tzaras as a punishment that only affects those on a high spiritual level, emphasizing the need for a connection to Hashem to be impacted by divine signs.
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Permanent Kedusha
This essay discusses the importance of maintaining spiritual cleanliness and the permanence of Kedusha compared to Tumah. It emphasizes that our choices affect our spiritual status and that through Teshuva, we can return to a state of Tahara.
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Ekevתשע״ד
The Time is Now
This week's Parsha emphasizes our relationship with Hashem, focusing on the importance of living in the present and fulfilling our responsibilities as Jews without procrastination.
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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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