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34 essays
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.
Parsha
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.
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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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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Ki Savoתשע״ד
Hapiness For Ourselves and Others
The essay explores the significance of Ma'aser Ani and its connection to joy and divine favor, emphasizing how giving with happiness can transform negative emotions into positive ones.
Parsha
Hearing the Voice of Hashem
The essay discusses how the voice of Hashem can only be heard by those who are spiritually attuned, emphasizing the importance of following Halacha to draw closer to Hashem.
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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.
Parsha
EmorRosh Hashanahתשע״ד
Matnos Aniyim and Korbonos
This essay explores the connection between the agricultural mitzvos of Matnos Aniyim and Korbonos, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Hashem's role in our accomplishments.
Parsha
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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Behaloschaתשע״ד
Moshe’s Fear
This essay explores Moshe's emotional response to the rebellion of Korach and his cohorts, focusing on the power of prayer and the implications of intentions behind actions.
Parsha
Matosתשע״ד
Nedarim and Individuality
This essay explores the significance of Nedarim in relation to individuality and unity within Klal Yisroel, emphasizing the importance of Achdus in the context of the Bais HaMikdash.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
Parshas Metzorah: Torah and Lashon Harah
This essay explores the connection between Tzaras and Lashon Harah, emphasizing that Tzaras is a spiritual ailment linked to the sin of speaking ill of others. It discusses how learning Torah helps prevent Lashon Harah by instilling a sense of self-worth.
Parsha
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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Titzavehתשע״ד
Parshas Titzveh: The Message of the Ketores
This essay explores the significance of the Ketores and its symbolism in Avodas HaShem, emphasizing that fulfilling Hashem's will is what truly matters, regardless of one's personal role.
Parsha
TzavParshas Parahתשע״ד
Parshas Tzav—Parshas Zochor
This essay discusses the unique Mitzvah of destroying Amalek, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Klal Yisroel as the Am Hanivchar and the dangers of losing that identity.
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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.
Parsha
Balakתשע״ד
Returning to Our Place
The essay explores the character traits of Bilaam and Avraham Avinu, highlighting their contrasting middos and how these affect their responses to divine experiences.
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Shekalim of Fire
This essay discusses the significance of the Machatzis HaShekel and the concept of Nidivus Lev, emphasizing that the passion and dedication behind a mitzvah are more important than its size.
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Maseiתשע״ד
Stops Along the Way
This week's Parsha recounts Bnei Yisroel's travels in the Midbar, emphasizing the importance of each stop and the lessons learned from both positive and negative experiences.
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Ki Seitzeiתשע״ד
Take No Prisoners
This essay discusses the lessons from Parshas Ki Seitzei, focusing on the battle against the Yetzer Harah and the importance of preparation and awareness in our spiritual struggles.
Parsha
Ve'eschananתשע״ד
The Children of Hashem
This essay explores the significance of teaching Torah to children, emphasizing that students are also considered children of Hashem. It highlights the connection between learning Torah and our relationship with Hashem.
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Ki Sisaתשע״ד
The Dual Commandments of Shabbos
This essay explores the dual commandments related to Shabbos, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and proactive efforts during this day of rest.
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BeharRosh Hashanahתשע״ד
The Key to Bitachon
This essay explores the connection between the Mitzvos of Shemita and Yovel and their role in instilling Bitachon in Hashem, alongside the interpersonal Mitzvos that enhance our relationships with others.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
Re'ehתשע״ד
The Place of Hashem
This essay explores the significance of locations mentioned in Parshas Re’eh, contrasting the detailed instructions for receiving blessings with the vague reference to the place of the Mizbeach, emphasizing the effort required to attain a connection with Hashem.
Parsha
Behaloschaתשע״ד
The Power of Anivus
This essay explores the concept of Anivus (humility) through the story of Moshe, Aron, and Miriam, emphasizing how true humility enables one to discern and act according to the Ratzon Hashem.
Parsha
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.
Parsha
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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Ki Seitzeiתשע״ד
The Yachid and the Rabbim
This essay explores the Mitzvah of Yifas Toar in Parshas Ki Seitzei, emphasizing the spiritual battle against the Yetzer Harah and the importance of preparedness and community in overcoming personal struggles.
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Pesachתשע״ד
The Yom Tov of Eating
The essay explores the significance of the Rasha's question during the Seder and how Pesach's Mitzvos emphasize the connection between physical enjoyment and spiritual fulfillment.
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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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