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7 essays
Re'ehתשפ״ג
Find the Place
This essay explores the dedication of Dovid Hamelech in searching for the Makom HaMikdash, emphasizing the importance of seeking spiritual fulfillment over physical comfort.
Tehillim
Kedoshimתשפ״ג
Heads Above The Rest
This essay explores how King David's expressions of praise in Tehillim reflect the connection between body and soul through mitzvot, particularly focusing on the significance of the mitzvot of 'Lo Sakifu' and 'Ba’al Sashchis'.
Tehillim
Vayishlachתשפ״ג
Mind Games
The essay explores the themes of intention versus action in the context of Yaakov and Esav, highlighting Dovid Hamelech's prayers in Tehillim and their connection to the Parsha.
Tehillim
Nasoתשפ״ג
Nasso - פרק י׳׳ב
This essay explores the unique nature of Tehillim Kapital 12, focusing on the themes of divine promises and the significance of mitzvos as a protective force against spiritual lethargy.
Tehillim
Shoftimתשפ״ג
Shoftim – פרק כ״ו: Completely Committed
The essay explores why Dovid Hamelech asks to be judged ("Shofteni Hashem") in Tehillim 26 when elsewhere he pleads not to be judged, contrasting Rashi's answer (he is comfortable being judged relative to Reshaim) with Sforno's (the perek is a plea not to be judged solely on the Batsheva episode). It then examines the meaning of "V'Ani B'Tumi Elech," linking it through two Yalkutim to "Tamim Tihiyeh Im Hashem Elokecha" in Parshas Shoftim and to "Toras Hashem Temima." Citing the Knaf Renanim's insight that the Torah, like water, is savored most by one who has been parched, the author explains that Dovid's very stumble enabled a deeper appreciation of Torah and thus greater closeness to Hashem. The lesson for Elul: rather than fixate on failings, use them to access the reviving power of Torah.
Tehillim
Vayeraתשפ״ג
Vayera - פרק קכ״א - Heaven and Earth
The essay explores the origin of the phrase "Ezri M'Im Hashem Oseh Shamayim V'Aretz" in Tehillim 121, tracing it to a Midrash in which Yitzchok silently davened these words while bound on the Mizbeach. Using the Minchas Yitzchok's resolution of the Bais Shammai/Bais Hillel dispute over whether Shamayim or Aretz was created first (based on the principle that the ultimate purpose comes last, and that Shamayim/Aretz correspond to Neshama/Guf), the author argues the purpose of creation is the fusion of the physical and spiritual. Yitzchok's tefillah was thus not a plea born of fear but a request for more time to fulfill his Tafkid in a physical world, and it was answered with "Al Ta'as Lo Meuma."
Tehillim
Mishpatimתשפ״ג
פרק ט׳׳ו - Mishpatim: Zero Interest
Tehillim 15 answers Dovid Hamelech's question of who merits closeness to Hashem, culminating with avoiding Ribis and Shochad — which Chazal explain as refraining even from permitted cases (Ribis Akum, a Dayan recusing himself over past benefit), i.e. acting Lifnim Mishuras HaDin. Drawing on Maharal (via R' Chaim Friedlander) that Ribis is called an 'Ol' because charging interest is intuitive and natural, the essay explains why Chazal equate accepting the Ol Ribis with Kabalas Ol Malchus Shamayim and tie it to Yetzias Mitzrayim: denying Ribis is denying the purpose of the Exodus. One who trains himself to forgo even permitted profit and permitted self-interest conditions himself to place Hashem's will above his own, and is thus worthy of a Makom Kavod.
Tehillim