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4 essays

  1. Vaeraתשפ״ה

    Drawing Close

    Kapital 131 reflects King David's humility and reliance on God, contrasting his behavior with that of others in power. He emphasizes steady spiritual growth and dependence on divine sustenance.

    Tehillim

  2. Vayechiתשפ״ד

    Not Just Hope — Vayechi, פרק ק׳׳ל

    The essay analyzes Tehillim 130 ("Shir Hamaalos Mima'amakim"), showing via Sforno that it is a tefillah composed by the Leviim on behalf of future Bnei HaGolah, and that its central theme is Selicha as the gateway to Geulah. Focusing on the seemingly redundant phrase "Kivisi Hashem Kivsa Nafshi," it links it to Yaakov's words to Dan, "L'Yeshuascha Kivisi Hashem," and to the Medrash's claim that "Hakol B'Kivuy." Citing the Ozhorover Rebbe's Aish Dos, it defines Kivuy not as mere hope but as Bitul Atzmi — the self-destruction inherent in Tzemicha, whereby a seed must break open to sprout. Hence selfless Kivuy enables honest self-examination and true Selicha, which in turn plants the seed of Geulah.

    Tehillim

  3. 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

  4. MiketzChanukahתשפ״ב

    Thinking About It

    The essay discusses the significance of reciting 'Mizmor Shir Chanukas Habayis L’Dovid' during Chanukah, emphasizing the power of sincere intentions in fulfilling mitzvot, even when actions are hindered.

    Tehillim