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8 essays

  1. Tazriaתשפ״ה

    Bitter Exchange

    This essay explores the themes of Tehillim 64, focusing on the metaphor of enemies' words as weapons and the consequences of Lashon Harah. It connects the text to the stories of Daniel and Haman, emphasizing the importance of using speech for good.

    Tehillim

  2. Vayigashתשפ״ה

    Kindness Overcomes

    This essay explores the themes of suffering and redemption in the context of Tehillim 129, reflecting on the lives of Yaakov and Yosef, and the enduring hope for the Jewish people amidst challenges.

    Tehillim

  3. Titzavehתשפ״ה

    Pressed into Service

    The essay explores the themes of Tehillim 128, emphasizing the importance of meticulous observance of mitzvot and the spiritual growth of children, likening them to olive saplings that can flourish despite challenges.

    Tehillim

  4. Lech Lechaתשפ״ד

    Listening Ear

    This essay explores the themes of trust in God and the characteristics of a Tzaddik as described in Tehillim 112, using examples from the lives of Hillel and Avraham.

    Tehillim

  5. Chukasתשפ״ד

    Snakebite

    This essay explores Tehillim Kapital 49, focusing on the contrast between material wealth and spiritual fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of Torah study and humility.

    Tehillim

  6. Lech Lechaתשפ״ג

    Missing Persons

    This essay explores the connection between Avrohom Avinu and Dovid Hamelech through the lens of Tehillim 89, discussing themes of leadership, faith, and the importance of origins.

    Tehillim

  7. Vayetzeiתשפ״ג

    Peaceful Existence

    This essay explores the connection between Tehillim and the Parsha Vayetzi, focusing on Yaakov Avinu's character as a personification of Shalom amidst challenges.

    Tehillim

  8. 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