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5 essays
BoParshas HaChodeshParshas HaChodeshתשפ״ו
Big Month Ahead
The essay explores the significance of Parshas Hachodesh and Chodesh Nissan, specifically why it is called 'Chodesh Ha'aviv' (the month of spring). Drawing on the Shinover Rebbe, it explains that the 'temperate weather' of spring (neither too hot nor too cold) is a metaphor for a balanced approach to Avodas Hashem—avoiding both over-exertion and spiritual sluggishness—which was the necessary mindset for the transition from slavery to serving God.
Medrash
Ekevתשפ״ו
Ekev: Constant Contact
Moshe's words שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל אַתָּה עֹבֵר הַיּוֹם signaled that after his death Klal Yisroel would no longer rely on his intercessory tefillos — דְּבָרִים אֲחֵרִים יִתְחַדְּשׁוּ. Drawing on the Arugas Habosem's resolution of שִׁוִּיתִי ה' לְנֶגְדִּי תָמִיד with the demand of הִתְחַדְּשׁוּת (unlike a human king, closeness to HKBH only deepens awe), the essay explains that the zechus of Krias Shema — constant connection to Hashem — is precisely what enables the nation to stand on its own. Moshe's hint that they daven for him was thus a test: had they internalized his message, they would recognize they no longer needed his tefillos.
Medrash
Shelachתשפ״ו
Little by Little: Lessons from the Spies and the Settlement of the Land
The essay explores why the laws of nesachim (libations) immediately follow the fallout of the Spies' report. By analyzing the phrase 'Eretz Moshvoseichem' and the fourteen-year period of conquest and settlement, the author argues that G-dliness is hidden to allow for human growth through the strategy of 'me’at me’at' (little by little), teaching that the steady battle against the Yetzer Hara is the ultimate purpose of the Jewish connection to the land.
Medrash
Mishpatimתשפ״ו
Six of One
The essay explores why the Torah mandates a six-year term for a Hebrew slave (Eved Ivri), linking the number six to the days of Creation and the six historical exiles (Galuyos). It argues that just as exile is intended for character refinement and spiritual growth, the servant's tenure is meant to be a transformative period; failing to leave after six years indicates a failure to internalize the message of Divine servitude established at Har Sinai.
Medrash
Toldosתשפ״ו
Voice Lessons
The essay explores why the Torah uses the present tense regarding Rivka's love for Yaakov, rooted in her appreciation of his 'Kol' (voice). Drawing on the Maharal, it defines 'Kol' not just as sound, but as the process of actualizing potential (min hakoach el hapoel), explaining why this trait is the essential power of the Jewish people against Esav.
Medrash