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33 essays
Kindness Personified: Boaz and the True Definition of Toras Chesed
The essay explores the character of Boaz as the paradigm of kindness (Chesed) and explains why Megillas Rut is read on Shavuos. It resolves a difficult Midrash about Boaz's intentions by defining 'Toras Chesed' as Torah Lishmah, which serves as the ultimate kindness to one's own soul (Neshama) by securing a portion in the World to Come.
Medrash
Lech Lechaתשפ״ו
Not the Man
The essay explores the complex relationship between Avraham and Lot, focusing on why God expressed 'ka'as' (anger) regarding their connection and separation. It posits that while Lot physically resembled Avraham and imitated his acts of kindness, he lacked the internal essence of an 'Ish Chesed,' leading to his eventual spiritual departure.
Medrash
Small Shares: The Spiritual Power of the Korban Omer
The essay explores the hidden power of the Korban Omer, which despite being a small offering of simple barley, is credited by the Midrash with providing the merit for Avraham's inheritance of Israel and the salvation of the Jewish people in various eras. The central insight is that the Omer represents the 'Gevurah' of Hashem—that He gives abundantly according to His infinite power but asks for repayment only according to our limited human capacity. This mindset of recognizing Hashem's humble demands versus His massive chessed creates a unique spiritual bond that protects the Jewish people.
Medrash
Toldosתשפ״ה
Blind Trust
This essay explores the themes of trust in Hashem and the significance of Dovid Hamelech's Mizmor in relation to the challenges faced by individuals, particularly in the context of the story of Yitzchok and Yaakov.
Tehillim
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
Noachתשפ״ה
Make Good Choices
This essay explores the themes of choice and divine kindness as illustrated in Tehillim 36, contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked, with a focus on the story of Noach.
Tehillim
Re'ehתשפ״ה
Re’eh: Meat Matters
The essay explores the transition from the Midbar, where meat could only be eaten as a sacrifice, to Eretz Yisroel, where 'Basar Taiva' (meat of desire) was permitted. It explains that this shift wasn't just practical but educational, teaching how to elevate physical desires (Achila) into holiness rather than falling into base gluttony (Le'itah).
Medrash
Pesachתשפ״ג
Split Ends
Kapital 136, known as Hallel HaGadol, praises Hashem's eternal kindness. It reflects on the miracles of Krias Yam Suf and the significance of the twelve lanes created for Bnei Yisroel.
Tehillim
Vayechiתשפ״ב
Purest Intentions
The essay discusses King David's final instructions to his son Solomon, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who support the monarchy for the sake of divine honor rather than personal gain.
Haftorah
Kedoshimתשפ״ב
We Are Dew
Parshas Kedoshim emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and unity among the Jewish people, drawing parallels between unity and the beauty of dew.
Parsha
Shavuosתשפ״א
Kind Connections
The essay discusses the significance of the Piyut Akdomos on Shavuos, emphasizing the connection between Limud HaTorah and the acceptance of our Teffilos by Hashem.
Parsha
Noachתשפ״א
Moving Mountains
Parshas Noach introduces the story of the Avos HaKedoshim and emphasizes the importance of Chesed when the Zechus Avos seems diminished.
Parsha
True Happiness
This Haftorah emphasizes the relationship between Hashem and Klal Yisroel, highlighting the joy and renewal that will come with the Geulah, akin to the joy of a newlywed couple.
Haftorah
Vayeraתשע״ט
A Little More
The essay explores Avraham's hospitality towards the Malachim and the deeper significance of his words 'Yukach Nah Me’At Mayim', emphasizing the importance of taking small steps towards spiritual growth.
Parsha
Balakתשע״ט
Keep Going
The essay discusses the Haftorah of Balak, emphasizing the importance of sincere service to Hashem through justice, kindness, and humility, rather than public displays of piety.
Haftorah
Devarimתשע״ח
A Charity Case
This essay discusses the Haftorah for Tisha B'Av, emphasizing the themes of justice and charity as pathways to redemption, while reflecting on the destruction caused by the actions of Klal Yisroel.
Haftorah
Vayetzeiתשע״ח
Burden Sharing
This essay explores the deeper meanings behind the events in Parsha Vayetzei, focusing on Yaakov's journey and the lessons of unity and kindness that emerge from his experiences.
Parsha
Vayetzeiתשע״ח
Burden Sharing
This essay explores the significance of Yaakov's experiences in Parsha Vayetzei, emphasizing the importance of unity and kindness in maintaining a connection to Torah.
Parsha
Chayei Sarahתשע״ח
Joint Venture
This essay explores Eliezer's quest to find a wife for Yitzchok, focusing on the significance of the gifts he presented to Rivka, which symbolize humility and the importance of interpersonal relationships in achieving spiritual goals.
Parsha
Vayeshev: Illusions
This essay explores the significance of the interaction between Yosef and the Malach Gavriel, emphasizing the dual nature of Gavriel as both a messenger of Din and a source of Chesed, especially in the context of Galus.
Parsha
Vayeraתשע״ז
Going Down
This essay explores the significance of Hashem informing Avraham about the destruction of Sedom, emphasizing the importance of understanding others before passing judgment.
Parsha
Noachתשע״ו
A Heavenly Scent
This essay explores the significance of Noach's sacrifices after the Mabul and how they influenced Hashem's decision not to curse the earth again. It emphasizes the importance of overcoming one's desires in serving Hashem.
Parsha
Ki Seitzeiתשע״ו
Everything To Gain
The essay explores the connection between two Mitzvos in Parshas Ki Seitzei, emphasizing the importance of treating vulnerable individuals with dignity while adhering to the principles of Torah law.
Parsha
Vayechiתשע״ו
The Sound of Chesed
This essay explores the blessings given by Yaakov to his sons, focusing on Yissachar's role as Lomdei Torah and the significance of Chesed in his origins.
Parsha
SheminiParshas Parahתשע״ו
Waters of Change
This essay explores the connection between Parshas Shmini and Parshas Parah, emphasizing the themes of Tahara and the impact of Tzaddikim's passing on the community's spiritual growth.
Parsha
Behaloschaתשע״ה
Affective Actions
This essay explores the story of the men who were Tammei and their request to Moshe regarding the Korban Pesach, highlighting the importance of selfless actions and their spiritual impact.
Parsha
Enough is Enough
This essay discusses the importance of Nedivus Lev in the donations for the Mishkan, emphasizing that only items given with pure intentions can contribute to something everlasting.
Parsha
Chayei SarahParshas Shekalimתשע״ה
It’s All in Your Heart
This essay explores the themes of kindness and mindset through the stories of Avraham's burial of Sarah and his negotiation with Ephron. It emphasizes how intention can transform actions into acts of Chesed.
Parsha
Milk of Chesed
This essay explores the connection between Parshas Bamidbar and Shavuos, emphasizing the unique way Bnei Yisrael was counted and the spiritual significance of receiving the Torah.
Parsha
Shemosתשע״ה
Setting Up The Geulah
This essay explores the early life of Moshe Rabeinu in the context of the Geulah from Mitzrayim, emphasizing how his upbringing in Pharaoh's palace was essential for his leadership qualities.
Parsha
Noachתשע״ה
What Was Needed
This essay explores the significance of Noach's actions during the Mabul, emphasizing the necessity of Chesed to restore balance in the world. It discusses how Noach's selfless efforts were crucial for both the animals and himself.
Parsha
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
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