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5 essays
Vayeraתשפ״ו
Laughing Matter
The essay explores the profound nature of Sarah's laughter (tzchok) upon the birth of Yitzchak, explaining that his birth triggered global miracles including the healing of the sick and the brightening of the sun and moon. By analyzing the name Yitzchak as an acronym for his parents' ages and the ten trials of Avraham, the author argues that Yitzchak represents the synthesis of Din (judgment) and Rachamim (mercy), teaching that true joy comes from recognizing how challenges and trials lead to ultimate salvation.
Medrash
Beshalachתשפ״ד
Mountain Range
Kapital 125 reflects on the themes of trust in Hashem and the permanence of Geulah, emphasizing that true protection comes from overcoming challenges, akin to the steadfastness of mountains.
Tehillim
Vayigashתשפ״ג
Seeing Eyes
The essay discusses the concept of divine judgment and the necessity of public accountability for the wicked, drawing parallels between the future judgment and the experiences of the Jewish people during the Exodus.
Parsha
Ki Savoתשפ״ב
Ki Sava – פרק ק׳׳א: Vocal Chords
The essay asks why the Tochacha attributes the Klalos to a failure to serve Hashem "B'Simcha U'BiTuv Levav," noting the Gemara in Erachin identifies that phrase with Shira. Drawing on Rav Hutner's Pachad Yitzchok, it explains that Dibur, and especially Shira, is a "Peleh"—a link between Ruchani and Gashmi—so Shira is the proper response to moments when the Hanhaga of Olam Habah breaks into Olam Hazeh. Dovid Hamelech's "Im Chesed Ashira Im Mishpat Ashira" expresses a constant state of Peleh, in which Din and Rachamim are recognized as one, which is what enabled his exacting, God-centered Malchus. The Klalos come precisely when we separate Chesed from Mishpat and thereby lose our voice for Shira.
Parsha
Ki Seitzeiתשע״ט
Swear Words
The Haftorah emphasizes the eternal nature of Hashem's mercy and the promise of redemption, comparing it to the oath made to Noach. It highlights the importance of understanding divine compassion during the days of introspection in Elul.
Haftorah