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12 essays
Re'ehתשע״ט
Acting Class
The essay discusses the significance of the Haftorah for Parshas Re’eh, emphasizing the themes of comfort and mourning for Yerushalayim, and the importance of external expressions of grief.
Haftorah
Vayechiתשע״ט
Final Approach
The essay explores Yaakov Avinu's final instructions to his sons regarding Me’aras Hamachpelah, emphasizing the importance of spiritual over material concerns.
Parsha
Tzavתשע״ט
Haftoras Tzav
The Haftorah warns Bnei Yisroel about the consequences of their actions regarding the Bais Hamikdash, contrasting joy with mourning and emphasizing the importance of true Simcha connected to Hashem.
Haftorah
Matosתשע״ט
Here To Stay
The Haftorah emphasizes the importance of our connection to the Torah, warning against forgetting Hashem and the consequences of neglecting our relationship with the Torah.
Haftorah
Vayigashתשע״ט
Identity Crisis
The essay explores Yosef's strategic decisions to ensure his family's survival in Mitzrayim, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their identity and separation from Egyptian influences.
Parsha
Ekevתשע״ט
Our Birthright
This Haftorah discusses the themes of Nechama and the promise of Geulah, emphasizing the importance of remembering our origins in Avrohom and Sara to inspire hope during times of despair.
Haftorah
Devarimתשע״ט
See Clearly
The essay explores the significance of the Haftorah for Shabbos Chazon, emphasizing the harsh messages of Yeshayahu's prophecies and their implications for understanding divine judgment and hope.
Haftorah
Shemosתשע״ט
Shemos — Free Yourself
Reading Sefer Shemos as destiny rather than history, the essay analyzes the sequence of pesukim marking the turning point of Shibud Mitzrayim, focusing on the cryptic "VaYaar Elokim Es Bnei Yisroel VaYeda Elokim." Citing the Yerushalmi in Taanis that five factors brought the Geulah (Tzara, Tzevacha, Zechus Avos, Teshuva, and the Ketz), it asks why the other four were needed once the Ketz arrived. Using the Mabit's insight in Beis Elokim that sin is a Shibud HaNefesh and Teshuva a Geulas HaNefesh, the author argues the four factors are prerequisites that make redemption possible — and that the Teshuva must be a visible, transformative one, worthy of "VaYaar Elokim."
Parsha
Ki SavoRosh Hashanahתשע״ט
So Very Precious
The Haftorah for Ki Savo emphasizes the transformation of Yerushalayim and the relationship with the nations post-Geulah, highlighting the irreplaceable value of life and the Shechina.
Haftorah
Vayishlachתשע״ט
Suspending Halacha
This essay explores the encounter between Yaakov and Esav, highlighting the significance of their meeting and the implications of Esav's kiss. It emphasizes the importance of unity among the Jewish people to overcome hatred.
Parsha
Undercoat
This essay explores the complex relationship between Yaakov and Yosef, focusing on the significance of the Kesones Pasim and its implications for understanding divine presence during challenging times.
Parsha
Ve'eschananתשע״ט
V’Eschanan Speak Up
This Haftorah emphasizes the importance of speaking out about the Geulah and Nechama, highlighting the power of our voice in connecting to our spiritual essence.
Haftorah