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3 essays
Tisha B'Avתשפ״ב
Center Stage
This essay explores Tehillim Kapital 79, reflecting on the destruction of the Mikdash and its significance in connecting the spiritual and physical worlds. It discusses various interpretations of the text and the importance of the Mikdash as a center for elevating our lives.
Tehillim
Mishpatimתשפ״ב
Mishpatim — Slave Labor
Examining the Haftorah of Mishpatim, in which Tzidkiyahu's generation frees its Jewish slaves during Nevuchadnetzer's siege only to re-enslave them once the danger passes, the essay asks why Chazal identify neglect of Eved Ivri as the exclusive cause of Galus, and why the Nevuah of destruction came only after the re-enslavement. Drawing on Ibn Ezra and the Shem M'Shmuel, it explains that the term 'Ivri' recalls Avraham's crossing of the river into a world of spiritual Cheirus; enslaving a fellow Jew therefore denies the very essence of Klal Yisroel. Having tasted renewed freedom and then rejected it, the people showed they had no conception of being Bnei Avraham living M'Ever L'Nahar, and thus forfeited Eretz Yisroel.
Parsha
Boתשפ״ב
Stand Up Straight
This Haftorah discusses the punishment of Mitzrayim for their oppression of Bnei Yisroel, using metaphors related to a snake to illustrate the consequences of their actions.
Haftorah