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16 essays
Mishpatimתשפ״ד
Lawless
The essay explores the significance of Mishpatim in the context of divine justice and the recognition of God's greatness by the nations in the future. It emphasizes the transformative power of the mitzvot in fostering true peace and understanding.
Tehillim
Shavuosתשפ״ד
Shavuos
The essay explores the significance of the name 'Chag HaShavuos' and its impact on Halacha, particularly regarding the Korbanos and the unique nature of the Yom Tov as a one-day celebration linked to the counting of weeks.
Parsha
Mishpatimתשפ״ג
פרק ט׳׳ו - Mishpatim: Zero Interest
Tehillim 15 answers Dovid Hamelech's question of who merits closeness to Hashem, culminating with avoiding Ribis and Shochad — which Chazal explain as refraining even from permitted cases (Ribis Akum, a Dayan recusing himself over past benefit), i.e. acting Lifnim Mishuras HaDin. Drawing on Maharal (via R' Chaim Friedlander) that Ribis is called an 'Ol' because charging interest is intuitive and natural, the essay explains why Chazal equate accepting the Ol Ribis with Kabalas Ol Malchus Shamayim and tie it to Yetzias Mitzrayim: denying Ribis is denying the purpose of the Exodus. One who trains himself to forgo even permitted profit and permitted self-interest conditions himself to place Hashem's will above his own, and is thus worthy of a Makom Kavod.
Tehillim
Emorתשפ״א
Emor Double Meaning
The Haftorah for Parshas Emor discusses the roles and responsibilities of the Kohanim, emphasizing their importance in preserving Halachos and mediating disputes within Klal Yisroel.
Haftorah
Metzoraתשפ״א
Selling Short
The Haftorah for Metzorah discusses the story of four Metzoraim who defect to the camp of Aram during a famine, highlighting themes of potential and the value of life.
Haftorah
Emorתש״פ
It’s All White
The Haftorah for Parshas Emor discusses the future Kohanim and their roles, emphasizing the significance of their garments and the absence of wool in the Bigdei Kehuna of the Bayis Shlishi, reflecting a future without the threat of Lashon Harah.
Haftorah
Titzavehתשע״ט
Salty Wounds
This Haftorah discusses Yechezkel's vision of the future Mizbeach and its inauguration, drawing parallels to the Chanukas Hamishkan. It emphasizes the significance of salt in the Korban process and its deeper implications for understanding suffering and redemption.
Haftorah
Pinchasתשע״ח
Getting Closer
This essay explores the case of the Bnos Tzelafchad and the hidden Halacha that prevented Moshe from ruling on their claim. It emphasizes the importance of striving for greater closeness to holiness.
Parsha
Matosתשע״ז
Promises, Promises
The essay explores the Halachos of Nedarim, emphasizing the unique role of the Roshei HaMatos and the significance of speech in creating Nedarim. It highlights the importance of guidance from a Chacham in spiritual growth.
Parsha
Matosתשע״ז
Promises, Promises
This essay explores the Halachos of Nedarim, emphasizing the significance of speech in Jewish law and the role of a Chacham in annulling vows. It highlights the importance of guidance in spiritual growth.
Parsha
Ki Seitzeiתשע״ז
Shoe In
This essay explores the mitzvot of Yibum and Chalitzah, highlighting their significance in preserving the legacy of the deceased and ensuring a Kiddush Hashem.
Parsha
Shoftimתשע״ז
Shoftim: These Days
The essay explores the seemingly superfluous words "HaShofet Asher Yihiyeh Bayamim Hahem" in the parsha's instruction to bring difficult cases to the higher court, which the Gemara in Rosh Hashana explains as a warning against comparing today's authorities unfavorably to earlier generations. Drawing on the Bnei Yissaschar's reading that a person's inability to resolve a halachic question stems from his own aveiros rooted in kinah, taavah and kavod, the author suggests the Torah is anticipating the despondency that follows such self-awareness. Rather than lamenting our diminished stature relative to prior doros, we must turn to the Morei Derech Hashem placed in our own generation \u2014 a fitting message for the opening days of Elul.
Parsha
TazriaParshas Zachorתשע״ו
Parshas Tazria
This essay explores the connection between Tumas Leidah and Metzorah, emphasizing the significance of Milah and the role of Taharas Hamishpacha in Jewish identity.
Parsha
Shelachתשע״ה
Power in Numbers
This essay discusses the significance of the Meraglim's story in Parshas Shelach, highlighting lessons in Halacha and the importance of communal prayer and unity in achieving Kedusha.
Parsha
Sukkosתשע״ה
Thinking About the Sukkah
The essay explores the unique mitzvos of Sukkos, emphasizing the need for intention (kavana) when fulfilling the mitzvah of sitting in the Sukkah, and connects this to the love Hashem has for the Jewish people.
Parsha
Hearing the Voice of Hashem
The essay discusses how the voice of Hashem can only be heard by those who are spiritually attuned, emphasizing the importance of following Halacha to draw closer to Hashem.
Parsha