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52 essays
Vaeraתשפ״ו
Expansion Opportunities
The essay explores the miracle of Makkas Shechin (the plague of boils), specifically the phenomenon of 'muat machzik es hamerubeh' (the small containing the large) when Moshe held both his and Aharon's handfuls of soot. It distinguishes between physical limitations (Teva), which govern material life, and spiritual pursuits (Ruchnius), where a person can transcend natural boundaries through devotion to God.
Medrash
Korachתשפ״ו
Ground Rules: Understanding the Mouth of the Earth
Moshe Rabbeinu's demand for a supernatural death for Korach was not a personal vendetta, but a necessary validation of the hierarchy of holiness (Kedusha) in the world. By linking the 'mouth of the earth' to the punishment of Kayin, the essay explains that even inanimate objects reflect God's glory, and Korach's denial of Moshe's unique status was a fundamental denial of the concept of 'Melo Chol Ha’aretz Kevodo'.
Medrash
Stranger Danger: The Purity of the Night of Pesach
The essay explores the specific prohibition of a 'ben nechar' (stranger) eating the Korban Pesach, contrasting the physical Egyptian oppression with the spiritual purity of Israel on the night of the Exodus. Drawing on Rav Hutner’s Pachad Yitzchok, it argues that the night of the 15th of Nissan was a unique historical moment where Klal Yisrael existed in its most pristine state—freed from external nations and not yet diluted by the 'Erev Rav' or internal dissent—representing a template for the future Redemption.
Medrash
Achrei Mosתשפ״ה
Achrei Mos – פרק פ׳׳ח
This essay explores the themes of suffering and yearning for divine connection as expressed in Tehillim 88, particularly in the context of exile and the significance of Yom Kippur.
Tehillim
Vayakelתשפ״ה
Inner Sanctum
This essay explores the themes of King David's pleas in Tehillim, focusing on his desire to remove distractions and fully devote himself to Torah and Avodas Hashem.
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
Titzavehתשפ״ד
Burning Desire
This essay explores Tehillim 66, discussing its themes of redemption and the importance of praising Hashem, especially in times of exile and hope for the future.
Tehillim
Chanukah Miketz - פרק מ׳׳טצ׳׳ז
This essay explores the connection between the themes of Chanukah and the teachings of Tehillim, particularly focusing on the significance of light and the role of Tzaddikim in maintaining hope during Galus.
Tehillim
Kedoshimתשפ״ד
Kedoshim – פרק כ׳׳א: Holy in Name
The essay surveys the various pshat approaches to the Melech referenced in Tehillim 21 (Melech HaMoshiach per Medrash Tehillim, Dovid after Bas Sheva per Rashi, Dovid's coronation per Radak/Meiri, Chizkiyahu per the Ry"d), showing that in every reading the king's glory derives entirely from HKBH. It then turns to the Medrash Tehillim's drash that Hashem shares His honor with those who fear Him — including permitting Klal Yisroel to bear His name 'Kadosh' — and asks why specifically that name. Drawing on the Sifra and the Ksav Sofer, the essay concludes that Hashem's Prishus does not preclude His involvement in human affairs, and likewise our pursuit of Kedusha need not mean ascetic withdrawal from the physical world but rather holiness lived among others.
Tehillim
Boתשפ״ד
Law and Order
This essay explores the themes of praise and recognition of Hashem's sovereignty as expressed in Tehillim 147, particularly in the context of the future redemption and the significance of the mitzvot.
Tehillim
Shekalim – פרק ע׳׳ח
This essay explores the themes of Tehillim 75, focusing on the connection between the Mitzvah of Machatzis Hashekel and the Chet HaEgel, emphasizing our enduring bond with Torah even in times of downfall.
Tehillim
Re'ehתשפ״ג
Find the Place
This essay explores the dedication of Dovid Hamelech in searching for the Makom HaMikdash, emphasizing the importance of seeking spiritual fulfillment over physical comfort.
Tehillim
Kedoshimתשפ״ג
Heads Above The Rest
This essay explores how King David's expressions of praise in Tehillim reflect the connection between body and soul through mitzvot, particularly focusing on the significance of the mitzvot of 'Lo Sakifu' and 'Ba’al Sashchis'.
Tehillim
Nasoתשפ״ג
Nasso - פרק י׳׳ב
This essay explores the unique nature of Tehillim Kapital 12, focusing on the themes of divine promises and the significance of mitzvos as a protective force against spiritual lethargy.
Tehillim
Terumahתשפ״ג
Small Spaces
The essay explores the themes of yearning for divine presence and guidance during exile, as expressed in Tehillim 80, while connecting it to the concept of the Keruvim and the Mishkan.
Tehillim
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
Ki Sisaתשפ״ב
Destination Ahead
The Haftorah for Parshas Ki Sisa discusses Eliyahu Hanavi's confrontation with the Neviei HaBaal on Har HaCarmel, emphasizing the importance of choosing between Baal and Hashem in our lives.
Haftorah
Good Old Days
The essay explores the significance of Shabbos Hagadol and its Haftorah from Malachai, emphasizing the promise of returning to a time of spiritual closeness and acceptance of Korbanos.
Haftorah
Titzavehתשפ״ב
Lion’s Share
This Haftorah discusses Yechezkel's vision of the Mizbeach in the future Temple, emphasizing the significance of its construction and the symbolism of the term 'Ariel' as a representation of divine fire.
Haftorah
Vayeshevתשפ״ב
New Shoes
The Haftorah for Parshas Vayeshev discusses the consequences of judicial corruption and connects it to the story of Mechiras Yosef, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing spiritual elevation.
Haftorah
Nasoתשפ״ב
Peace Process
The essay explores the significance of Birchas Kohanim and its connection to the Torah, emphasizing the concept of Shalom as the ultimate blessing derived from the Torah.
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
Toldosתשפ״א
Curtain Call
The Parsha of Toldos highlights the contrasting worldviews of Yaakov and Eisav, leading to their enduring rivalry. The Haftorah from Malachi emphasizes Hashem's love for His people despite their shortcomings.
Parsha
Shemosתשפ״א
Lone Savior
The essay explores the themes of exile and redemption in the Haftorah of Shemos, emphasizing the role of Yaakov in redeeming Avrohom and the importance of living a life of independence from outside influences.
Haftorah
Ki Seitzeiתש״פ
Ki Seitzei
The essay explores the Haftorah's themes of redemption and introspection during Elul, emphasizing the relationship between spiritual growth and physical existence.
Haftorah
Vayikraתש״פ
Our Right
The Haftorah from Yeshayahu emphasizes the unique status of Am Yisroel and their connection to Korbanos, highlighting their role in serving Hashem despite their failings.
Haftorah
VayakelPekudeiParshas HaChodeshתש״פ
Parshas HaChodesh
Parshas HaChodesh emphasizes the significance of Rosh Chodesh Nissan, marking it as a special day for the Chanukas HaMizbeach and the beginning of Avodah, highlighting our unique ability to project Kedusha.
Parsha
Terumahתש״פ
Shining Bright
The essay explores the significance of the month of Iyar, referred to as Chodesh Ziv, in relation to the construction of the Bais HaMikdash and the impact of actions on others.
Parsha
Nasoתש״פ
Stay With Me
The Haftorah for Parshas Nasso discusses Manoach's encounter with a Malach who announces the birth of his son, a Nazir. Manoach's request for the Malach to stay reflects a desire to maintain the holiness of the moment.
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
Beraishisתשע״ט
Ground Rules
This essay explores the complexities of the curses given to Adam, Chava, and the ground after the sin of the Etz HaDaas, emphasizing the connection between their actions and the consequences faced by each.
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
Build The Wall
The essay explores the unique counting of the Leviim in Parshas Bamidbar, linking it to the spiritual protection needed during exile and the significance of Yocheved's birth.
Parsha
Metzoraתשע״ז
Carefully Raised
This essay explores the Halachos of Tumah and the importance of maintaining Tahara, emphasizing the connection between avoiding Tumah and personal elevation.
Parsha
Achrei Mosתשע״ז
Come Inside
This essay explores the Mitzvah of Shechutei Chutz, emphasizing the importance of intention in performing Mitzvos and the relationship between Bnei Yisroel and the Umos HaOlam.
Parsha
Rosh Hashanahתשע״ז
Inner Strength
Rosh Hashana is a time for reflection and renewal of our commitment to Hashem's kingship. The focus is on the mitzvah of Shofar and the importance of intention in our prayers.
Parsha
Achrei MosYom Kippurתשע״ו
Bloodless
This essay explores the severity of the prohibition against consuming blood, linking it to the concept of the Nefesh and its potential for growth and choice.
Parsha
Mishpatimתשע״ו
Boundaries
The essay explores the significance of the prohibition against eating Treifah, linking it to the pursuit of Kedusha and the identity of Klal Yisroel as Anshei Kodesh.
Parsha
Pekudeiתשע״ו
I Do Attest
The essay discusses the significance of the Mishkan as a testament to God's forgiveness of Klal Yisroel for the sin of the Golden Calf, emphasizing its enduring nature as a source of spiritual connection.
Parsha
TitzavehYom Kippurתשע״ו
Leopards and Life
This essay explores the significance of the Tzitz worn by the Kohen Gadol, connecting its roles in atonement and character development, particularly regarding the middah of Azus Panim.
Parsha
Mirror Image
The essay explores the significance of the Kior in the Mishkan, emphasizing its role in promoting Shalom and Kiruv Halevavos among the Jewish people.
Parsha
Kedoshimתשע״ו
Parshas Kedoshim: Above and Below
Parshas Kedoshim emphasizes the importance of Mitzvos and their connection to Kedusha, highlighting that our actions can elevate the divine presence in our lives.
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
Vayikraתשע״ו
Soul Food
This essay explores the significance of the Korban Mincha, emphasizing that even a simple offering from an Ani is valued by Hashem as if it were a greater sacrifice, highlighting the importance of intention and closeness to God.
Parsha
Ve'eschananתשע״ו
V'Eschanan
Parshas V'Eschanan, following Tisha B'Av, emphasizes the importance of separating from the native inhabitants of Eretz Yisroel to prevent our children from straying from the path of Hashem.
Parsha
Nasoתשע״ו
Wine or Wine Not
This essay explores the connections between the Parsha of Nasso, focusing on the themes of Nazir, Sotah, and Birchas Kohanim, particularly regarding the role of wine in Jewish life.
Parsha
Ve'eschananתשע״ה
Adding, Subtracting and Connecting
This essay explores the importance of adhering to the Torah and Mitzvos, emphasizing the prohibitions of adding or subtracting from them, and the contrast between true devotion to Hashem and the pitfalls of idol worship.
Parsha
Achrei MosKedoshimתשע״ה
Worthy of A Great Nation
The essay discusses the importance of the laws of Arayos in Parshas Achrei Mos, emphasizing the inherent Kedusha of the Jewish people and their ability to rise above moral corruption.
Parsha
Gravity and Toys
The essay explores the concept of a Nazir and the significance of his commitment to personal growth, likening it to breaking free from gravity. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and overcoming personal inhibitions to achieve true growth.
Parsha
Kedoshimתשע״ד
Our Endless Capacity
This essay explores the concept of Kedoshim Tehiyu, emphasizing our potential to attain holiness through everyday mitzvos and personal growth.
Parsha
Terumahתשע״ד
Our Own Personal Mishkan
This essay discusses the significance of building a personal Mishkan for Hashem within ourselves, emphasizing the sustainable connection through Torah and Mitzvos.
Parsha
Re'ehתשע״ד
The Place of Hashem
This essay explores the significance of locations mentioned in Parshas Re’eh, contrasting the detailed instructions for receiving blessings with the vague reference to the place of the Mizbeach, emphasizing the effort required to attain a connection with Hashem.
Parsha