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10 essays
Shoftimתשפ״ה
Above the Law
The essay explores why a Jewish king is traditionally exempt from human judgment, reconciling the Midrashic view that only God can judge a king with the Halachic reality that Davidic kings could be judged. Drawing on the Mechilta and the Chassam Sofer, it argues that a true king is a conduit for 'Kavod Shamayim' (Divine Honor). Because the king represents the Shekhinah rather than personal power, he exists on a plane above human litigation, provided he maintains the selflessness exemplified by Nachshon ben Amminadav at the Red Sea.
Medrash
Behaloschaתשפ״ה
The King Heralds
The essay explores why the silver trumpets (Chatzotzros) were uniquely reserved for Moshe Rabbeinu's exclusive use and hidden before his death. Drawing on the Netziv's distinction between 'Malchus' (natural order) and 'Tiferes' (supernatural order), it argues that Moshe's leadership represented a higher plane of existence that aimed to unite Klal Yisroel as 'Yeshurun'—a level above the standard natural kingdom.
Medrash
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
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
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 SavoRosh Hashanahתשפ״א
Good Clouds
The Haftorah from Yeshaya focuses on the hope of Geulah and the swift return of Bnei Yisroel to Yerushalayim, using metaphors of clouds and doves to illustrate this process.
Haftorah
Rosh Hashanahתש״פ
King Me
The essay explores the Haftorah readings for Rosh Hashanah, connecting the themes of prayer and redemption through the narratives of Chana and Rochel. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing our spiritual stature and the potential for return to holiness.
Haftorah
Sukkosתשע״ט
United We Stand
The essay explores the importance of unity within Klal Yisroel as symbolized by the Daled Minim during Sukkos, emphasizing that all members are vital for survival and connection to Hashem.
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
Moonshine
This essay explores the significance of the birth of Peretz and Zarach, emphasizing the connection between Peretz and the lineage of Moshiach, and the symbolism of the moon in relation to hope and renewal.
Parsha