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16 essays
Behaloschaתשפ״ו
Exclusively Excluded: Aharon and the Menorah
The essay explores Aharon's distress over Shevet Levi's exclusion from the Chanukas HaMishkan offerings. By analyzing the mention of Shevet Ephraim in the Midrash, it suggests Aharon feared a failure in maintaining the Mesorah, but was reassured that his role in lighting the Menorah represents the eternal endurance of the Torah tradition.
Medrash
Ki Sisaתשפ״ו
Our Father Before Us
The essay explores why Moshe Rabbeinu’s prayers following the Sin of the Golden Calf were only answered after he invoked the 'Zechus Avos' (merit of the Patriarchs). Drawing on the metaphor of a grapevine leaning on old wood, it suggests that the Avos established the foundational desire to know and cling to God (Aggadah), and by invoking them, Moshe reframed the Golden Calf not as pure rebellion, but as a misguided attempt to maintain that ancestral connection.
Medrash
EmorChayei SarahVayeshevSukkosתשפ״ו
Sukkos
The essay explores the Midrashic connection between Rivka Imenu and the Lulav, focusing on how she birthed both a Tzaddik (Yaakov) and a Rasha (Esav). It argues that unlike Ishmael, who was divinely excluded from Avraham's legacy, Esav had the potential and 'shoresh' (root) to be part of the chosen lineage but chose a different path through his own free will. This highlights the theme of Bechirah (free choice) on Sukkos, the holiday associated with Yaakov Avinu.
Medrash
Vayeraתשפ״ה
Vayera – פרק נ׳׳ג
This essay explores Kapital 53 of Tehillim, discussing themes of Galus and Geulah, and the significance of Avrohom Avinu's individuality in Jewish survival.
Tehillim
Chayei Sarahתשפ״ג
Home Building
The essay explores the significance of Eliezer's mission to find a wife for Yitzchok, emphasizing the divine intervention in creating lasting homes and families.
Parsha
Pesachתשפ״ג
Watch Your Language
The essay explores the significance of Tehillim 114 in relation to Pesach, emphasizing the importance of language and identity in the context of Yetzias Mitzrayim.
Tehillim
Lots and Lots
The essay explores the significance of the name Purim, emphasizing the role of the Pur in Haman's plans and its deeper connection to the Jewish people's salvation.
Parsha
TitzavehPurimParshas Zachorתש״פ
Generation Gap
The essay explores the connection between Haman and Agag, emphasizing the importance of generational continuity in combating Amalek's influence.
Haftorah
Toldosתש״פ
Toldos Since Forever
This essay explores the Haftorah from Malachi, emphasizing the connection between the birth of Yaakov and Esav and their descendants' relationship with Hashem. It highlights the importance of maintaining a link to Har Sinai through Torah study.
Haftorah
Achron Shel Pesach
The essay explores the significance of Krias Yam Suf during Pesach, emphasizing the role of Atzmos Yosef in the miracle and the lessons of connection to our ancestors.
Parsha
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
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
Vayechiתשע״ח
He’s Alive
The essay explores the significance of Yaakov Avinu's final moments and the details surrounding his death, emphasizing the idea that he did not truly die as long as his descendants live.
Parsha
Toldosתשע״ח
Well, Well, Well
This essay explores the life of Yitzchok Avinu, focusing on the significance of the wells he dug and their names, emphasizing the lessons of stability and Gevurah.
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
Beshalachתשע״ז
The Oasis
This essay explores the significance of the oasis in Elim, where Bnei Yisroel found twelve springs and seventy date trees, symbolizing the diverse paths to Torah and Mitzvos amidst their journey in the Midbar.
Parsha