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30 essays
Vayishlachתשפ״ו
Constant Stream
The essay explores the significance of Yaakov Avinu's constant libations (nesachim) during his time in Bais El. Drawing on the concept of 'Ha'avos hen hen ha'merkava,' it explains that Yaakov sought to maintain a seamless, constant connection to Hashem to ward off the negative influence of Esav. By engaging in an avodah (service) unique only to the Jewish people (nesachim) with total consistency, Yaakov established a spiritual barrier that secured the future of his progeny and their connection to the Land of Israel.
Medrash
Vayetzeiתשפ״ו
Vayeitzei
The essay explores the miraculous growth of Yaakov Avinu's flocks despite Lavan's trickery. It reconciles the natural efforts Yaakov took (the peeled branches) with the Midrashic account of Angels and the Clouds of Glory (Ananei HaKavod) assisting him, explaining that Yaakov's primary goal was to create a physical and spiritual separation from Lavan's family, which triggered a divine reward of supernatural prosperity.
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
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
Purim
The essay explores the significance of the phrase 'U’BaBiza Lo Shalchu Es Yadam' in Megillat Esther, emphasizing the Jews' motivations during their victory over Haman and the implications for understanding Amalek.
Parsha
Vayigashתשפ״ג
Seeing Eyes
The essay discusses the concept of divine judgment and the necessity of public accountability for the wicked, drawing parallels between the future judgment and the experiences of the Jewish people during the Exodus.
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
Boתשפ״ג
פרק ע׳׳ז - Bo: By Choice
The essay analyzes Kapital 77 of Tehillim, which Rashi reads as a lament over the decrees of Galus and which culminates in the memory of Yetzias Mitzrayim. It focuses on the phrase "Ga'alta B'Zroah Amecha Bnei Yaakov V'Yosef Selah", joining the Gemara in Sanhedrin (Yosef Kilkel), the Midrash that we were redeemed 'Betrunia' against the Midas HaDin because we resembled the Mitzriyim, and the Midrash in Bamidbar Rabbah linking the two Bakar of Shevet Gad's korban to Yaakov and Yosef. Using the Shem M'Shmuel's identification of Bakar with the middah of Havchana (discernment), the author concludes that the zechus of Yaakov and Yosef was the inherited ability to distinguish right from wrong, which preserved our identity as a Shoshana Bein HaChochim and made the Geulah possible.
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
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
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
Vayetzeiתשע״ט
Vayeitzei Haters
The essay explores the contrasting descriptions of Leah and Rochel, focusing on Leah's 'soft eyes' and the implications of her character and emotions, particularly her hatred for Esav.
Parsha
Lech Lechaתשע״ח
All Dusty
The essay explores the relationship between Avrom and Lot, emphasizing how Lot's negative influence affected Avrom's ability to receive divine communication. It highlights the importance of connection to Torah for survival and legacy.
Parsha
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
Ki Seitzeiתשע״ח
Cloud Cover
This essay discusses the Mitzvah of remembering Amalek and the importance of understanding their tactics to avoid their influence. It emphasizes the need for vigilance among Klal Yisroel.
Parsha
Shoftimתשע״ח
Shoftim — Flying Wheat
The essay asks why the Torah needs to state that a premeditated murderer receives no protection in an Ir Miklat, and follows Rashi's Drush that hating one's fellow (a "mitzvah kallah") inevitably leads to an aveirah chamurah like bloodshed. It harmonizes Rashi with the Ohr HaChaim's reading of the pasuk as describing the Yetzer Hara, who poses as a friend, lies in ambush, and widens a small breach into a large one. Using the Ksav Sofer's explanation of Rav and Shmuel's dispute in Brachos (fly vs. kernel of wheat), the author shows both the relentlessness of the Yetzer Hara and the sustaining purpose of the struggle — the immeasurable schar earned in battle — a fitting message for Chodesh Elul.
Parsha
Vayishlachתשע״ח
Vayishlach
This week's Parsha discusses Yaakov Avinu's life, focusing on his name change to Yisroel and the significance of this transformation in relation to his descendants and their spiritual challenges.
Parsha
Vayetzeiתשע״ז
Acute Awareness
This essay explores Yaakov Avinu's actions in Charan, emphasizing his pure intentions and strength in overcoming obstacles, symbolized by the rock at the well.
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
Noachתשע״ז
Parshas Noach: Not Together Forever
The essay asks why the Torah records the story of the Dor Haflaga at all, and what precisely their sin was, noting from the Ran that they could not have literally intended to battle Hashem. Since the Medrash and Pele Yoetz treat their unity as a merit that saved them from destruction, the author proposes that Hashem's dispersal of their language was not punishment but preparation: only one nation may be 'Am Echad,' and the impenetrable unity of the nations would have prevented Klal Yisroel from influencing them. Drawing on the Sforno and Sfas Emes, he argues that Jewish separateness ('Am Levadad Yishkon,' 'Lech Lecha') is precisely the means of being an Or Lagoyim, which is why the Doros of Shem and Avraham's birth immediately follow this parsha.
Parsha
Among The Nations
This essay explores the connection between Parshas Ve’Eschanan and the weeks of Nechama following Tisha B'Av, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Jewish identity amidst external influences.
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
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
Vayishlachתשע״ה
Fighting Submission
This essay explores the encounter between Yaakov and Eisav, emphasizing the spiritual battle against the Yetzer Harah and the significance of the Gid Hanasheh as a reminder of our vulnerability.
Parsha
Re'ehתשע״ה
Love: Limited and Unlimited
This essay explores the complex relationship between love and loyalty in the context of the Mitzvah not to love a Masis, emphasizing the importance of maintaining our connection to Hashem.
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