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6 essays

  1. Vayakelתשפ״ג

    Big Tent

    This essay explores the themes of yearning for redemption and the transient nature of existence as expressed in Tehillim 61, connecting it to the Mishkan and the importance of how we are remembered.

    Tehillim

  2. Simchas Torahתשפ״ג

    Flying High

    The essay explores the significance of Simchas Torah, emphasizing the joy of celebrating the Torah and the deeper understanding of its value through the words of King David in Tehillim.

    Parsha

  3. Beraishisתשפ״ג

    Pathways

    This essay explores the connections between Parshas Beraishis and Tehillim, emphasizing the importance of choices in life and the guidance provided by Torah.

    Parsha

  4. Shoftimתשפ״ג

    Shoftim – פרק כ״ו: Completely Committed

    The essay explores why Dovid Hamelech asks to be judged ("Shofteni Hashem") in Tehillim 26 when elsewhere he pleads not to be judged, contrasting Rashi's answer (he is comfortable being judged relative to Reshaim) with Sforno's (the perek is a plea not to be judged solely on the Batsheva episode). It then examines the meaning of "V'Ani B'Tumi Elech," linking it through two Yalkutim to "Tamim Tihiyeh Im Hashem Elokecha" in Parshas Shoftim and to "Toras Hashem Temima." Citing the Knaf Renanim's insight that the Torah, like water, is savored most by one who has been parched, the author explains that Dovid's very stumble enabled a deeper appreciation of Torah and thus greater closeness to Hashem. The lesson for Elul: rather than fixate on failings, use them to access the reviving power of Torah.

    Tehillim

  5. Vayakelתשפ״ג

    Stay Close

    This essay explores the themes of judgment and connection to God as expressed in Tehillim 50, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a relationship with Hashem through Korbanos.

    Tehillim

  6. 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