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21 essays
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
Bechukosaiתשפ״ו
The Struggle is Real: Understanding the Preeminence of Yaakov Avinu
The essay explores why Yaakov Avinu is listed first in the verse promising the remembrance of the Covenants (Vayikra 26:42) despite being the youngest Patriarch. Drawing on the Daas Sofer, it explains that Yaakov's victory over the angel (the 'dust of Yaakov') provides the spiritual blueprint for future generations to engage with the physical world without being overcome by it, making him the ultimate facilitator of the Jewish mission.
Medrash
Achrei MosYom Kippurתשפ״ו
Yom Kippur
The essay explores the connection between the Avotomy (Patriarchs) and the Korbanos of Yom Kippur, specifically focusing on the 'Ayal' (ram) associated with Yitzchok. Drawing on the Shem M'Shmuel, it explains that the Ayal symbolizes the 'Gevurah' (inner strength) required to overcome one's natural instincts and Yetzer Hara, a power granted to Klal Yisroel through the merit of the Akeida which took place on Yom Kippur.
Medrash
Chayei Sarahתשפ״ה
Chayei Sarah – פרק ל׳׳ט Foreign Status
This essay explores the themes of suffering and divine connection in Tehillim, particularly through the lens of the status of 'Ger' as expressed by Dovid Hamelech and Avrohom Avinu.
Tehillim
Vayechiתשפ״ה
Drawing Close
The essay explores the significance of praising Hashem, particularly through the lens of Yaakov Avinu's unique status and the impact of Tzaddikim even after their passing.
Tehillim
Chukasתשפ״ה
In the Clouds
The essay explores why Har HaHar remained standing while the Clouds of Glory flattened other mountains. It connects the mountain's unique 'double-peak' structure to Aharon HaKohen's role as a peacemaker who brought those distanced by sin back to the Torah, symbolizing the inclusion of the 'small' with the 'great' under divine protection.
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
Beshalachתשפ״ד
Mountain Range
Kapital 125 reflects on the themes of trust in Hashem and the permanence of Geulah, emphasizing that true protection comes from overcoming challenges, akin to the steadfastness of mountains.
Tehillim
Bechukosaiתשפ״ג
Land Made
This essay explores the connection between Eretz Yisroel and the Avos, emphasizing the importance of Hachna'ah in achieving spiritual greatness and the role of the land in the future redemption.
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
Achrei Mosתשפ״א
Firmly Planted
The Haftorah for Achrei Mos emphasizes the promise of redemption and permanence in Eretz Yisroel, using metaphors of planting and roots to convey the enduring relationship between Hashem and Bnei Yisroel.
Haftorah
Lech Lechaתשפ״א
Just Love Him
This essay explores the love of Avrohom Avinu for Hashem and how it shaped his faith and actions. It emphasizes the importance of developing a personal connection with God rooted in love.
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
Ekevתשע״ט
Our Birthright
This Haftorah discusses the themes of Nechama and the promise of Geulah, emphasizing the importance of remembering our origins in Avrohom and Sara to inspire hope during times of despair.
Haftorah
Shemosתשע״ט
Shemos — Free Yourself
Reading Sefer Shemos as destiny rather than history, the essay analyzes the sequence of pesukim marking the turning point of Shibud Mitzrayim, focusing on the cryptic "VaYaar Elokim Es Bnei Yisroel VaYeda Elokim." Citing the Yerushalmi in Taanis that five factors brought the Geulah (Tzara, Tzevacha, Zechus Avos, Teshuva, and the Ketz), it asks why the other four were needed once the Ketz arrived. Using the Mabit's insight in Beis Elokim that sin is a Shibud HaNefesh and Teshuva a Geulas HaNefesh, the author argues the four factors are prerequisites that make redemption possible — and that the Teshuva must be a visible, transformative one, worthy of "VaYaar Elokim."
Parsha
Yisroתשע״ט
Yisro
The essay explores the significance of Bnei Yisroel's encampment at Midbar Sinai, focusing on their unity and orientation towards the east, symbolizing a connection to light and heritage as they prepare for Kabbalas Hatorah.
Parsha
Vayishlachתשע״ז
A Lonely Mother
This essay explores the significance of Rochel Imeinu's burial and her role in interceding for Klal Yisroel during their exile, emphasizing the connection between her name for Binyamin and her legacy of survival in Galus.
Parsha
Ki Seitzeiתשע״ז
Shoe In
This essay explores the mitzvot of Yibum and Chalitzah, highlighting their significance in preserving the legacy of the deceased and ensuring a Kiddush Hashem.
Parsha
Vayetzeiתשע״ו
The Ultimate Promise
This essay discusses Yaakov's journey and his promise to Hashem, emphasizing the importance of commitment to Torah and Mitzvos for protection during difficult times.
Parsha