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53 essays
Korachתשפ״ב
Battle of Wills
The essay explores the rebellion of Korach and its deeper meanings, particularly the connection between Korach's descendants and the Psalms attributed to them, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's desires with the will of God.
Parsha
Rosh Hashanahתשפ״ב
Big Party
The essay explores the significance of the Mishteh Gadol that Avrohom made for Yitzchok's weaning, connecting it to the themes of Rosh Hashanah and personal growth.
Parsha
Maseiתשפ״ב
Body and Soul
This essay explores the connection between the Torah and the inheritance of Eretz Yisroel, emphasizing the importance of integrating Torah learning with action to achieve spiritual fulfillment.
Parsha
Re'ehתשפ״ב
Bullish Outlook
The essay discusses the significance of reciting Tehillim Kapitel 27 during Elul, emphasizing trust in Hashem and the connection between Dovid Hamelech's experiences and the Korban Shor.
Tehillim
Tisha B'Avתשפ״ב
Center Stage
This essay explores Tehillim Kapital 79, reflecting on the destruction of the Mikdash and its significance in connecting the spiritual and physical worlds. It discusses various interpretations of the text and the importance of the Mikdash as a center for elevating our lives.
Tehillim
Vayigashתשפ״ב
Change in Leadership
The Haftorah for Parshas Vayigash discusses the reunification of Klal Yisroel in Acharis HaYamim, emphasizing the roles of Melech and Nasi, both named Dovid, and their significance in future leadership.
Haftorah
Ki Sisaתשפ״ב
Destination Ahead
The Haftorah for Parshas Ki Sisa discusses Eliyahu Hanavi's confrontation with the Neviei HaBaal on Har HaCarmel, emphasizing the importance of choosing between Baal and Hashem in our lives.
Haftorah
Ekevתשפ״ב
Ekev – פרק קי׳׳א: Fear First
The essay asks how the verse "Raishis Chachma Yiras Hashem" fits into Tehillim 111, a chapter devoted entirely to praise of Hashem, and how the Tanchuma's reading of Yirah as the 'crown' of Torah differs from the plain meaning of 'beginning.' Drawing on the Divrei Sharei Chaim's explanation of the Medrash Pliah of Iyov's three-walled Sukkah, it presents Chachma, Gevurah and Osher as gifts forming three walls, while Yiras Shamayim is the fourth wall each person must build himself. The praise of Hashem in the pasuk is precisely that the greatest crown — Keser Shem Tov, Yiras Shamayim — is not dependent on Mazel or Zechus Avos but lies entirely in our own hands, which is also why Moshe could call it a 'Milsa Zutrasa' opportunity.
Parsha
Ve'eschananתשפ״ב
Evil is Good
The essay explores the concept of loving Hashem with both the Yetzer Tov and Yetzer Harah, emphasizing that our faults can reveal our strengths and potential for growth.
Parsha
Vayeraתשפ״ב
Fear of Love
The essay explores the connection between Parshas Vayera and its Haftorah, focusing on the character of Ovadiah and the concept of Yirah and Ahava in relation to Nisyonos.
Parsha
Good Old Days
The essay explores the significance of Shabbos Hagadol and its Haftorah from Malachai, emphasizing the promise of returning to a time of spiritual closeness and acceptance of Korbanos.
Haftorah
Hachodesh
This essay discusses the significance of Parshas Hachodesh and its connection to the upcoming month of Nissan, emphasizing the themes of preparation for Pesach and self-worth in serving Hashem.
Parsha
Beharתשפ״ב
Hearing Voices
The essay explores the mitzvah of Shemitah and its deeper messages through Tehillim 103, emphasizing the strength of those who observe Shemitah and their unique relationship with Hashem.
Parsha
Simchas Torahתשפ״ב
Heart Attack
Simchas Torah marks the end of the Yemei HaRachamim V’HaSelichos and emphasizes the importance of clinging to the Torah during both light and dark times.
Parsha
Chukasתשפ״ב
Heart Hardening
The essay discusses the lessons from the Mei Meriva incident in Parshas Chukas, emphasizing the dangers of a hardened heart and the importance of recognizing divine will.
Parsha
Pesachתשפ״ב
Heart of the Matter
The essay explores the significance of the Mitzvah of Tashbisu during Pesach, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's heart (Lev) in fulfilling this commandment and achieving spiritual growth.
Parsha
Toldosתשפ״ב
Honor Thy Father
The essay explores the conflict between Yaakov and Eisav, emphasizing the importance of honoring one's father and the relationship with Hashem. It discusses the Haftorah's message of love despite shortcomings.
Parsha
Achrei MosYom Kippurתשפ״ב
Horsing Around
This essay explores the themes of Kaparah in Parshas Achrei Mos, connecting the Avodah of Yom Kippur to the teachings of Dovid HaMelech in Tehillim, emphasizing self-awareness and gratitude.
Parsha
SheminiParshas Parahתשפ״ב
It’s Embarrassing
The essay discusses the significance of Parshas Parah in relation to the upcoming Korban Pesach and explores themes of Tahara and the relationship between Ra'av and Cherpah.
Parsha
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
Terumahתשפ״ב
Lasting Impressions
The essay discusses the construction of the Mishkan and its significance, emphasizing the importance of procreation and creating lasting impressions over merely relying on the Mikdash.
Parsha
Chayei Sarahתשפ״ב
Laughing Matter
The Haftorah for Parshas Chayei Sara discusses the transfer of power from Dovid Hamelech to Shlomo, highlighting themes of leadership and the importance of laughter in spiritual growth.
Haftorah
Titzavehתשפ״ב
Lion’s Share
This Haftorah discusses Yechezkel's vision of the Mizbeach in the future Temple, emphasizing the significance of its construction and the symbolism of the term 'Ariel' as a representation of divine fire.
Haftorah
Lech Lechaתשפ״ב
Lowly Worms
This essay explores the Haftorah of Lech Lecha, focusing on the metaphor of Klal Yisroel as 'Tola’as Yaakov' and the power of prayer, emphasizing humility and reliance on divine assistance.
Parsha
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
Vayeshevתשפ״ב
New Shoes
The Haftorah for Parshas Vayeshev discusses the consequences of judicial corruption and connects it to the story of Mechiras Yosef, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing spiritual elevation.
Haftorah
Noachתשפ״ב
Open Doors
This Haftorah connects the themes of Noach's promise and the future redemption, emphasizing the importance of repentance and the everlasting covenant with Hashem.
Haftorah
Pesachתשפ״ב
Our Water
The final days of Pesach focus on Krias Yam Suf, emphasizing the transition from servitude to freedom and the importance of recognizing divine assistance in times of trouble.
Parsha
Nasoתשפ״ב
Peace Process
The essay explores the significance of Birchas Kohanim and its connection to the Torah, emphasizing the concept of Shalom as the ultimate blessing derived from the Torah.
Parsha
Shelachתשפ״ב
Power of One
The essay explores the significance of Kalev's courage during the Chet HaMeraglim, emphasizing the power of individual conviction when supported by faith in Hashem.
Parsha
Vayechiתשפ״ב
Purest Intentions
The essay discusses King David's final instructions to his son Solomon, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who support the monarchy for the sake of divine honor rather than personal gain.
Haftorah
Shemosתשפ״ב
Pushed Aside
The Haftorah for Parshas Shemos discusses the behaviors leading to Galus and the promise of Geulah, emphasizing the significance of the groups mentioned in the prophecy.
Haftorah
Ki Seitzeiתשפ״ב
Seating Plan
This essay discusses the Mitzvos in Parshas Ki Seitzei, particularly focusing on the significance of Amalek and the connection to Tehillim, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the Kisei HaKavod.
Parsha
Shavuosתשפ״ב
Shavuos: Places Everyone
The essay reflects on the significance of Shavuos, emphasizing the connection between the acceptance of the Torah and the story of Rus, highlighting the importance of commitment to Torah and the concept of 'Makom'.
Parsha
Balakתשפ״ב
Silent Prayer
The essay explores the significance of Pinchas's actions and prayers in the context of Parshas Balak, emphasizing the importance of silence and clarity in prayer.
Parsha
Shoftimתשפ״ב
Son of Kings
This essay explores the significance of appointing a king in Israel, focusing on King David's final prayers for his son Solomon, emphasizing the responsibilities and spiritual legacy of kingship.
Parsha
Behaloschaתשפ״ב
Speak Softly
The essay explores the theme of Tefillah in Parshas Behaloscha, focusing on the significance of quiet, sincere prayer as exemplified in Tehillim, particularly Kapital 102.
Parsha
Boתשפ״ב
Stand Up Straight
This Haftorah discusses the punishment of Mitzrayim for their oppression of Bnei Yisroel, using metaphors related to a snake to illustrate the consequences of their actions.
Haftorah
Beshalachתשפ״ב
Star Power
The Haftorah for Parshas Beshalach features Shiras Devorah, highlighting themes of leadership and personal responsibility. It emphasizes that each individual is accountable for their actions, as illustrated through the downfall of Sisra.
Haftorah
Yom Kippurתשפ״ב
Strong Fabric
The essay explores the significance of the Kohen Gadol's linen garments on Yom Kippur, connecting him to the Malach Gavriel and emphasizing the power of human action in achieving spiritual change.
Parsha
Vayetzeiתשפ״ב
Strong Personality
The Haftorah for Parshas Vayetzei connects the journeys of Yaakov and his descendants, emphasizing the importance of respecting Neviim and their roles in guiding Klal Yisroel.
Haftorah
Sukkos Skin Deep
The essay explores the significance of the Arba Minim during Sukkos, emphasizing their connection to joy and the concept of 'Hadar' as a reflection of survival and beauty through challenges.
Parsha
Emorתשפ״ב
Temimus and Sefiras HaOmer
This essay explores the concept of 'Temimus' in relation to the mitzvah of Sefiras HaOmer, emphasizing the importance of self-value and respect for others as a path to spiritual growth.
Parsha
The Right Way
This essay explores the Haftorah of Parshas Shekalim, focusing on the reign of Yoash and the significance of the Aron used for collecting funds for the Bais Hamikdash, emphasizing the beauty of the natural order and divine providence.
Parsha
Pekudeiתשפ״ב
Then, Only Then
This Haftorah discusses the completion of the Mikdash and the arrival of the Shechina, emphasizing the importance of understanding past and future events in our lives.
Haftorah
Thinking About It
The essay discusses the significance of reciting 'Mizmor Shir Chanukas Habayis L’Dovid' during Chanukah, emphasizing the power of sincere intentions in fulfilling mitzvot, even when actions are hindered.
Tehillim
Bechukosaiתשפ״ב
Toil and Trouble
This essay explores the relationship between our actions and their consequences, emphasizing that our destiny is shaped by our commitment to Torah study and the importance of sincere effort in our spiritual pursuits.
Parsha
Yisroתשפ״ב
Tuneless
The essay explores the Haftorah for Parshas Yisro, focusing on the themes of Kabbalas HaTorah and the significance of Chizkiyahu's potential as Moshiach, while addressing the importance of Yiras Hashem.
Parsha
Vaeraתשפ״ב
Va’era Serpentine
The essay explores the connections between Parshas Va’Era and its Haftorah from Yechezkel, highlighting the metaphorical language used to describe Pharaoh and the implications for understanding the Parsha's themes.
Parsha
Vayishlachתשפ״ב
VaYishlach
The Haftorah for Parshas Vayishlach discusses the prophecy of Ovadiah regarding Esav's downfall, emphasizing the swift destruction of Esav compared to straw when ignited by the flames of Bnei Yisroel.
Haftorah
Pinchasתשפ״ב
Waterworld
The essay explores the connection between the Bnos Tzelafchad's desire for Eretz Yisroel and Moshe's vision of the land, emphasizing the theme of love for the land and its significance in Jewish thought.
Parsha
Kedoshimתשפ״ב
We Are Dew
Parshas Kedoshim emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and unity among the Jewish people, drawing parallels between unity and the beauty of dew.
Parsha
VayikraPurimParshas Zachorתשפ״ב
Zochor
This essay explores the significance of Parshas Zochor in preparing for Purim, focusing on Shaul's battle against Amalek and the lessons of unity and kindness exemplified by the Keni.
Parsha