Year
תשע״ח5778
Full Forty
The essay explores the significance of the number forty in relation to the Mabul, emphasizing its lessons for spiritual renewal and transformation.
Parsha
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
Pass the Salt
The essay explores the story of Lot's wife and the significance of salt, emphasizing the lessons of hospitality and the dangers of isolationism.
Parsha
Joint Venture
This essay explores Eliezer's quest to find a wife for Yitzchok, focusing on the significance of the gifts he presented to Rivka, which symbolize humility and the importance of interpersonal relationships in achieving spiritual goals.
Parsha
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
Burden Sharing
This essay explores the deeper meanings behind the events in Parsha Vayetzei, focusing on Yaakov's journey and the lessons of unity and kindness that emerge from his experiences.
Parsha
Burden Sharing
This essay explores the significance of Yaakov's experiences in Parsha Vayetzei, emphasizing the importance of unity and kindness in maintaining a connection to Torah.
Parsha
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
Vayeshev: Illusions
This essay explores the significance of the interaction between Yosef and the Malach Gavriel, emphasizing the dual nature of Gavriel as both a messenger of Din and a source of Chesed, especially in the context of Galus.
Parsha
It’s Obvious
The essay explores the connection between Parshas Miketz and Chanukah, focusing on Pharaoh's dreams and the concept of hunger that is not immediately visible, emphasizing the importance of introspection in recognizing spiritual truths.
Parsha
Man of Action
This essay explores the emotional journey in Parsha Vayigash, focusing on Yosef's actions and their deeper meanings, particularly the significance of the gifts he gave to his brothers.
Parsha
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
All Natural
The essay explores the lessons from the Parsha of Shemos, focusing on Pharaoh's ignorance of Yosef and the implications of recognizing divine providence in our lives.
Parsha
Be Strong
The essay discusses the significance of Moshe and Aron's ages when they approached Pharaoh, emphasizing that their age represents a milestone of Gevurah, which is essential for their mission.
Parsha
For the Asking
Parshas Bo marks a transition from narrative to detailed Halachos, emphasizing the importance of Shemiras HaMitzvos and the deeper meanings behind the requests made by Bnei Yisroel.
Parsha
The Waiting Game
This essay explores the significance of Miriam's song after Krias Yam Suf, highlighting her prophetic role and the deeper meanings behind her actions and the instruments used.
Parsha
Sights and Sounds
The essay explores the significance of the miraculous events at Har Sinai during Mattan Torah, emphasizing the heightened senses of sight and hearing as a message about the potential for growth in understanding the Torah.
Parsha
The Whole Half
Parshas Mishpatim focuses on the details of Mitzvos, particularly civil law and the significance of Shabbos and Yom Tov. It emphasizes the connection between observing Mitzvos and avoiding Avodah Zarah.
Parsha
Be Square
This essay explores the significance of the Mizbeach's square shape in relation to the Aseres Hadibros, emphasizing the unity of spiritual knowledge and practical behavior.
Parsha
All for One
This essay explores the significance of the Bigdei Kehunah, particularly the Avnei Shoham and Avnei Choshen, emphasizing their roles in invoking divine mercy for Klal Yisroel and the collective responsibility of the Shevatim in the redemption process.
Parsha
Either Way
This essay explores the Chet HaEgel and its implications, emphasizing the lesson of universal applicability of the Torah, especially in times of despair.
Parsha
All Lit Up
This essay explores the significance of Betzalel's leadership in constructing the Mishkan, emphasizing his dedication and the connection between the Aron and the Torah as sources of light and spiritual insight.
Parsha
It’s Electric
The essay explores the significance of humility (Anivus) as exemplified by Moshe Rabbeinu, particularly in the context of the Korbanos and their spiritual implications.
Parsha
All Fired Up
This essay explores the significance of the eternal fire on the Mizbeach and its connection to the concept of spiritual strengthening through Korbanos.
Parsha
One State Solution
The essay explores the lessons from the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, emphasizing the importance of unity and proper intention in serving Hashem.
Parsha
Metzorah: Natural Disaster
The essay explores the concept of Tzaras, particularly Tzaras Habayis, and its implications for understanding our identity as members of the Am Hanivchar. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing divine providence over natural occurrences.
Parsha
Heart of Hearts
This essay explores the mitzvos of love and hate in Parshas Kedoshim, emphasizing their connection to the heart and their significance for the Jewish people's relationship with Eretz Yisroel.
Parsha
These Days
The essay explores the connection between Shabbos and the Yomim Tovim, emphasizing that observing the Moadim is akin to keeping Shabbos, highlighting their spiritual significance.
Parsha
Yom Kippur Full Stop
The essay explores the connection between Yom Kippur and Shabbos, emphasizing the unique spiritual significance of Yom Kippur as a day of complete abstention from physical indulgences, allowing for personal renewal and realignment with spiritual priorities.
Parsha
You Know It
The essay explores the deeper meaning of the mitzvah of Sukkah, emphasizing the importance of understanding and connecting emotionally with the mitzvah as a means to strengthen faith and reliance on Hashem.
Parsha
Our Best Interest
The essay explores the Halachos of Ribis, emphasizing their connection to Yetzias Mitzrayim and the importance of Bitachon in overcoming natural instincts related to financial dealings.
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
There’s Always Time
The essay discusses the significance of the Nesiim's offerings of wagons and oxen for the Mishkan, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acting upon the Ratzon Hashem in the present moment.
Parsha
Long Term Solution
This essay explores the leadership dynamics in Behaloscha, focusing on the roles of Moshe, Eldad, and Meidad, and the nature of true spiritual growth.
Parsha
Grape Fruit
This essay explores the lessons from the Meraglim's journey and their connection to the season of Bikurei Anavim, emphasizing the need for Shemirah and the importance of hard work in achieving one's purpose.
Parsha
Korach Authority Issues
The essay discusses the authority challenges posed by Korach and the importance of the Mesorah in Jewish tradition. It emphasizes that personal connections to Hashem should be guided by established leaders.
Parsha
Seeing Stars
The essay explores the story of Mei Meriva and its implications for Moshe Rabbeinu's actions, emphasizing the connection between divine will and human actions.
Parsha
Sunny Disposition
The essay discusses the events in Parsha Balak, focusing on the punishment of those who sinned with Baal Peor and the significance of the sun's role in identifying them. It emphasizes the importance of intention in our actions.
Parsha
Getting Closer
This essay explores the case of the Bnos Tzelafchad and the hidden Halacha that prevented Moshe from ruling on their claim. It emphasizes the importance of striving for greater closeness to holiness.
Parsha
Dry Spell
The essay explores the significance of the travels of Bnei Yisroel in the Midbar, particularly focusing on the location of Refidim and the lessons learned from their lack of water.
Parsha
A Charity Case
This essay discusses the Haftorah for Tisha B'Av, emphasizing the themes of justice and charity as pathways to redemption, while reflecting on the destruction caused by the actions of Klal Yisroel.
Haftorah
For Now and Forever
The essay explores Moshe's prayers to enter Eretz Yisroel and the reasons behind Hashem's refusal, emphasizing the importance of striving for spiritual growth amidst challenges.
Parsha
Constructive Removal
Moshe Rabbeinu emphasizes the importance of removing the 'Orlas Halev' to connect with Hashem and achieve personal growth. This metaphorical covering of the heart represents obstacles that hinder spiritual development.
Parsha
Straight Shooters
Moshe instructs Klal Yisroel on their responsibilities upon entering Eretz Yisroel, emphasizing the importance of following the Torah's path rather than individual judgment.
Parsha
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
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
Together Forever
This week's Parsha discusses the Mitzvos for Bnei Yisroel upon entering Eretz Yisroel, emphasizing the importance of Torah and unity as a nation.
Parsha
All Aglow
The essay explores the significance of Simchas Torah, emphasizing the joy of completing the Torah and starting anew, while reflecting on the spiritual heights achievable through a connection to the Torah.
Parsha
Direct Connect
The essay explores the connection between Chana's prayer and Rosh Hashanah, emphasizing the importance of direct communication with Hashem during this Yom Tov.
Haftorah
Achron Shel Pesach
The essay discusses the significance of Krias Yam Suf during Pesach, emphasizing the connection between Moshe Rabbeinu's actions and the faith of Bnei Yisroel in Hashem and themselves.
Parsha
Poor Us
The essay explores the connection between Pesach and Tisha B'Av, emphasizing the significance of Matzah and the concept of 'Lechem Oni' as a means to access true freedom and spiritual growth during Pesach.
Parsha