Year
תשע״ט5779
Ground Rules
This essay explores the complexities of the curses given to Adam, Chava, and the ground after the sin of the Etz HaDaas, emphasizing the connection between their actions and the consequences faced by each.
Parsha
Dying Words
The essay explores the significance of the term 'Yigva' in relation to the deaths during the Mabul, suggesting it denotes a quick and relatively painless death, often associated with Tzaddikim, and reflects on the implications of thoughts of Teshuva.
Parsha
You First
Parshas Lech Lecha discusses the life of Avrohom Avinu, focusing on his interactions with Malki-Tzedek and the implications of their blessings. It contrasts the spiritual paths of Avraham and Noach, emphasizing the importance of placing Hashem first.
Parsha
A Little More
The essay explores Avraham's hospitality towards the Malachim and the deeper significance of his words 'Yukach Nah Me’At Mayim', emphasizing the importance of taking small steps towards spiritual growth.
Parsha
A Blessing on Your Head
The essay explores the lessons from Eliezer's journey to find a wife for Yitzchak, focusing on the self-serving nature of Rivka's family and the significance of blessings in marriage.
Parsha
Otherworldly
The essay explores the struggles of Yitzchok and Rivka during Rivka's pregnancy, focusing on the conflict between their sons, Yaakov and Esav, and the implications of their differing worldviews.
Parsha
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
Suspending Halacha
This essay explores the encounter between Yaakov and Esav, highlighting the significance of their meeting and the implications of Esav's kiss. It emphasizes the importance of unity among the Jewish people to overcome hatred.
Parsha
Undercoat
This essay explores the complex relationship between Yaakov and Yosef, focusing on the significance of the Kesones Pasim and its implications for understanding divine presence during challenging times.
Parsha
Nameless and Selfless
The essay explores the significance of Levi's actions in the story of Yosef and his brothers, emphasizing the selflessness and kindness that define the character of Shevet Levi, which is crucial for effective leadership.
Parsha
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
Final Approach
The essay explores Yaakov Avinu's final instructions to his sons regarding Me’aras Hamachpelah, emphasizing the importance of spiritual over material concerns.
Parsha
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
Self Determination
The essay explores the interaction between Moshe and Pharaoh during the Makkah of Tzefardeah, emphasizing the significance of Moshe's request and the concept of self-determination in the face of divine control.
Parsha
Action and Reaction
The essay explores the complex relationship between Moshe and Pharaoh, focusing on Moshe's anger during their final confrontation. It highlights the significance of Pharaoh's words and their impact on Moshe's commitment to Yichud Hashem.
Parsha
A Beautiful Relationship
The essay explores the significance of Shiras HaYam in Parshas Beshalach, emphasizing the connection between Emunah and the beautification of Mitzvos.
Parsha
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
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
Your Place
The essay explores the events surrounding Mattan Torah and the implications of the phrase 'Na’aseh V’Nishma', highlighting the mistakes of Nadav, Avihu, and the Zekenim, and the lessons of self-awareness and humility.
Parsha
At Peace
The Haftorah for Parshas Terumah discusses Shlomo Hamelech's preparations for the Bais Hamikdash, emphasizing the significance of his peace treaty with Chiram as a necessary step for its construction.
Haftorah
Salty Wounds
This Haftorah discusses Yechezkel's vision of the future Mizbeach and its inauguration, drawing parallels to the Chanukas Hamishkan. It emphasizes the significance of salt in the Korban process and its deeper implications for understanding suffering and redemption.
Haftorah
Fired Up
The Haftorah for Ki Sisa discusses Eliyahu Hanavi's confrontation with the Neviei HaBaal on Har HaCarmel, emphasizing the importance of choosing between Hashem and false idols.
Haftorah
Yom Kippur: It’s the Day
The essay explores the significance of the Shalosh Esrei Middos HaRachamim in Yom Kippur prayers, emphasizing their role in seeking forgiveness and the unique spiritual atmosphere of the day.
Tehillim
Sacred Trust
This Haftorah discusses King Yoash's reforms regarding the funds for the Bais Hamikdash, linking it to the Mitzvah of Shekalim and the importance of trust in leadership.
Haftorah
Pole Position
The Haftorah for Parshas Pekudei discusses the completion of the Binyan Bayis Rishon and the significance of the Badim that carried the Aron, emphasizing the connection between Kedusha and our ability to carry ourselves.
Haftorah
Haftoras Zachor: Sheepish
The essay explores the Haftorah of Parshas Zachor, focusing on Shaul's battle against Amalek and the significance of counting soldiers with sheep to counteract Amalek's inflated sense of self.
Haftorah
Haftoras Tzav
The Haftorah warns Bnei Yisroel about the consequences of their actions regarding the Bais Hamikdash, contrasting joy with mourning and emphasizing the importance of true Simcha connected to Hashem.
Haftorah
Haftoras Parah With Sprinkles
The essay discusses the Haftorah of Parshas Parah, emphasizing the themes of purification and redemption, particularly through the metaphor of sprinkling water to achieve Tahara.
Haftorah
Diminishing Returns
The Haftorah for Parshas Hachodesh discusses the significance of Rosh Chodesh Nissan and its connection to the future redemption, emphasizing themes of humility and spiritual growth.
Haftorah
Haftoras Shabbos Hagadol: Two Way Street
The Haftorah for Shabbos Hagadol emphasizes the connection between fathers and sons, highlighting the importance of returning to the ways of Hashem as we prepare for Pesach.
Haftorah
Be Prepared
The Haftorah of Achrei Mos is read during Kedoshim, emphasizing preparation for spiritual growth during Sefiras HaOmer. It highlights the importance of Hachana for Kabalas Hatorah.
Haftorah
Little Leaders
The Haftorah for Parshas Emor discusses the role of the Kohanim in the future Bais Hamikdash, emphasizing their responsibilities in teaching and adjudicating. It highlights the importance of humility and leadership in Klal Yisroel.
Haftorah
Behar Questions and Answers
The Haftorah of Parshas Behar discusses Yermiyahu's Nevuah while imprisoned, focusing on the importance of redeeming land and the significance of Bitachon in understanding the cycle of Galus and Geulah.
Haftorah
Behar Questions and Answers
The Haftorah of Parshas Behar discusses Yermiyahu's Nevuah regarding the redemption of a field, emphasizing the importance of Bitachon and the eventual return to Eretz Yisroel.
Haftorah
Productive Relationships
The essay discusses the connection between Parshas Bechukosai and the Haftorah, emphasizing the importance of trust in Hashem over reliance on mankind, especially as we approach Shavuos.
Parsha
Unbreakable
The essay explores the connection between Parshas Bamidbar and Shavuos, emphasizing the enduring bond between Klal Yisroel and Hashem, symbolized by the marriage metaphor in the Haftorah.
Parsha
Nasso: Nurture Above Nature
The Haftorah discusses Manoach, the father of Shimshon, and explores his character as a non-argumentative individual who rose above the tendencies of his Shevet, Dan. It highlights how his qualities contributed to the birth of a savior for Klal Yisroel.
Haftorah
Fireproof
The Haftorah for Parshas Behaloscha teaches important lessons about the role of Yehoshua Kohen Gadol and the Satan's attempts to prosecute him, emphasizing the significance of remaining connected to the community during times of distress.
Haftorah
Flexible Flax
The Haftorah for Parshas Shelach discusses the spies sent by Yehoshua and their encounter with Rachav, highlighting her transformation and the significance of the flax used to hide them.
Haftorah
Korach: Precipitating Precipitation
The Haftorah for Parshas Korach discusses Shmuel's rebuke of Bnei Yisroel for requesting a king, emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership over physical security.
Haftorah
Out of Bounds
The Haftorah for Parshas Chukas discusses Yiftach's origins and his leadership in battle against Amon, exploring themes of character, conflict avoidance, and the virtue of Gevurah.
Haftorah
Keep Going
The essay discusses the Haftorah of Balak, emphasizing the importance of sincere service to Hashem through justice, kindness, and humility, rather than public displays of piety.
Haftorah
A Blast of Truth
The essay explores the significance of the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah, linking it to themes of truth and the Akeida, emphasizing its role in awakening our spiritual essence and affecting our judgment.
Parsha
Historical Perspective
This Haftorah discusses the significance of Yermiyahu's prophetic calling and the importance of historical perspective in leadership, especially during the three weeks of Bein HaMetzarim.
Haftorah
Here To Stay
The Haftorah emphasizes the importance of our connection to the Torah, warning against forgetting Hashem and the consequences of neglecting our relationship with the Torah.
Haftorah
See Clearly
The essay explores the significance of the Haftorah for Shabbos Chazon, emphasizing the harsh messages of Yeshayahu's prophecies and their implications for understanding divine judgment and hope.
Haftorah
V’Eschanan Speak Up
This Haftorah emphasizes the importance of speaking out about the Geulah and Nechama, highlighting the power of our voice in connecting to our spiritual essence.
Haftorah
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
Acting Class
The essay discusses the significance of the Haftorah for Parshas Re’eh, emphasizing the themes of comfort and mourning for Yerushalayim, and the importance of external expressions of grief.
Haftorah
Wake Up Call
The Haftorah for Shoftim emphasizes awakening from spiritual slumber and recognizing the potential for redemption, especially during the month of Elul. It encourages introspection and growth through the influences of Torah and mitzvos.
Haftorah
Swear Words
The Haftorah emphasizes the eternal nature of Hashem's mercy and the promise of redemption, comparing it to the oath made to Noach. It highlights the importance of understanding divine compassion during the days of introspection in Elul.
Haftorah
So Very Precious
The Haftorah for Ki Savo emphasizes the transformation of Yerushalayim and the relationship with the nations post-Geulah, highlighting the irreplaceable value of life and the Shechina.
Haftorah
Clothes Make the Man
This Haftorah emphasizes our relationship with Hashem and the significance of clothing as a metaphor for our inner essence, especially as we approach Rosh Hashanah.
Haftorah
Ripple Effect
The Haftorah for Shabbos Shuva emphasizes the importance of Teshuva and its ripple effect on the community, highlighting how one person's repentance can lead to forgiveness for all.
Haftorah
United We Stand
The essay explores the importance of unity within Klal Yisroel as symbolized by the Daled Minim during Sukkos, emphasizing that all members are vital for survival and connection to Hashem.
Parsha
Today You Are A Man
The essay explores the significance of Shemini Atzeres, emphasizing our unique relationship with Hashem and the importance of recognizing our status as the Am Hanivchar, particularly in the context of the Avodas Hayom.
Parsha
Thank You Hashem
The essay explores the significance of the 'Dayenu' in the Haggadah, emphasizing its connection to gratitude and the historical context of Jewish survival through praise.
Parsha
Machor Chodesh
The Haftorah 'Machor Chodesh' discusses the deep friendship between Dovid and Yonasan, emphasizing the concept of selfless love that transcends personal gain.
Haftorah