Collected Archive of Shoemaker Reports
The Shoemaker Report is Rav Hoshea’s weekly Torah publication. Its focus is on internalizing and living Torah from the heart, not only from the head. The divrei Torah often take the parashah of the week as their point of entry and address central questions of inner avodah — including teshuvah, prayer (tefillah), emunah, bitachon, and related areas of spiritual and personal refinement.
The writing assumes seriousness from the reader and speaks from within Torah life, with meaning emerging organically from honest analysis of our holy Torah and the words of Chazal, rather than from short-lived inspiration or simplified conclusions.
The act of Shem and Yefet covering their father reveals a map of modesty: body, will, and soul aligning to guard the tzelem Elokim. From instinctive awe to conscious mitzvah to divine stillness, the Torah shows how true tzniut radiates holiness from within.
When the moon asked, “Can two kings share one crown?”, Hashem answered, “Go and diminish yourself.” Her cry birthed longing and time itself. Through silence and humility, the soul learns to reflect rather than radiate—healing the ancient wound between giver and receiver.
Our destiny as Israel is not only to keep mitzvot, but to rule over the angels themselves. Rebbe Nachman teaches that this comes by binding to the root of all souls, drawing da’at into the heart, and rebuilding Yerushalayim with true yirah.
Fear disqualifies a man from battle—not only fear of swords, says R’ Akiva, but even fear of one’s own sins, says R’ Yosi ha-G’lili. The Torah hints that true war is spiritual: rescuing sparks of holiness from captivity, where the Shechinah itself waits for release.
Bribes don’t only corrupt courts—they blind our conscience. In Parashat Shoftim the Torah warns: a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise. Self-bribes—flattery, pride, excuses, comfort, pleasure—distort our inner judge. Learn the five subtle bribes that block truth and teshuvah.
Parashat Re’eh calls us to ‘see’—not just with our eyes, but with vision shaped by memory, joy, and contentment. Rebbe Nachman reveals how imagination can distort reality or illuminate truth, guiding us toward blessing, clarity, and spiritual purpose.
This essay explores Rebbe Nachman’s teaching that life flows not from bread alone, but from Hashem’s word—activated through vision and bitachon. Just as observation shapes reality in physics, focused spiritual sight forms the vessel that draws down blessing exactly be’ito—in its perfect time.
The destruction of the Beit ha‑Mikdash left us blind, but the ashes call us to action. At chatzot we join the Shechinah, turning sorrow into splendor and becoming partners in rebuilding Hashem’s House and bringing the light of geulah into our lives.
Hashem commanded a war of vengeance against Midian, led by twelve thousand holy warriors who guarded their eyes with fierce dedication. This essay uncovers the deep connection between shemirat einayim, unholy spiritual forces, and the catastrophic power of androlomusia.
What made Pinchas worthy of the eternal covenant of peace? This deep dive into Parashat Pinchas explores why Moshe couldn't stay, why Korach fell, and how true greatness lies not in rising—but in returning. Discover the mystery of the brit shalom and its relevance for our generation.
Mashiach’s origins are hidden in darkness—Lot, Balak, Eglon, and Rut. From incest to idolatry to devotion, the lineage of David ha-Melech reveals light emerging through klipah. Discover how redemption begins in the cracks of fear, impurity, and hidden holiness.
What will bring the final geulah? This deep Torah essay explores Moshe’s test at the rock, Miriam’s well, and the true path to redemption: humble, unified prayer. Learn why only through the collective tefillah of Klal Yisrael can the wellsprings of Torah reopen and Mashiach come.
