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.
At the end of Parashat Shemot, B’nei Yisrael believe Moshe’s promise of redemption. But after Pharaoh intensifies the bondage, they can no longer hear it. Not rebellion, but kotzer ruach – a collapse of human capacity under crushing pain. The Torah records this without blame, and redemption moves forward anyway.
Rachel’s silence in Vayeitzei hides one of the Torah’s most painful truths. For seven years she watched Leah receive the love, gifts, and destiny meant for her – and said nothing, choosing compassion over vindication. Her quiet sacrifice reshapes our understanding of the entire parashah.
When Avraham was cast into Nimrod’s fiery furnace, he wasn’t proving courage—he was revealing perfect bitachon, trust beyond outcomes. Why was Avraham saved while Haran perished? Discover how absolute surrender to Hashem lifts a soul above nature itself—and what it means to truly let go.
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.
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.
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.
What drove the spies to speak lashon ha-ra about the Land? This essay uncovers a deeper root—fear of entering without Moshe, a crisis of emunah, and a tragic replay of Eshkol’s well-meaning but misguided counsel.
Why did some Israelites reject the manna and spend all day collecting and cooking it? The Zohar reveals this was more than a food complaint—it was a test of emunah. Discover the spiritual depth behind the manna and the true meaning of “eating to satisfy the soul."
Everything we need for the day is already prepared in advance. The tools are here—just step into the "toolshed" and strengthen emunah, inner clarity, and Divine guidance. Discover how trust and perspective unlock our path in this powerful Torah insight. Explore the deeper meaning of the morning berachah: "Who provided for me all of my needs."
Parashat Kedoshim contrasts the ganav (thief) who steals in secret with the gazlan (robber) who steals by force—revealing why the Torah treats hidden deceit more severely than open theft, and what this teaches us about divine concealment and free will.
Discover the profound spiritual significance of salt. This in-depth exploration of Vayikra 2:13, based on the Zohar and Likutei Moharan, reveals how guarding the brit (covenant) sweetens life’s hardships, mitigates financial struggles, and strengthens emunah. Uncover the secret of the “salt of the covenant” today!
