Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn on פרשת תזריע-מצורע, discussing the topic of Hashgacha Pratis. Discussed: A discussion on the fundamentals of Hashgacha Pratis, based on the Chinnuch: What is Hashgacha Pratis and how does it work? Do all animals have Hashgacha Pratis or just mankind? The Orchos Chaim Lha'Rosh explains why Hashem begins the 10 commandments by saying "I am your God who took you out of Egypt'' and not "I am God who created heaven and earth"?Recognizing how the Rishonim's approach to Hashgacha Pratis differs from the more common and modern approach, which is based on Kabbalah.

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on ספירה.Discussed:The Baal Haturim explains that the Pasuk of the מן has all the letters of the Alef Bais as a message that Hashem will provide someone who keeps the Torah with all their needs just as Hashem provided Klal Yisroel in the desert with the מן. This is why when Yirmiyahu rebuked Klal Yisroel to learn more Torah he showed them the מן as proof a person has time to learn since Hashem will take care of them. This is the Gemora’s message that the Torah was only given to מן eaters, to highlight two interconnected parts; you need faith in Hashem to be able to learn, and at the same time, if you learn Torah, Hashem will take care of your needs.Sefer Chinuch explains that the Korban Omer celebrates the idea that everything is from Hashem, and that the yearly crop is no different than מן which falls from heaven. We can now understand why we count Sefira using the Korbon Omer as a barometer, and why we count away from Pesach (which represents Emunah) and build towards Bitachon and the Kabalas Hatorah of Shavous.

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת אחרי מות.  Discussed:The Ramban wonders why the Pasuk states that Klal Yisrael will be expelled from Eretz Yisrael if they violate the Issur of Arayos, however, we know that these Aveiros are obligations universally applicable, even outside Eretz Yisrael.The Ramban (and many Sifrei Kabbalah) elaborate on the spiritual roots of all physical manifestations, and how all the nations of the world have a שר (Malach) representing them as a power source in the spiritual realm. On the other hand, Klal Yisrael receive their Shefa directly from Hashem, without any intermediary.With this background, we can explain the root cause of Avoda Zara, and why people were attracted to its worship. We can also explain why Yidden are severely punished more than other nations when they violate Mitzvos or serve Avoda Zara.Why do Chazal write that those who dwell outside of Eretz Yisrael are as if they live without G-d?

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת אחרי מות. Discussed:The Sifri state that living in Eretz Yisrael is equal to the whole Torah. Does this mean that the Zionist are correct that they can live in Eretz Yisrael without keeping Torah and Mitzvos or pursuing spirituality?Why was the רשע Titus able to desecrate the Kodesh Hakodoshim without repercussion, in contrast to נדב ואביהו, two great Tzadikim, who deviated slightly and were instantly burned by fire?The Ramban asks why were the Canaanim expelled from Eretz Yisrael because of their perversions, unlike the Egyptians who were equally perverted yet remained in their homeland?A Pshat to properly understand the Ramban's explanation of the connection between Hashem's Hashgacha and Klal Yisrael. With this understanding, we can understand that despite the inherent obligation and meaning of Mitzvos applicable everywhere, only in Eretz Yisrael do Mitzvos create a personal relationship to Hashem, and only in Eretz Yisrael do we merit direct Hashgacha Pratis as a result of Mitzvos. Similarly, these ideas can help answer the question why we don't experience rewards for Mitzvos in this world.

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת אחרי מות. Discussed: R' Yaakov Emden brings a historical account written by a Roman who describes the Avodah of the Kohen Gadol in the Bais Hamikdash on Yom Kippur. The Gemara says that a ממזר Talmid Chochom comes before a Kohen Gadol who is an עם הארץ. This can be illustrated by the story brought in the Gemara about Sh'maya & Avtalyon who met a Kohen Gadol on Motzei Yom Kippur, as explained by the Maharsha. R' Yisrael Salanter writes that יקרה היא מפנינים refers to the Kohen Gadol in the Kodesh Hakodashim on Yom Kippur, who is the holiest person in the holiest place during the holiest time, and that the Torah is more precious even than that!