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 פסח, discussing the topic of Galus and antisemitism.Discussed:Analyzing the Pesukim in Ki Savo that the Haggadah Darshens to elaborate on the story of יציאת מצרים and how the Jews became a nation as they were metaphorically born in Mitzrayim, in Galus.The Meshech Chochma writes that Yaakov Avinu established for future generations the strategy Jews use to survive in Galus and avoid assimilation. This is what the Pasuk means מלמד שלא ירד יעקב להשתקע, that Yaakov Avinu taught us not to settle in Galus.The Meshach Chochma continues and writes about the cycle of Jewish settlement in various countries throughout Galus. It begins with the painful birth of the community which then flourishes both physically and spiritually. Afterward, the Yidden become comfortable and settle in their adopted country, declining spiritually until they ultimately end in prosecution and exile.

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פסח, continuing on the topic of Galus and antisemitism.Discussed:Understanding the Pasuk brought in the Haggadah, ואמר לך בדמיך חיי ואמר לך בדמיך חיי (and I said to you, by your blood you shall live, and I said to you by your blood you shall live). Should we understand the Pasuk על פי פשט or דרוש, which seem contradictory? Furthermore, why does the Pasuk repeat itself?The Bais Halevi explains the purpose of antisemitism and how the Egyptians' antisemitism correlated with the Yidden's attempt to cover their Milah and assimilate into Egyptian society. He also explains why the Pasuk in Tehilim praises Hashem for inciting the Egyptian's hatred.A discussion on the proper historical perspective of antisemitism throughout the centuries, and comparing this perspective to an article written by a non-religious Israeli in Ha'aertz.

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!

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.