Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

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Parshas Chayei Sarah: Sarah Preserved Herself in Every Situation

Nov 1, 2026

1:15:53

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת חיי שרה. Discussed: What is the connection between Sarah and Esther? Chazal say that Esther merited to rule 127 countries because Sarah lived 127 years. Why does the Gemara say Sarah’s beauty was like a 7 yr old and her innocence was like a 20 yr old - shouldn’t it be the other way around?How two seemingly contradictory compliments regarding Sarah’s beauty and her prophecy are really in sync with each other.

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Parshas Vayeira: Breaking From the Past - Lot Part 2

Oct 25, 2026

1:01:57

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וירא. We continue the discussion of last week regarding Lot.Discussed:Why does the Torah emphasize that Avrohom returned to the same inns on his journey back from Mitzrayim?R’ Leib Chasman explores why some people achieve true greatness while others, despite great potential, stagnate and fail to progress? He adds that one must not let the focus on overcoming past habits prevent them from striving for greatness.

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Parshas Vayeira: Understanding When to Interpret the Torah Literally and When Figuratively

Oct 25, 2026

1:19:30

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וירא.Discussed: What is the message we should learn that one should attend to guests before the Shechina?The Rambam’s parameters for when we say the Torah is speaking figuratively as opposed to literally.The Abarbenal’s explanation of how to reconcile the Rambam given all the questions the Ramban asks.

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Parshas Lech Lecha: Magen Avraham - Discovering HaShem

Oct 18, 2026

1:17:06

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת לך לך. Discussed: The difference in child rearing between someone observant by rote versus someone who chose it through their own conviction. Why do we list the Avos in ascending order? Furthermore, why do we delineate them separately at the beginning of the first Bracha of Shmonei Esrei and then conclude only with Avroham? R’ Shimon Shkup’s incredible prediction, that right before Moshiach we will see an abundance of Balei Teshuva.

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Parshas Lech Lecha: The Rise and Fall of Lot - Part 1

Oct 18, 2026

1:20:07

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת לך לך. Discussed:What type of journey was Avrohom Avinu commanded to take? Did he go altruistically or to receive reward? How to understand Lot? Was he a Tzadik, who attached himself to Avrohom, following him through thick and thin, or a Rasha who unhesitatingly abandoned Avrohom and embraced Sodom? R' Shimon Schwab and R’ Eliyahu Meir Bloch discuss where Lot went wrong, and what caused him to become entrapped by Sodom.

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Parshas Lech Lecha: Bris Milah - Perfect from the Start

Oct 18, 2026

52:11

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת לך לך.Discussed:Understanding the argument between Yitzchok and Yishmael regarding the ideal way to perform Mitzvas Bris Milah. Is it better to perform the Mitzvah as an intelligent thirteen-year-old or an innocent baby?Understanding the story of אחר (R' Elisha Ben Avuya), a great sage who went off the Derech. The Gemara cites the Pasuk טוב אחרית דבר מראשיתו, ascribing the father's wrong Kavanah during the Bris, which affected אחר later in life.

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Parshas Noach: The Taivah and The Mishkan

Oct 12, 2026

1:02:39

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת נח. Discussed: What is the connection between the Mitzvah to build the Taivah and the Mitzvah to build the Mishkan, and how the function of Yeshivos have evolved over the years from being just a Mishkon to serving a dual purpose of a Taivah & a Mishkan.Rabbi Chaim Dov Keller Zt”l had a Vort, that you can’t be a Bar Mitzva without being a Ben Torah. R’ Elya Meir Bloch explains that the rainbow is the symbol that Hashem won’t destroy the world because just as a single ray of light pushes away all the darkness so too Hashem promised that as long as there is even just one ray of light (a Noach) he likewise won’t destroy the world.

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Parshas Noach: The Macro Effect of Our Actions

Oct 12, 2026

1:23:01

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת נח. Discussed: What is the significance of the animals becoming deviant? How can man affect the animal kingdom, and why would animals be punished for their moral failings if they only operate on instinct? The Beis Halevi explains why the Tzadik gets the Rasha's portion of his merits and vice versa. What is the difference between Din and Cheshbon?

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Parshas Bereishis: Kayin and Hevel - A Clash of Ideology

Oct 5, 2026

2:13:07

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בראשית. Discussed: • The Kli Yakir explains what it means that Kayin offered his Korbon, מקץ ימים, at the end of days. What was the motivation behind Kayin's Korbon, and why did Hashem reject his Korbon? • Understanding the essential concept of Korbonos. If Hashem doesn't "need" our gifts, why do we offer Korbonos? Furthermore, what is the significance of מבכרות צאנו, the first of Hevel's cattle; does it really matter to Hashem whether someone offers the last of their crop instead of Bikkurim? What is the difference between an animal offering and one of flax? • Understanding the Orach Chaim who explains why Kayin deserved the incredible promise from Hashem that he will be protected for seven generations. Also discussed, the idea of Bitachon based on the Segulah Niflah from the Nefesh Hachaim.

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Parshas Bereishis: Evil Character is Worse for Emunah than Twisted Philosophies

Oct 5, 2026

50:14

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בראשית. Discussed: • The Netziv's introduction to Sefer Bereshis explains that Sefer Bereshis is called Sefer Hayashor and serves as the introduction to the entire Torah, teaching by example the message of Derech Eretz Kadma Latorah. • The observation that the Torah was willing to write the pesukim of creation in ways that can be corrupted and misconstrued to support idolatry and other ideologies in order to teach us lessons in Derech Eretz. • Understanding that left unchecked, the greatest danger of heresy and denial of G-D comes from personal arrogance. The Stiepler writes, the greatest levels of Yiras Shimayim are achieved through humility and we can also take this lesson from the episode of Adam when he ate from the Eitz Hadas.

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Parshas Bereishis: The Deception of Desire

Oct 5, 2026

1:15:51

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בראשית.Discussed: • What was the state of Adom Harishon before he ate from the Etz Hadas (Tree of Knowledge)? What changed after he sinned? • Learning from the Parsha the way the Yetzer Hara operates, and how desire fools us.

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The Uniqueness of Mitzvas Sukkos

Sep 22, 2026

38:22

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on סוכות. Discussed: The Bach teaches that there are three Mitzvos that have a special requirement to know the reason behind the Mitzvah in order to fully satisfy the obligation; Sukkos, Tefilin, and Tzisis. Why are these Mitzvos unique in this regard? The Sefer Haikram writes that there are three basic fundamental principles of belief, and that they correspond to the three Yomim Tovim of Pesach, Shavous, and Sukkos.

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Sukkos Part 2: The Joy of the Baal Teshuva

Sep 22, 2026

1:36:03

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on סוכות. We continue the theme of the last Shiur. Discussed: Why do we pray in Avinu Malkeinu to inscribe us in the Book of Merit; either we are meritorious already or not? R' Mattisyahu Solomon asks why is Sukkos defined as Zman Simchaseinu (time of our joy), what is the source of this joy?

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Sukkos Part 1: Why in Tishrei?

Sep 22, 2026

1:36:10

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on סוכות. Discussed: The Vilna Gaon's answer to the famous question; why is Sukkos celebrated in Tishrei? A second Vilna Gaon, where he explains the Mishna that compares rain on Sukkos to a servant who has water poured back in his face by his master. A discussion on the importance of time.

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The Fallen Sukkah of Dovid

Sep 22, 2026

59:01

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on סוכות. Discussed: The connection between Sukkos, Moshiach, and the end of days. The Vilna Gaon's approach for why we celebrate Sukkos in Tishrei and not in the month of Nissan. How the Shofar represents the power of Teshuva and why this confounds the Soton.

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The Gain of the Pain - The Incredible Gift of Yom Kippur

Sep 17, 2026

1:14:46

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on יום כיפור.Discussed: • The Chinuch writes that Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur sustain the world because it enables us to gain yearly atonement. Without this gift of yearly atonement, we would be overwhelmed by the burden of Aveiros and we would never be able to perform Teshuva. • Three concepts underlying the fast of Yom Kippur 1) לפום צערא אגרא, the more pain the higher the reward, more so by Yom Kippur where the pain itself is the Mitzvah. 2) The fasting of Yom Kippur counts as a form of Teshuvas Hamishkal. 3) How the act of fasting parallels a Korbon offering, where we offer the very blood & fats of our physical body. • Understanding the significance of the Ketores, which symbolizes Teshuva, and was the Kohen Gadol's main Avoda on Yom Kippur. Ketores takes a physical object and transforms it into ריח (smell), the sense most associated with the spiritual. It was performed only after entering the Kadoeh Hakoshim in front of the Aron Hakodesh, representing the unification of Teshuva and Torah.

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Yom Kippur: Asking Forgiveness - The Consequences of Causing Others' Pain

Sep 17, 2026

58:57

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on יום כיפור.Discussed: • R' Chaim Shmulevitz highlights the need to resolve Bein Adam Lchaveiro issues before Yom Kippur, otherwise, one cannot obtain full atonement on the day of judgment. • R' Chaim Shmulevitz writes of the severe punishments that can result from sins of Bein Adam Lchaveiro, even when the person unintentionally and only indirectly harmed the other person (as illustrated in two stories brought in the Gemara). He explains that these terrible consequences are not necessarily a punishment, rather it's the natural cause and effect of hurting someone else, similar to putting one's hand in a fire! • Conversely, one should understand and appreciate the great and awesome merit when you are the instrument to someone else's growth and betterment. This idea is illustrated by the Kedusha of the Midbar & Har Moriah, and also by Yehuda who gained eternal reward because he inspired Reuven to do Teshuva.

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Rosh Hashana: The Mitzvah of Shofar

Sep 6, 2026

1:10:15

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on ראש השנה‎. Discussed: Numerous reasons why we blow the Shofar on Rosh Hashana, and the underlying themes of these different and sometimes conflicting reasons. The Shlah's explanation of why we end each set of Tekiaos with a Tikiya Gedolah, and why the confounding of the Yeitzer Hara only happens after the second Tikiya. How the blowing of the Shofer encompasses both elements of T'shuva Meahava and T'shuva Meyirah.

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Rosh Hashana: Shofar - The Cry of the Soul רצוננו לעשות רצונך

Sep 6, 2026

1:19:15

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on ראש השנה‎.Discussed: Why does the Torah call Rosh Hashana a Yom Teruah (referring to Shofar), which is only one of the Mitzvos of the day, but nowhere is it mentioned that it's the beginning of the new year and a day of judgment - the defining feature of the holiday? What are the connections between the 4 places the Torah mentions the Shofar that are all incorporated in the Bracha of Shofros in Musaf: The Akida, Matan Torah, the Mitzvah on Rosh Hashana, and the future Geulah? The Vilna Goan explains that "קול" signifies a sound with no meaning, so too the Shofar is the language of the heart and is intended to be primitive without eloquence. Similarly, the Baal Shem Tov writes that the Kol of the Shofar resembles the inarticulate cry of a child to his parent. So too, the Shofar represents the cry of the inner heart of every Jew, crying out to Hashem with a yearning to connect and serve Hashem.

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Yomim Noraim: Segulos to Merit a Favorable Judgement

Sep 3, 2026

1:28:07

Shiur From Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl' on ימים נוראים. Discussed: The Gemara teaches that for those who forgo the grievances against them, Hashem reciprocates and will overlook the evil you might have committed. The significance of the סימנים and the importance of how you act on Rosh Hashana. The attitude one should have on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Should one cry? The diffrent opinions and R' Yisrael Slanter's compromise.

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Parshas Ki Savo: Bikurim and the Beginning of the Year

Aug 24, 2026

34:47

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת כי תבא. Discussed: • What does the Medrash mean that the world was created on account of Mitzvas Bikurim? • Understanding the preciousness of Mitzvas Bikurim that it manifests an acceptance of Hashem's Hashgachas Pratis. • The Alshich writes that the Torah attaches great importance to the Mitzvah of Bikurim because it demonstrates the Middah of Hakaros Hatov. For this reason, we allow employees to stop their work and join in the celebration of the Mitzvah.

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Parshas Ki Savo: The Double Edged Sword of Prosperity

Aug 24, 2026

1:13:30

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת כי תבא. Discussed: • A deeper look into the Parsha of Bentching: why does the Torah only have a Mitzvah to make a ברכה after the meal when one is satiated, it would seem more logical to make a Bracha before we eat. • The Ksav Sofer explains why we use the Loshon of השקיפה (look down at us) in the Bracha after bringing Bikkurim, which has negative connotations. • The Rambam discusses why the Brachos in this week's Parsha are all of a physical nature and don't mention the primary reward of Olam Haba.

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Parshas Ki Tetzei: Ben Sorer U'moreh in Modern Society

Aug 17, 2026

1:20:50

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת כי תצא.Discussed: Understanding some of the underlying causes for Ben Sorer U'moreh and how these issues are prevalent in today's society. These are crucial lessons in Chinuch and one will be rewarded with healthy and happy children. R' Moshe Paskens that marijuana and other drugs are Assur to use because they cause addictive behaviors similar to the Ben Sorer U'moreh. Discussing the proper way and method to discipline children. One must carefully consider the child's need for discipline but can never hit a child out of anger because they will violate the לאו of לא יוסיף, as brought in the Vilna Gaon.

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Parshas Ki Tetzei: בן סורר ומורה: Sinning versus Becoming a Sinner - Authority of Chachamim Part 2

Aug 17, 2026

59:51

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת כי תצא, continuing the topic of Rabbinic authority.Discussed: Discussion regarding the commandment to listen to Rabbinical decrees. When is it considered a Biblical violation for not adhering to the Rabbinical decrees? Why does the Torah punish a Ben Soreh U'moreh (wayward son) for his expected future actions (‘Nidone Ol Shem Sofo’)? The Gemara expounds from Yishmoel that there is a concept of "B'asher Who Shum’- One is only judged for his present state and not for his future actions. The important lesson in child-raising and marriage that we learn from Ben Soreh U'Moreh.

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Parshas Ki Tetzei: Lessons Learned from the Battlefield

Aug 17, 2026

1:27:52

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת כי תצא.

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Elul: Restoring Wasted Time

Aug 13, 2026

46:12

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on אלול.Discussed: • The Sefarim bring down from the Arizal that Teshuva during Elul is classified as Teshuva M'Ahava (love), which has the awesome power to restore all the time wasted doing Aveiros. In contrast, Teshuva on Rosh Hashanah is classified as Teshuva M'Yirah (fear) and only wipes the slate clean, but the person is still accountable for wasted time and opportunities. • The Chofetz Chaim learns from the Pasuk in Ki Tetzei that if one simply makes an effort to battle with the Yetzer Hara, they will merit special Siyata Dishmaya, and emerge victorious. He adds, that the captives referred to in the Pasuk are all the Aveiros and lost opportunities that the Yetzer Hara captures throughout the year, which are recaptured by doing Teshuva M'Ahava.

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Parshas Shoftim: When War Numbs Us – Learning to Feel Again

Aug 10, 2026

1:33:49

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת שופטים, discussing one's reaction to the constant tragedies in Eretz Yisrael. The Yalkut and Zohar bring a Medrash where Malachaim questioned Hashem why the Torah has more compassion for animal blood than Jewish blood. Hashem's response is alluded to in a Pasuk at the beginning of the Parsha.R' Chatzkel Levenstein encouraged the Bochurim to feel the fear and anguish of their fellow Jews as if the Yeshiva was physically at the battlefields. This lesson of sensitivity is the reason why Eglah Arufa is interposed during the discussion of war to re-sensitize us to the preciousness of one human life even in the midst of battle.

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Parshas Shoftim: Da’as Torah Does Not Yield to Shifting Moral Fashions - Authority of Chachamim Part 1

Aug 10, 2026

1:15:53

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת שופטים, on the topic of Rabbinic Authority. Discussed: A fascinating letter written by R’ Moshe Feinstein in response to Governor Rockefeller’s inquiry regarding the Jewish perspective on the death penalty. Ramban’s explanation on why one must listen to Chazal, even if they are clearly mistaken in their Psak. Chazan Ish’s response to being asked if halachic rulings can/should be re-assessed based on new manuscripts that were found in the Cairo Ganiza.

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Parshas Shoftim: Safeguarding the Community, Home, and Individual

Aug 10, 2026

1:23:40

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת שופטים.Discussed: • The Chida explains that the Torah uses a singular expression in the first Pasuk, שפטים ושטרים תתן לך בכל שעריך "guards 'you' should place in all 'your' gates," to teach us that every individual must enforce their own personal standard. R' Chaim Vital adds that the gates in the Pasuk allegorically refer to the "gates" of the human body (the eyes, ears, mouth, etc.). • A Pshat, that שעריך "your gates" pertain to the home, and that each person must ensure they have standards and gates protecting their home from harmful outside influences. • Why did R' Yosi Ben Kisma refuse to move to the wealthy community, insisting he must remain in a Makon Torah? Didn't he have a responsibility to be Marbitz Torah (spread Torah)?

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Parshas Ki Savo: The Curses Preserve Klal Yisrael - Authority of Chachamim Part 3

Sep 7, 2025

1:51:32

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת כי תבא, continuing the topic of Rabbinic Authority.

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Parshas Re'eh: Insights on the Parsha

Aug 2, 2026

1:17:04

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת ראה.Discussed:We learn a lesson from the first Pasuk, that an individual can affect the entire world by his actions.R' Akiva Eiger has a Pshat in a cryptic Ba'al Haturim regarding false prophets.Three Peshatim on the Pasuk אחרי ה' אלוקיכם תלכו, after Hashem you shall follow. Why does the Torah use an expression that implies the person is far from Hashem?

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Parshas Ekev: אין עוד מלבדו - The Key to Miracles

Jul 28, 2026

1:30:46

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת עקב. Discussed:The Nefesh Hachaim reveals the secret to miracles, as illustrated by the story of R' Chanina Ben Dosa and the witch. Why was R' Chanina Ben Dosa oblivious to the danger of Kishuf, disregarding the principle of אין סומכין על הנס. Moreover, even the Avos and Moshe Rabeinu did not rely on their זכותים to protect themselves from danger!The Nefesh Hachaim explains the significance of the bronze snake in the Midbar, and why the Yidden were instructed to look above the snake (representing evil) to find salvation.The Medrash states that one can rely on Emunah even when lacking any other merit. This is also the lesson of the Manna in this week's Parsha. Bread alone cannot nourish a person; rather, it is the Word of Hashem that grants bread its life-nourishing power. Hashem continues to provide all forms of sustenance, just as He provided the Manna.

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Parshas Ekev: הטוב והמטיב - Appreciating the Good in the Face of Calamity

Jul 27, 2026

1:21:08

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת עקב. Continuing the topic of Birchas Hamazon. Discussed:Two approaches, from the Even Haezra and Bais Halevi, in explaining the Torah prohibition of the emotion of jealousy. Understanding why Lol Sachmod is part of the עשרת הדיברות and how it connects with the first of the דיברות (Anochi Hashem).Explaining why Chazal added a fourth Bracha to Benching in honor of the miracle at Beitar.Recognizing the ways that Hashem provides for the Jewish people throughout the various eras of our history: starting from the Midbar, continuing with our conquest of Eretz Yisrael, the period of the Bais Hamikdash, and ultimately, even in the darkness of Galus.

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Parshas Ekev: The Battle of Bread

Jul 27, 2026

1:07:59

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת עקב. Discussed: Why is the Mitzvah only to Bless Hashem after eating? It would seem more logical (as the Gemara writes) to make a Bracha before eating.Two Peshatim why the Torah considers the מן to be a "test" for the Bnei Yisrael in the desert. R' Shamshon Refael Hirsch examines the similar roots of the words לחם (bread) and מלחמה (war), and writes that Bentching with a Zimun promotes Achdus and prevents conflict and war.

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Parshas Vaeschanan: אמונה - The Key to Life

Jul 24, 2026

1:32:37

Shiur from My Father Rabbi Kohn ZT"L on פרשת ואתחנן‎.Discussed: Why did Moshe Rabeinu have such an overwhelming desire to enter Eretz Yisrael? R' Yechezkal Abramsky found meaning and Chizuk in the Modeh Ani Tefilla, helping him thrive during his bitter exile in Siberia. The Nefesh Hachaim provides the secret to miracles, as illustrated by the story of R' Chanina Ben Dosa and the witch.

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Gadol Hashalom Part 2: The Law of Unintended Consequences

Jul 24, 2026

1:55:26

The second part of the Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on the topic of Bein Adam L'chaveiro.Discussed:R' Chaim Shmulevitz examines a few Gemaras in which we see that terrible consequences result when people hurt others, even unintentionally!The Margolis Hayom explains why the Gemara praises ר' יהודה בר אלעאי‎, that in his generation six people shared a Tallis. Why is ר' יהודה בר אלעאי‎ praised for the action of his Talmidim? A close look at the two places in Shas where it brings the story of R' Akiva as he went off to learn for 24 years, and the different lessons that we learn from each Gemara. Why did the first batch of Talmidim of Rabbi Akiva die, and why specifically in the time period between Pesach and Shavous? What changed with the new Talmidim that they were worthy to establish Torah for Klal Yisrae for all eternity?

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Gadol Hashalom Part 1: The Prerequisite of the Torah

Jul 24, 2026

1:20:17

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on the topic of Bein Adam L'chaveiro. Related to the Shiur on Devarim.Discussed:A discussion highlighting the difference between punishment for sin and the consequence of sin.Why Chazal praise the generation of ר' יהודה בר אילאי, that six of his Talmidim shared one garment. How do six people share one Tallis?R' Chaim Shmulevitz discusses two prerequisites for קבלת התורה, and how these two Middos were exemplified by the Talmidim of R' Yehuda Bar Ilai.

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Tisha B'Av: Rabbi Akiva and the Holocaust - Understanding Jewish Martyrdom

Jul 20, 2026

1:19:50

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on תשעה באב, on the topic of the holocaust, Kiddush Hashem, and Jewish martyrdom.Understanding the Gemara regarding the death of Rabbi Akiva; What did his talmidim mean when they asked, "Until this point?" as he recited Shema while the Romans were putting him to death? Also, what was the significance of it being זמן קריאת שמע?Amazing letter from a survivor of the camps describing the ultimate level of sacrifice.The Shalah’s explanation of Hashem’s response to Moshe Rabeinu when he asked why Rabbi Akiva had to suffer such a horrible fate. Also, what did Hashem mean that R' Akiva's fate was "My original intention."

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Devarim - Tisha B'Av: Survival Guide for Galus

Jul 17, 2026

1:15:30

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת דברים & תשעה באב.Discussed:Various Medrashim and Peshatim on the Pasuk in Devarim, רב לכם סב את ההר הזה פנו לכם צפנה. The Kli Yakor writes that this Pasuk has a hidden message for future generations, that Jews in Galus should hide their wealth and success. He rebuked the Jews in his generation who flaunted their wealth because it incited the jealousy of Eisav and Yishmael, causing persecution.R' Yisrael Salanter writes that making a Bracha on the Torah shows an appreciation for how the Torah distinguishes and elevates the Jews, and therefore when the Jews did not make a Bracha, the first Beis Hamikdash was destroyed.

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Tisha B'Av: Why We Lost The Land

Jul 20, 2026

1:34:11

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on תשעה באב.Discussed: • The Ran explains what the Gemora means that the Beis Hamikdash was destroyed because they weren’t careful to make a Bracha before learning Torah and how to reconcile this Gemara with the other Gemora that says it was destroyed because of the three cardinal sins. • R’ Elya Lopian explains why only Hashem was able to explain the reason the Beis Hamikdash was destroyed, and that since Klal Yisrael disrespected and cheapened the Torah into just a means to an end, it therefore didn’t protect them from committing the sins that ultimately caused the Beis Hamikdash’s destruction. • R’ Reuven Rosovsky on the Torah’s perspective on balancing our love for the land of Israel, the Hebrew & Yiddish languages, and staying focused on the greater agenda of learning Torah & coming close to Hashem.

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Parshas Devarim: The Greatness of Peace and the Consequences of Strife

Jul 15, 2026

1:33:43

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת דברים. This Shiur connects with the Gadol Hashalom series. Discussed: Lessons one can learn from Moshe Rabeinu on the proper way to give תוכחה (rebuke). R' Chaim Shmulevitz on the importance of proper sensitivity to human dignity even for low and deplorable people. The terrible consequences that come from a lack of Bein Adom L'chaveiro, as illustrated by the generations of Dovid and Achav.

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Devarim - Tisha B'Av: Survival Guide for Galus

Jul 15, 2026

1:15:30

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת דברים & תשעה באב.Discussed:Various Medrashim and Peshatim on the Pasuk in Devarim, רב לכם סב את ההר הזה פנו לכם צפנה. The Kli Yakor writes that this Pasuk has a hidden message for future generations, that Jews in Galus should hide their wealth and success. He rebuked the Jews in his generation who flaunted their wealth because it incited the jealousy of Eisav and Yishmael, causing persecution.R' Yisrael Salanter writes that making a Bracha on the Torah shows an appreciation for how the Torah distinguishes and elevates the Jews, and therefore when the Jews did not make a Bracha, the first Beis Hamikdash was destroyed.

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Parshas Matos: The Rambam's Sixth, Seventh, & Eighth Principle - נבואת משה Part B

Jul 7, 2026

1:13:45

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת מטות,‎ a continuation from the previous Shiur on the topic of נבואת משה. Discussed: • The Rambam's approach, based on various Pesukim in the Torah, that Revelation at Har Sinai also established Moshe Rabeinu as the ultimate Navi and transmitter of the Torah. • How the flaws in a Navi's Middos creates barriers in the prophetic vision. In contrast, Moshe Rabeinu's unique character traits differed from other Neviem, enabling him to transmit the Torah and act as the conduit between Hashem and the world.

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Parshas Matos: The Rambam's Sixth, Seventh, & Eighth Principle - נבואת משה Part A

Jul 7, 2026

1:20:01

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת מטות‎ on the topic of נבואת משה. Discussed: • What is the difference between 'כה אמר ה', the phrase used by all נביאים, and the phrase 'זה דבר ה' used by Moshe? • Why does the Rambam have two separate principles of faith, one to believe in prophecy and a second for נבואת משה? What is so special about נבואת משה that it requires a separate principle of faith? • The Rambam explains what purpose miracles play in relation to prophecy and what are the requirements before we accept someone as a bona fide נביא.

45

Parshas Matos: Elef Lemateh - Doing Battle With Tefilla

Jul 7, 2026

1:34:17

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת מטות‎. Discussed:The pros & cons of taking out a life insurance policy.R' Chatzkel's deep insight as to why the number of people dedicated to praying corresponded to those that fought in the battle, and why was it necessary for them to be on the actual battlefield when they davened. The Chofetz Chaim's explanation as to why Hagolas Keilim (Kashering utensils) is called Chok Hatorah, similar to the Para Adumah.

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Parshas Matos: The Purifying Power of Torah

Jul 7, 2026

1:36:15

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת מטות‎. Discussed: The Chofetz Chaim finds a parallel between the Parsha of Kashering utensils and the methods for proper Teshuva. A lesson from the Bnei Gad and Bnei Reuvain about the importance of staying affiliated with the entirety of Bnei Yisrael. Also discussed, is how children are influenced by the place where they are raised.

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How Pinchas Saved the Jewish People

Jul 1, 2026

1:12:36

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת פנחס. Discussed: A Pshat why the Jews deserved to die even though they were motivated by lust to serve idols, and therefore according to the Rambam they don’t deserve capital punishment. The Sforno explains why Pinchas merited a long life because of his vengeful act. R’ Chaim explains why Pinchas was rewarded with a covenant of peace when his action was one of violence.

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Parshas Pinchas: In the Public's Eye

Jul 1, 2026

1:10:04

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת פנחס.Discussed:Understanding the Sforno, that the public sin of Zimri required a public act of vengeance in response.A discussion on the possible merit that the United States had to become a superpower.R' Chaim Shmulevitz explains the unusual and vulgar worship of Baal Peor. Furthermore, why did this repulsive form of Avoda Zara attract so many Jews?

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Parshas Balak: Bilam in the 21st Century

Jun 25, 2026

1:30:13

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בלק. Discussed: • R' Ahron Bakst asks, if the Goyim claimed they needed a Navi to inspire them, why did Hashem respond by sending them a person as morally reprehensible as Bilam? • The lesson of Parshas Bilam and its relevance to the modern era, the so-called "information age". • A discussion of how Bilam and Balak both returned home, unaffected by the wondrous miracles they had just witnessed.

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Parshas Balak: The Thirst to Learn

Jun 25, 2026

1:32:07

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בלק.Discussed:R' Chaim Shmulevitz gleans important insights into human nature from the story of Bilam, where we see how one person can have extremely conflicting qualities exist in themselves.The Orach Chaim explains the Bracha of לא ראה עמל בישראל ( he did not see toil by the Jews).The Alshich learns an important lesson in how to approach learning Torah from the Mishna in Avos, that one should drink with thirst the words of חכמים. When one is thirsty he is not picky and would happily drink water.