Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

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Parshas Mikeitz: מרגלים אתם - Understanding Yosef's Plan

Dec 17, 2025

1:22:57

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת מקץ.Discussed:The Gra answers a question on the Ramban, why would Yosef concoct a plan to torment his brothers and father just so he can fulfill his dreams?The Baal Haturin connects Yosef's accusation that the brothers were spies (מרגלים אתם), with the 10 Meraglim in Parshas Shelach. What is the significance of this connection?Rabeinu Bchaya writes on the Pasuk, ואתם עלו לשלום אל אביכם (go up to your father in peace), that this alludes to the Asara Harugei Malchus, and he elaborates how these 10 Tzadikim atoned for the sin of the brothers when they sold Yosef.

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Parshas Mikeitz: Wealth in this World

Dec 17, 2025

1:32:31

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת מקץ.Discussed:Understanding the Gemara, that Yosef split and hid his storehouses of wealth and three people later found this vast wealth: Korach, Antoninus, and future Tzadikim. What is the significance of these three groups, and why is one-third only reserved for future Tzadikim, what about current Tzadikim?Discussing three sources of wealth, as explained by the Ben Yehoyoda, and the three ways money can be utilized, all of which are exemplified by the three sets of Yosef's storehouses.R' Elya Lopian explains why Yosef told Pharaoh to specifically hire a WISE person to conserve food during the seven years of plenty. He continues and learns a valuable lesson in how a wise man views this world, a place rich in opportunities!

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Chanukah: The Unity Of the Menorah

Dec 14, 2025

1:14:48

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on חנוכה.Discussed: The contrast of the inclusiveness of Purim and the seemingly divisive nature of Chanukah explained with a Chasam Sofer. The Sforno explains why there are 7 distinct branches to the Menorah but it is all cast out of a single unit. Rabeinu Bichaya explains why the ten martyrs had to atone for the sale of Yosef.

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Chanukah, December 25, and the Winter Solstice - Jewish Enlightenment

Dec 14, 2025

1:00:38

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on חנוכה and December 25th.Discussed:Four themes that we find in the Sefarim for Chanukah: 1) The physical salvation of the Jews and military conquest, celebrating when the Jews reconquered Eretz Yisrael and the establishment of Jewish independence, free from foreign influence. 2) A celebration for the rededication of the Bais Hamikdash. 3) The spiritual salvation from Greek assimilation & Shmad and the eternity of the Torah. 4) The miracle of the burning oil.The Gemera says that Adam Harishon celebrated the first winter solstice for eight days. The Maharal writes that this 8-day celebration took place on Chanukah and December 25th, and like Chanukah, Adam celebrated the empowerment of light over darkness.Contrasting the approach of the Yidden in establishing Chanukah and the Christians in establishing Xmas.

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Chanuka: The Supernatural Lights

Dec 14, 2025

1:11:33

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on חנוכה.

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Chanuka & Parshas Miketz: The Light of the Menorah - Hope in Galus

Dec 14, 2025

1:19:22

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on חנוכה. Discussed: Three Questions on Chanukah; (1) Chazal tell us that Purim marks the end of prophecy and supernatural miracles, if so, why do we find supernatural miracles in the Chanukah story which takes place hundreds of years later? (2) Normally, Hashem performs miracles involving the salvation of the Jews, yet the miracle of the burning oil was simply helping the performance of a Mitzvah? (3) Why did Hashem perform a miracle for the burning of the oil, if impure oil would have been allowed due to the principle of Tuma Hutra Bitzibur?Reb Mottel Progimonsky explains Rashi, who writes that we see the great reward of Tzadikim from the fact that Yosef was sold to a spice caravan and was spared a foul odor on his trip down to Mitzrayim. What is this great reward? Yosef was in the process of being betrayed by his own brothers, did he really care how the caravan smelled?

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Parashat Vayeshev: The Value of Suffering

Dec 8, 2025

56:48

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וישב.

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Parshas Vayishlach: The Centrality of Torah Study

Dec 1, 2025

1:18:05

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl On פרשת וישלח. Discussed: Why did Yaakov Avinu establish the tefillah of Maariv only after he left Eretz Yisrael?Understanding how each of the Avos represents the three times we went to Galus, and similarly, each corresponds to one of the Batei Mikdash.

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Parshas Vayishlach: Understanding the Story of Dina and the Roles of Women

Dec 1, 2025

1:19:51

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl On פרשת וישלח.Discussed:Discussing why Dinah was associated with her mother Leah, implying similar character traits, and how her personality was particularly suited to reform Eisav. With this understanding, we can explain why Yaakov was punished for hiding Dinah from his brother, Eisav. The Akeidas Yitzchok writes that women have two purposes. This is why we find two names for Chava, one implying partnership with man in a spiritual journey and a separate name implying motherhood. Similarly, the Ksav Sofer writes that marriage has two functions (paralleling the Akeidas Yitzchok), and this is the concept of Zivug Rishon and Zivug Sheni. Each person has a pre-ordained spouse with whom to have children and raise a family (Zivug Rishon). Zivug Sheni on the other hand, is a marriage where the couple support each other, grow together, and pursue the same goals. One merits Zivug Sheni כפי מעשיו (according to his deeds).

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Parshas Vayishlach: Having it All

Dec 1, 2025

1:25:42

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl On פרשת וישלח.Discussed: Rabeinu B'chaya explains the deeper meaning behind Yaakov's request when he asked Hashem to supply him with "bread to eat and clothes to wear". R' Moshe writes that Hashem provides according to the standards of each generation; the basics are readily available but the luxuries are harder to obtain. The Kli Yakir explains what it means that Hashem Bentched the Avos with כל, everything.

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Hakaros Hatov - The Fundamental Middah of Yiddishkeit

Nov 26, 2025

1:24:09

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on the topic of הכרת הטוב. Discussed: A better understanding of the idea of Hakaros Hatov based on a seemingly arrogant statement of R' Zoma, brought down in the Gemara of Brachos.Lessons we can learn from Moshe Rabeinu regarding the extent of the obligation to recognize goodness. How Kibbud Av V'em embodies the dual nature of Hakaros Hatov which is the foundation for both Mitzvos בין אדם לחברו (between man and fellow) and Mitzvos בין אדם למקום (between man and Hashem).

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Thanksgiving: A Jewish Perspective

Nov 26, 2025

46:37

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on the topic of הכרת הטוב. Discussed: Different Halachik opinions regarding a Jew celebrating Thanksgiving. The Alshich explains why Chazal say that the world was created on account of Mitzvas Bikkurim. What is so significant about this specific Mitzvah?Why is someone who is כפוי טוב (unappreciative) considered an Apikorus (denier of God)?

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Parshas Vayetzei: The Mystery of Galus - גם זו לטובה

Nov 24, 2025

1:31:39

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת ויצא. Discussed: The Daas Zekanim and Baal Haturin note that Parshas Vayetzei is a Parsha סתומה, which symbolizes Yaakov's life in Galus and our long Galus these past 2,000 years. The Gra writes in a letter to his family, מחר תבכה מאשר היום תשחק (tomorrow you will cry at what today you laughed). This idea is illustrated by Leah and Rochel who both merited having the Shevatim unexpectedly, after experiencing hardship. R' Chaim Shmulevitz explains why the Tanna was known as Nachum Ish Gam Zu. What is the meaning of Gam Zu Letova, ALSO this is good?

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Parshas Vayetzei: Thanking HaShem Through Recognition of Hashgacha

Nov 24, 2025

1:29:45

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת ויצא.Discussed: The Gemorah says that no one ever gave thanks to Hashem until Leah did so upon the birth of Yehuda. The Rif explains that even though there are numerous instances where the Avos and previous generations expressed appreciation to Hashem, Leah was the first to describe it as a “Hodah” (admission). Why is this significant and what is the message the Gemorah is trying to bring out with this? The Medrash explains how the descendants of Leah all followed in her path of giving “Hodah” and gives the examples of Yehudah, Dovid & Doniel. The example of Yehudah seems out of place since Yehudah was admitting his sin and seemingly has nothing to do with gratitude and Hakaros Hatov? The Rashba explains that whenever Jews and particularly Tzadikim are visibly being rewarded and their full glory is on display it is the ultimate cause of recognition of Hashem. We saw this in the days of Dovid and Shlomo, and for this precise reason, converts were not accepted into Klal Yisroel during these times.

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Parshas Vayetzei: The Correct Approach to a Successful Marriage

Nov 23, 2025

1:16:09

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת ויצא. Discussed: Why Yaakov's love for Rochel felt like only a few moments when it was 14 years and usually fondness for something makes the wait feel longer? Why is Veahavta L'Reicha the essence of the whole Torah?

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Parshas Toldot: Understanding Yitzchak's Approach to Tefilah and his Love for Eisav

Nov 17, 2025

1:16:48

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת תולדות. Discussed: The Chasam Sofer explains the ideal relationship between Eisav and Yaakov. This is represented by the relationship between R' Yehuda Hanasi and Antoninus. He further explains that people who support Torah are actually put on a higher pedestal than those who learn Torah. Discussion of Eisav's potential, and why Yitzchok’s persona of going against one's nature and natural order caused him to believe in Eisav and to ultimately be fooled by Eisav.

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Parshas Toldos: Exchanging the Temporary for the Eternal

Nov 17, 2025

1:31:48

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת תולדות. Discussed: The Steipler explains why Eisav was upset and accused Yaakov of tricking him into selling the בכורה (firstborn rights), in contrast to the beginning of the Parsha when Eisav seemed more than happy to sell it. Rabeinu B'chaya explains what Yaakov exchanged and sold to Eisav when he acquired the birthright. Why did Eisav's clothing smell like Gan Eden?

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Parshas Toldos: Attaching the Physical to the Spiritual

Nov 17, 2025

1:12:49

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת תולדות. Discussed: R’ Chatzkel Abramsky compared the way the Ponevezher Rav went about establishing Yeshivas and communities post WW2 to the way Yitzchok restored the wells of Avraham that were destroyed by the Pelishtim. Similarly, the Ponevezher Rav and other Torah leaders were restoring the European wells of Torah after the Nazis attempted to destroy them. What is the significance of the prophecy that there will eventually be a relationship between Eisav's and Yaakov's descendants (R' Yehuda Hanasi & Antoninus) two thousand years later?

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Parshas Chayei Sarah: Sarah Preserved Herself in Every Situation

Nov 9, 2025

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: Understanding When to Interpret the Torah Literally and When Figuratively

Nov 2, 2025

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 Vayeira: Breaking From the Past - Lot Part 2

Nov 2, 2025

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 Avinu went back to the same hotels on his return journey from Mitzrayim?Why are some people able to achieve greatness, while others, who seemingly start out with lots of potential, stall and never advance?

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Parshas Lech Lecha: Bris Milah - Perfect from the Start

Oct 26, 2025

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 Lech Lecha: Magen Avraham - Discovering HaShem

Oct 26, 2025

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 26, 2025

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?

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Parshas Noach: The Macro Effect of Our Actions

Oct 21, 2025

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 Noach: Surviving in an Ark versus Leading the Ship: The Importance of Reaching Out - Part B

Oct 21, 2025

1:18:43

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת נח.

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Parshas Noach: The Taivah and The Mishkan

Oct 21, 2025

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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Sukkos Part 1: Why in Tishrei?

Oct 4, 2025

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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Sukkos Part 2: The Joy of the Baal Teshuva

Oct 3, 2025

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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The Fallen Sukkah of Dovid

Oct 3, 2025

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 Uniqueness of Mitzvas Sukkos

Oct 3, 2025

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. Is there a reason why these Mitzvos are unique in this regard? The Sefer Haikram writes that there are three basic fundamental principles of belief, and they correspond to the three Yomim Tovim of Pesach, Shavous, and Sukkos.

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

Sep 28, 2025

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

Sep 28, 2025

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

Sep 19, 2025

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.

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Rosh Hashana: The Mitzvah of Shofar

Sep 19, 2025

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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Parshas Netzavim: Returning All the Way to Hashem

Sep 17, 2025

1:09:47

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת נצבים-וילך.Discussed: Lessons we can learn from Moshe Rabeinu and R' Yisrael Salanter on their last day of life. The Sforno explains what the Pasuk means that Teshuva is not in the heavens nor in a distant land. What was special about Reuven that Chazal say he was the first person to perform Teshuva; What about Adom, Kayin, and others who also did Teshuva?

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Parshas Ki Tetzei: Lessons Learned from the Battlefield

Sep 2, 2025

1:27:52

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 if one hits a child out of anger will violate the לאו of לא יוסיף, as brought in the Vilna Gaon.

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

Sep 2, 2025

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

Sep 2, 2025

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

Aug 25, 2025

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: Desensitized to War - Feeling Jewish Pain

Aug 25, 2025

1:33:49

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת שופטים. Discussed: 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 Vaeschanan: אמונה - The Key to Life

Aug 4, 2025

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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Devarim - Tisha B'Av: Survival Guide for Galus

Aug 1, 2025

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

Aug 1, 2025

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 Matos: Elef Lemateh - Doing Battle With Tefilla

Jul 22, 2025

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.

46

Parshas Balak: The Thirst to Learn

Jul 10, 2025

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.

47

Parshas Chukas: Learning a Lesson from the Sin at Mei Merivah

Jul 2, 2025

1:11:27

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת חוקת. Discussed: Highlighting the mysterious nature of Moshe's Aviera, and how the Mefarshim struggle to explain what Moshe did wrong. Understanding the Machlokes between Rashi and Ramban. Was Moshe supposed to hit the rock or speak to it? If Moshe was only supposed to speak to the rock (Rashi's Pshat) why did he bring the מטה? Which מטה did Moshe bring (see the Kli Yakir)? The Chasam Sofer explains why the Navi writes that Moshe, Miriam, and Ahron all died at the same time, implying some underlying connection between all three deaths. He writes that the Aveira of Lashon Hara underlies all three deaths, and this Aveira festered in Klal Yisrael resulting in the destruction of the second Bais Hamikdash with Sinas Chinum.

48

Parshas Korach: Understanding the Story of Korach

Jun 25, 2025

1:19:17

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת קרח‎. Discussed: The difference between Miriam’s mistaken assessment of Moshe and that of Korach’s & how they relate to the Rambam's 7th and 8th principal of his 13 Ikirum. The Meshach Chachma’s explanation of why Moshe was willing to put everything on the line to prove he was right, and why Korach had to be killed in such a supernatural way. Why do the Ketores and the staff of Ahron have special powers to save innocent people?

49

Parshas Be'halot'cha: Pesach Sheni and the Charedi Mentality

Jun 12, 2025

1:23:42

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בהעלותך.Discussed:Why are zealous Jews called Charedim (those that tremble) and how this characteristic was exhibited in the episode of Pesach Sheni. This trait differs from the attitude of many modern communities.R' Moshe learns important lessons from the Parsha of Pesach Sheni, where ordinary Yidden achieved supernatural success because they served Hashem with love and persevered against all odds to do a Mitzvah.Chazal write that the beginning of the downward spiral at the end of the Parsha started with Klal Yisrael's sinful attitude as they "ran away" from Har Sinai and Ruchniyos. Klal Yisrael then continued to fall when they pursued physical pleasures, leading to the episode of the מן at קברות התאוה.

50

Parshas Be'halot'cha : The Power Of Faith

Jun 12, 2025

1:32:36

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בהעלותך. Discussed: The Gemora states that rainfall is a greater demonstration of God’s mercy than the resurrection of the dead. The Ein Yaakov on how faith empowers people. The financial advice that is given in the Gemara in Brachos, and R’ Chaim Shmulevitz’s explanation on why one should overspend on his dependents, further explaining the unique relationship between a father to his son.