Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

51

Parshas Shemini: Simcha in the Face of Adversity

Apr 22, 2025

1:27:39

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת שמיני . Discussed: Understanding how Aharon was able to receive נבואה after the deaths of his two sons, in contrast to Yaakov who didn't receive prophecy for the 22 years he only assumed Yosef was dead. R' Chaim Vital's principle for how one can discover their true mission in life. The Bais Halevi on the Shira of Moshe, and how Dovid Hamelech had an appreciation for the bad along with the good.

52

Parshas Shemini: Lessons from the Deaths of נדב ואביהוא

Apr 22, 2025

1:05:42

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohnn Ztl on פרשת שמיני.Discussed:Why do we find many conflicting reasons, brought in the Torah and Chazal, for why Nadav and Avihu died. Some seem to regard them in a positive light while others seem to be negative.A lesson from the Chasam Sofer on the sacrifice faced by many leaders in regard to their family life.The Ksav Sofer has a beautiful Pshat to tie together the various reasons that were given to explain the deaths of נדב ואביהוא.

53

Parshas Tzav: זריזות in the Service of Hashem

Apr 9, 2025

40:33

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת צו.  Discussed:  Various Peshatim in the words of Chazal, that the Korbon Tamid requires extra זריזות (vigilance) because it involves a loss of money.  The Medrash Tanchuma emphasizes the importance of studying the Halachos of Korbonos, and why children are particularly important in this regard.

54

Pesach: The Election of Klal Yisroel - Part B

Apr 7, 2025

1:31:50

The second part of a Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פסח.  Discussed:  Why Bris Milah and Karbon Pesach are the only positive commandments that have the severe punishment of Kares, and why having a Bris is a pre-requisite to be able to partake in a Karbon Pesach.  Why the Torah refers to Pesach as "Shabbos," and how the theme of Sefirah is to ‘earn’ Shavous.  Why we say Yizokor on Yom Tov.

55

Pesach: The Election of Klal Yisroel - Part A

Apr 7, 2025

1:34:16

First part of a Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פסח.  Discussed:  The significance that Hashem personally killed the Egyptians by Makkos Bachoros and did not use an emissary. Additionally, why do we focus our eternal gratitude to Hashem for the inaction of passing us over and not killing us? Why did Klal Yisroel bow down in gratitude when they were told they would have descendants that would be asking the questions of the Ben Harasha (Wicked son) from the Hagadah? Beis Halevi’s explanation of the Medrash that Hashem waited for the approval of the Angles before starting Makkos Choshech and how it contrasts with Krias Yam Suf where the angles protested.

56

Pesach: Shiur on the Mitzvah of סיפור יציאת מצרים

Apr 6, 2025

1:27:43

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פסח. Discussed: Is there a minimum Shiur for the Mitzvah of Sippur Yetzias Mitzrayim? If not, what about the famous R' Gamliel that obligates one to say at least three things (Pesach, Matzah, and Marror)? Different ways to understand the Chiyuv to recite Hallel on Leil Pesach, including Rashi and the Rambam who consider it a part of סיפור יציאת מצרים, and the Chasam Softer and R' Hai Gaon who write that Hallel is a self-standing obligation triggered by סיפור יציאת מצרים. Discussing the source and parameters for the Mitzvah of סיפור יציאת מצרים, based on different Pesukim in the Torah. Also discussed, the Rishonim who hold that there is no specific Mitzvah of סיפור יציאת מצרים.

57

Pesach: Antisemitism Preserves the Jewish Nation - With Your Blood You Shall Live Part 2

Apr 6, 2025

1:50:43

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.

58

Pesach: Jewish Continuity Throughout Galus - With Your Blood You Shall Live Part 1

Apr 6, 2025

1:21:11

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.

59

Pesach: The Four Sons Part B

Apr 3, 2025

1:17:40

Two part shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פסח. This two-part series delves into the sources for the Four Sons, glean many insights and lessons into how the Torah presents the Four Sons, and contrasts them to how the Haggadah portrays them.

60

Pesach: The Four Sons Part A

Apr 3, 2025

1:10:44

Two part shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פסח. In this two-part series we will delve into the sources for the four sons and glean many insights and lessons in how the Torah presents the four sons, and contrast them to the way the Haggadah portray them.

61

Pesach: The Foundation of Judaism

Apr 3, 2025

1:35:09

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פסח. Continuation of the topics discussed from the shiurim on Parsahas Hachodesh and Purim.

62

Parshas HaChodesh: The Infinity of a Moment

Mar 27, 2025

1:25:45

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת החודש. Discussed: What is the message in the fact the first Miztva Hashem gave to Klal Yisroel was Kiddush Hachodesh? Why was Moshe so concerned about what the Egyptian Astrologers thought? The underlying message in the Pirkie D'Reb Eilezer that no part of the Ram from Akedes Yitzchock went to waste, and the principle of the 'conservation of spiritual energy'.

63

Parshas Hachodesh Part 2 - Jewish Months and the Second Temple Era

Mar 27, 2025

1:16:24

The second part of a Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת החודש.Discussed: R' Yaakov Kaminetzky elaborates on the Ramban, presenting a new approach to understanding the Geula from Bavel and Tekufas Bayis Sheni. R' Yaakov's perspective on the modern state of Israel as it relates to Galus, specifically to the horrors of the Holocaust and the rise of the Soviet Iron Curtain. R' Yaakov explains that during Bayis Sheni the Yidden spoke Aramaic, had Aramaic names, and used Persian months as a way to highlight that they had not yet reached full Geula. On the flip side, when we are in Galus, it is more important to keep Jewish names as a way to stave off assimilation, as we saw in Miztrayim.

64

Parshas Hachodesh Part 1: Jewish Months?

Mar 27, 2025

50:59

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת החודש.Discussed: The Sforno explains that we begin counting the year from Nissan in order to commemorate the idea that only after being freed from slavery did time become ours. The Ramban explains when and why we started calling the months by name (Nissan Iyar etc); names that are not Jewish but rather based on Persian/Babylonian pagan God's. Why are we using Persian names for our calendar? The Sefer Haikram asks, how could the Jews adopt non-Jewish Persian names of the months? Doesn't the Torah command us to count the months by number starting from Nissan? The Sefer Haikram concludes that this demonstrates that parts of the Torah can change, arguing against the Rambam's Ninth Principle, that the Torah is immutable and will never change.

65

Parshas Pekudei: Following the Command of Hashem

Mar 19, 2025

1:30:59

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת פקודי. Discussed: How to understand the order of the Parshiyos and why the Torah interrupts the construction of the Mishkan with Parshas Ki Sisa? Was there a Mitzvah to build the Mishkan before the חטא העגל? Why does Parshas Pekudei constantly repeat כאשר צוה ה' את משה (like Hashem commanded Moshe) over and over again? The Bais Halevi explains the underlying sin behind the חטא העגל and how the Bnei Yisrael repented when they built the Mishkan. He furthermore explains the mysterious nature of Parah Adumah and how it atones for the עגל.

66

Parshas Pekudei: Understanding Man's Endless Drive to Amass Wealth (Yetzer Hara Part 2)

Mar 19, 2025

1:27:44

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת פקודי, continuing on the topic of the Yetzer Hara. The Shiur can also be listened to as a standalone Shiur. Discussed: The Rambam in his Hakdama to Mishnayos asks, what is the value of all the people who waste time and spend their days in trivial pursuits? The Paradox of money: Why people have a limitless desire for money, a means to an end, but the end (physical pleasure) is very limited. The Gemara Darshans the Pasuk אוהב כסף לא ישבע כסף (he who loves money will never be satisfied with money) to refer to Moshe Rabeinu. In what sense did Moshe have a "love for money"?

67

The Promise of Purim

Mar 10, 2025

1:07:00

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פורים. Discussed: The Medrash states that Purim & Yom Kippur will be the only two Yom Tovim around after Moshiach. The Tshuvos HaRashba asks on this Medrash, how can it be that any part of the Torah will be abolished at any point in time and why would Purim have precedence over the other Yom Tovim that are D'orayasa? The Ramban on the Tochacha explains why the Torah states that Hashem will hide from the Yidden (V'anochi Hasteir Asteir Panei) after they have stirrings of Teshuva. Shouldn't Hashem come closer to Klal Yisrael after they begin doing Teshuva? Why Hashem's name is often hidden when Klal Yisrael does battle with Amalek, as we find in the Megilla itself, which lacks Hashem's name.

68

Purim: The Song of The Megillah

Mar 10, 2025

1:27:43

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פורים.  Discussed:  If every Jewish holiday is named after the defining miracle of that Chag, why is Purim named after the seemingly insignificant lots which Haman drew to decide when to exterminate the Jews?  What is the 'Song' of the Megillah that the Gemora says replaces the standard Hallel we recite on every Jewish holiday?  Why does the fulfillment of Mitzvas Megillah specifically require that one hear every single word?

69

The Hidden Light of Purim

Mar 10, 2025

1:02:34

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פורים.  Discussed:  Chazal compare Esther to the dawn, she was the end of miracles and a new era in Jewish history started. One would think that she should be compared to dusk, ushering in the night, so too Esther started the era of Galus and darkness and we lost miracles and prophecies.  The Zohar states, there is no light except that which emanates from darkness. The Meshech Chochma's understanding of the Gemara, that Hashem forced the Jews to accept the Torah at Har Sinai, by holding the mountain over them.

70

Parshas Zachor: Destroying Amalek and the Parnassah Problem

Mar 5, 2025

1:15:18

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת זכור.   Discussed:   Why does Chazal compare the difficulty of earning a living to that of קריעת ים סוף (splitting the sea)?   If Amalek represents the antithesis of spirituality & they are the spiritual arch-nemesis of the Jews and Torah, why does the battle against them have to be fought in a physical fashion and without any miracles?   How can we blot out Amalek if they are no longer a viable nation and an active enemy of the Jews? What is this perplexing Mitzvah to 'remember to forget'?

71

Parshas Zachor - Tetzaveh: There is No Happenstance

Mar 5, 2025

1:19:32

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelch Kohn Ztl on פרשת תצוה and פרשת זכור.  Discussed:  Is there a connection between the lack of Moshe Rabeinu in Parshas Tetzaveh, and the lack of Hashem's name in the Megilla.  The Netziv discusses why Moshe Rabeinu stepped back from the war with Amalek, and instead, Yehoshua led the attack.

72

Parshas Tetzaveh: Combining Good Intentions with Good Actions

Mar 5, 2025

1:35:59

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת תצוה.  Discussed:  Sefer Zichron Meir explains how we can relate to Karbonos in modern times & why is a Karbon called a "Rayach Nechoch" (Pleasant Scent).  Why did Shaul Hamelech refer to the command of Hashem as a "Dybur" (word) while Shmuel Ha'navi called it "Kol"(sound)? What exactly was the sin of Shaul Hamelech in regard to not wiping out Amalek and how his descendant Esther atoned for it.  The Chofetz Chaim wonders how is it possible for us to bring Moshiach today if even greater generations couldn't.

73

Parshas Zachor: The Final Challenge - Haman, Amalek, and the Original Sin

Mar 5, 2025

1:19:11

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת זכר.  Discussed:   The Gaon writes that each generation faces a challenge corresponding to one of the עשרת הדברות, and the final generation before Moshiach will face the challenge of לא תחמוד.   A close examination of the Aveira of the עץ הדעת and the evil of the נחש הקדמוני, which the Maharsha writes is the root of Amalek and Haman.   A discussion on the true חמדה (treasure/desire) of the world, based on the story of אחאב, and how to properly utilize the Middah of חמדה.

74

Parshas Terumah: בדי הארון - Attached to the Torah

Feb 26, 2025

46:43

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת תרומה.  Discussed:  The Ramban asks why Sefer Shemos, which is called ספר הגאולה (Book of Redemption), includes the building of the Mishkan, seemingly unrelated to יציאת מצרים.  A Pshat in the בדי הארון, what they represent, and the message one can take from the לאו not to remove them from the ארון.  The Chofetz Chaim and Ksav Sofer compare the בדי הארון to those who support Torah, which is illustrated by a story about R' Lazer Gordon.

75

Parshas Terumah: Building a Mishkan Through Commandments

Feb 26, 2025

1:33:33

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת תרומה.  Discussed:  Why is half of Sefer Shemos dedicated to the technical details of the building of the Mishkan?  Why did Moshe Rabeinu recoil in shock when he heard about these three Miztvos: the building of the Mishkan, the Korban Tamid, and the Machtzas Hashekel? Vort from R' Aaron Leib Shtienman on the building of the Beis Hamikdash.

76

Parshas Vayishlach: Having it All

Dec 11, 2024

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.

77

Parshas Mishpatim: בית יעקב Part 2 - Establishing a Curriculum of Torah Study for Women

Feb 17, 2025

1:36:55

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת משפטים, continuing the topic of Bais Yaakov and Girls' Education. Discussed: Understanding the Gemara that women receive a greater reward for encouraging their husbands and children to learn Torah, more than the merit they receive when studying Torah themselves. The Chofetz Chaim discusses the appropriate curriculum for a Bais Yaakov based on various exceptions to the Gemara (that discouraged women's Torah learning). Is there an actual Issur to teach women Torah, and how does the Bais Yaakov system harmonize with Gemara? The Bais Halevi, based on the Zohar, discusses two aspects of Torah learning, as a means to performing Mitzvos and as a goal unto itself. This idea is represented by the two crowns the Yidden received because they preceded נעשה before נשמע.

78

Parshas Yisro: בית יעקב - Girls' Education and Sarah Schenirer's Innovation

Feb 10, 2025

1:18:14

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת יתרו. Discussed: Which individual contributed the most to Jewish education in the last century? The Ridvaz discusses the spiritual decline in Europe during the late 19th century, despite the prevalence of Yeshivos. He attributes the decline to the lack of Jewish education for girls and their exposure to European culture. R' Meir Shapiro explains why the women are called בית" יעקב", the "house" of Yaakov, and not בת יעקב, daughter, of Yaakov. He also discusses the ideal way that girls are educated in Yiddishkeit, using a metaphor of two ways to ingest medicine.

79

Parshas Yisro: Only Torah, Not Miracles, Can Change a Person

Feb 10, 2025

1:12:37

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת יתרו. Discussed: R’ Meir Shapiro explains the difference between the Chinuch of a father and a mother, and how this is implied with the Torah referring to the women of Klal Yisroel as BEIS (the house) of Yakkov and not BAS (daughters) Yaakov. Why is it appropriate for the Torah to be given in the Parsha named after a non-Jew? What is the juxtaposition of Krias Yam Sof & the war with Amalek that inspired Yisro to come to Klal Yisroel?

80

Parshas Beshalach: Why Did the Sea Run Away?

Feb 4, 2025

1:30:58

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בשלח. Discussed: Discussing the various reasons given by Medrashim for Krias Yam Suf, implying that the miracle required human input and was not performed solely by Hashem. The Darkei Mussar, based on the Ikram, learns from Krias Yam Suf of Man's great power to partner with Hashem in creation, demonstrating Mankind's ability to elevate themselves above Malachim. The Kometz HaMincha writes, that even though Klal Yisrael was seemingly without Zchusim, they merited Krias Yam Suf because of the Kedusha they maintained in Mitzrayim, as epitomized by Yosef.

81

Parshas Beshalach: The Heart Rules the Mind

Feb 4, 2025

1:17:25

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בשלח.  Discussed:  R' Eliyahu Meir Bloch learns an important Mussar lesson from the מצריים that followed the Jews into the sea, an irrational act.  R' Yaakov Kamenetzky wonders why magic doesn't exist anymore. What was the purpose of magic and where did it go?  Why didn't Hashem miraculously save the Jews from Amalek, in stark contrast to the beginning of the Parsha when the Egyptians had the Jews surrounded?

82

Parshas Bo (Part B): Tefilin; An Unbreakable Bond

Jan 27, 2025

1:08:38

Two part Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בא , focusing on many aspects of Tefilin.  Discussed:  The Kli Yakir and Meshech Chochma explain why we wear Tefilin on our left hand which is the weaker hand.  The Tefilin Shel Yad (hand), which we put on first, symbolizes deeds, while the Shel Rosh (head) represents the intellect and understanding of Mitzvos.  The approach of the Orach Chaim, that God's greater hand, his so-called right hand, is one of love and Chesed, while His weaker arm, the left hand, is the one which smites and punishes.

83

Parshas Bo (Part A): Tefilin; An Unbreakable Bond

Jan 27, 2025

1:17:08

Two-part Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בא, focusing on many aspects of Tefilin.  Discussed:  Why the many differences between the Tefilin Shel Rosh (head) and Shel Yad (hand)? Furthermore, why is Tefilin unique in that we give preference to the left hand? Also, what is the connection between יציאת מצרים and Tefilin and why do we commemorate it daily?  Understanding why HaShem also wears Tefilin.  The Gra demonstrates the correlation between the five senses and the various compartments of Tefilin.

84

Parshas Bo: Judaism Includes Everybody

Jan 27, 2025

1:18:04

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בא.  Discussed:  The Kometz Hamincha explains why Pharoah asked, "who and who is going?" And why he had a hard time understanding that the children would also be joining.  Why is it that non-Jews can only bring a Karbon Olah and only Jews can bring a Shlomim offering, this is counter-intuitive since an Olah is the highest level of Karbon as it is completely consumed by the Mizbeach?  Ksav Sofer explains why when the Torah gives the answer to the question of the Ben Rasha with the answer of the Ben Shaino Yodah Lishol and why it's crucial to teach children Alef Beis before they learn ABC.

85

Parshas Bo: Our Behavior Creates Our Character

Jan 27, 2025

1:24:53

Shiur from Rabbi Kohn Ztl on פרשת בא.  Discussed:  The Ksav Sofer explains why the answer for the בן הרשע, the wicked son, is found by the שאינו יודע לשאול, the son who doesn't know how to ask.  The Chinuch lays down a principle to explain why Hashem commanded numerous Mitzvos.

86

Parshas Va'eira: What Happened to Magic? - Lessons from Moshe's Staff

Jan 20, 2025

1:24:05

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וארא. Discussed: R' Yaakov Kamenetzky asks, why was magic so prevalent in ancient history in contrast to the modern age? Why did magic exist, where did it go, and why did it disappear? The Be'er Yosef asks, why did Hashem send Moshe and Ahron to turn the staff into a snake; what lesson or message was Hashem trying to send Pharoah, especially in light of the Medrash that even children in Mitzrayim were able to replicate the miracle? The Rishonim discuss why the Mitzriyum were punished for enslaving the Yidden if Hashem had already informed Avroham Avinu (at the Bris Bain Habisarim) that the Yidden shall be enslaved for 400 years. Weren't the Egyptians simply fulfilling Hashem's decree?

87

Parshas Va'eira: Torah Broadens the Heart and Liberates the Mind

Jan 20, 2025

1:19:58

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וארא.  Discussed:  A question on the קל וחומר that Moshe Rabeinu made to Hashem, that if the Bnei Yisrael didn't listen to me then certainly Pharoah won't listen to me. However, the previous Pasuk states a reason why the Bnei Yisrael didn't listen, specifically because they were "short of breath" by being enslaved to Pharoah. So why did Moshe compare Pharoah to the Bnei Yisrael?  The Orach Chaim explains what the Pasuk means that the Bnei Yisrael were "short of breath" and that it refers to a lack of Torah.  One explanation given, based on the Even Ha'ezra in Parshas Naso, that a true king is one who rules over himself and can control his desires. Therefore if the Bnei Yisrael were unable to listen to Moshe because they were enslaved to Pharoah, then Kal V'chomer Pharoah could not listen to Moshe Rabeinu because Pharaoh was the biggest slave to himself. 

88

Parshas Va'eira: The Power of Mesirus Nefesh

Jan 20, 2025

50:57

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וארא.   This week’s Shiur is dedicated לעילוי נשמת ר' יצחק בן זאב - Eddie Chernoff. Eddie, was a dear family friend and Talmid of Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl. With a vision and commitment to Torah, Eddie founded The Time for Torah Fellowship in Telshe Yeshiva of Riverdale. These Shiurim are the direct fruits of his vision and efforts. יהי זכרו ברוך.   Discussed:   R' Eliyahu Meir Bloch explains why we find in the Haftora that Hashem rewarded Nevuchadnetzer for the work and toil he expended in besieging the city of צר.     A deeper understanding of the Gemara in Brachos that discusses why earlier generations merited to have their תפילות answered miraculously.    Why do terrorists who sacrifice their lives for bad causes find so much success?

89

Parshas Va'eira: A Natural Versus a Miraculous Redemption

Jan 20, 2025

1:17:46

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl On פרשת וארא. Discussed: Three approaches as to what Hashem meant when he told Moshe that the Avos did not know the name of Hashem. R’ Moshe Feinstein’s insight that the exodus from Egypt was supposed to be natural and not miraculous, and how the world’s moral compass and values are constantly changing. Beis Halevi on why Moshe initially resisted being chosen to lead Klal Yisroel and why we don’t say a full Hallel on Pesach.

90

Parshas Va'eira: Pharoah's Free Will

Jan 20, 2025

43:38

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וארא.  Discussed:  Two questions on the Parsha arise; why did HaShem harden Pharoah's heart, doesn't this interfere with the principle of free-will? Furthermore, if HaShem did harden his heart, why are the Mitzriyim punished for not letting the Jews go?  The Bais Halevi, (following the approach of the Ramban) discusses how to view choices made under duress.

91

Parshas Shemos: אושר החיים - Bilam's Painless Death v. Iyuv's Terrible Suffering

Jan 13, 2025

1:30:51

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת שמות. Discussed: Who received a harsher punishment, Bilam and his painless death, or Iyuv who lived with immeasurable suffering? R' Chaim Shmulevitz's important insight into the treasure of life, even a life full of pain and suffering. He explains the great value of life based on the Mishna in Avos, "better is one hour doing Mitzvos in this world, more than the entire Olam Haba."  R' J.D. Bleich visited his aunt who was in a coma and discovered the incredible value of life, even for someone in a vegetative state.

92

Parshas Shemos: The Divine Plan is Inevitably Fulfilled

Jan 13, 2025

1:18:15

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת שמות.  Discussed:  R’ Elya Meir Bloch’s insight into the dilemma Moshe faced in whether he should kill the Egyptian for beating the Jew.  The Chasam Sofer's explanation on why the Egyptian astrologers could not discern if the savior for the Jews would be an Egyptian or a Jew.  Explanation of how Pharoah, Chizkiyahu, and Yoseph's brothers all intended to prevent Hashgacha, instead they perpetuated it.

93

Parshas Shemos: The Jewish Name and the Jewish Identity

Jan 13, 2025

1:01:09

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn ztl on פרשת שמות.   Discussed:   A discussion of the prohibition against following the ways of the Goyim.   The Meshoch Chochma explains why Yaakov Avinu was so insistent that he be buried in Eretz Yisrael, and the lesson Yaakov taught future generations about living in Galus.   R' Moshe has a Teshuva discussing the permissibility of using non-Jewish names.

94

Parshas Shemos: Trivial Matters with Eternal Impact

Jan 13, 2025

1:19:20

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn ztl on פרשת שמות.   Discussed:   What was the cause for the close relationship between Roman Emperor Antoninus and Rebbi Yehuda Hanasi?   R' Yaakov Kamenetzky gleaned an important Chinuch lesson from Moshe Rabeinu's wet nurse.   R' Eliyahu Meir Bloch explains the Medrash that Reuvain & Aharon would have acted differently if they would have known that their actions were being recorded in the Torah.

95

Parshas Vayechi: B'Charbi U'Vekashti - The Spiritual Underpinnings of Our Struggles in Eretz Yisrael Today

Jan 9, 2025

1:02:20

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת ויחי‎. Discussed: Understanding that the conflict in Israel is not a physical battle but a spiritual war between the Bnei Yisrael and Yishmael. Those denying the authenticity of the Torah delegitimize our claim to Eretz Yisrael. Why did Yaakov claim that his sword and bow conquered Shchem, we know that Shimon & Levi were the ones to capture Shchem? Highlighting how Israel's decision to become more secular in the early 2000s gave way to the second Intifada.

96

Asara B'teves & Vayigash: The Peace Process - Crisis in Israel

Jan 8, 2025

1:35:02

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn ZT"L on פרשת ויגש & עשרה בטבת.

97

Lessons from Tes Teves - Tochacha, Richuk, and Sinas Chinam

Jan 8, 2025

1:25:40

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn ztl on ט' טבת. Discussed: Discussed the reasons and tragedies behind the fast of Ches and Tes Teves, as brought in Megillas Tannis; including the translation of the Torah into Greek, the death of Ezra & Nechamia, and the birth of Christianity. Discussed the Gemara which teaches the correct way to give Tochacha (rebuke), as illustrated by the story of R' Yehoshua Ben Prachya and Yeshu. Ksav Sofer in Vayigash explains that proper Tochacha is motivated by love, and not rebuking someone is a form of Sinas Chinum, which led to the destruction of the first Bais Hamikdash.

98

Parshas Vayechi: Yehuda; Your Brothers Will Acknowledge You

Jan 6, 2025

1:21:43

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl On פרשת ויחי‎.   Discussed: Four definitions of הודאה and how they apply to Yehuda.  The hidden significance of the ד in Yehuda's name.  The Rashba writes that Moshiach, who descends from Yehuda, integrates all the different aspects of Hodaah.

99

Moshiach Part 4: The Role of Moshiach

Jan 1, 2025

1:28:52

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn ztl, continuing the topic of משיח.  Discussed:  Where does the Torah allude to the coming of Moshiach?  The Rishonim discuss whether Moshiach will perform miracles and wondrous signs to prove himself. If not, how will we know who is Moshiach? The Rambam in Igeres Hateiman explains the purpose of Techiyas Hameisim, Resurrection of the Dead.

100

Moshiach Part 3: The Generation Preceding Moshiach

Jan 1, 2025

1:31:48

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn ztl continuing the topic of משיח.  Discussed:  The Gemara in Sanhedrin discusses the many characteristics of the generation in which Moshiach will arrive.  The type of leaders of the generation preceding Moshiach.  Pshat in the Gemara that Moshiach will come with Hesech Hadas (unexpectedly). 