Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

51

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.

52

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?

53

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.

54

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.

55

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.

56

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.

57

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.

58

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.

59

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?

60

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.

61

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.

62

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.

63

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.

64

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.

65

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.

66

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.

67

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.

68

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.

69

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.

70

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.

71

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?

72

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.

73

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.

74

Parshas Naso: A Nazir's Response to Sotah Times

Jun 5, 2025

1:18:15

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת נשא.

75

Shavous - Ruth Part 1: Why Do We Read It On Shavuos ?

May 28, 2025

1:32:58

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on שבועות, on the topic of Megilas Rus. Discussed: Unlike the other four Megilahs which are philosophical works or focus on the salvation/tragedy of the Jews on a national level, Rus is a simple story about one individual. Why was a Megillah written about her story and why read it on Shavuos? The Yalkut Shemoni writes that the point of Megillas Rus is to send only one message - the reward of people that do Chessed and are kind to others. Similarly Chazal say the Torah is wrapped in kindness since it starts with Hashem creating Chava at the beginning of creation so that Adam would have a companion and the Torah ends with Hashem burying Moshe (a Chessed Shel Emes). Why is this message of kindness so intertwined with the Torah and why is it so important to be driven home before Kabolas Hatorah? Why was the lack of kindness & gratitude from Moav such a bad trait that their descendants are not allowed to marry into Klal Yisroel, something that isn’t prohibited even from the descendants of Amalek, the arch-nemesis of the Jews! Yet, this is also precisely why the daughters were excluded from the ban.

76

Parshas Behar: True Freedom

May 19, 2025

1:32:54

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בהר. Discussed:

77

Parshas Acharei Mos: The Relationship Between Hashem, the Jewish People, and Eretz Yisrael - Part A

May 5, 2025

1:09:53

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת אחרי מות.

78

Parshas Acharei Mos: Meritocracy and Aristocracy - יקרה היא מפנינים

May 4, 2025

1:34:08

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

79

Parshas Tazria: The Nature of Man and His Purpose in the World

Apr 28, 2025

1:27:31

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn on פרשת תזריע. Discussed: Understanding the Medrash אחור וקדם צרתני (man was created first and last). Different approaches to understanding how mankind contributes to the world. In what sense are environmentalists correct in their view that humans corrupt and destroy the world? An insight based on Onkelos in Bereishis, that Man was created in a combination of spiritual and physical elements which finds its primary manifestation through speech. This unique characteristic differentiates Man both from animals and from angels.

80

Parshas Shmini: The Korbonos and Avodas Hashem

Apr 22, 2025

1:09:16

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת שמיני . Discussed:Understanding the concept behind Korbonos, and why Ahron brought a Korbon Chattas for himself and a Korbon Olah for Klal Yisrael to atone for the חטא העגל (sin of the Golden Calf).The Malbim writes that each person represents a mini-Mishkan. Man's Avoda is to sacrifice his animalistic nature, paralleling the Kohen's Avoda in the Bais Hamikdash.The Kli Yakir explains, based on a Medrash, how Machlokes and jealousy (מכירת יוסף) lead to Avoda Zara (חטא העגל).

81

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.

82

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.

83

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.

84

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.

85

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.

86

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.

87

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.

88

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.

89

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.

90

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.

91

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.

92

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'.

93

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.

94

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.

95

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.

96

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"?

97

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.

98

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?

99

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.

100

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'?