Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

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Parshas Va'eira: Pharoah's Free Will

Jan 14, 2026

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.

52

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

Jan 5, 2026

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.

53

Parshas Shemos: Trivial Matters with Eternal Impact

Jan 5, 2026

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.

54

Parshas Shemos: The Jewish Name and the Jewish Identity

Jan 5, 2026

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.

55

Parshas Shemos: The Divine Plan is Inevitably Fulfilled

Jan 5, 2026

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.

56

Parshas Vayechi: Yehuda; Your Brothers Will Acknowledge You

Jan 1, 2026

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.

57

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

Jan 1, 2026

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.

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

Dec 25, 2025

1:35:02

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn ZT"L on פרשת ויגש & עשרה בטבת.DiscussedUnderstanding the purpose of a Taanis and why we fast every year, especially as Eretz Yisrael is engulfed in yet another war on Asara B'teves. It is not simply a commemoration of historical calamities, but rather a time to understand the root spiritual causes of past and present events, and to reflect upon our spiritual failings to fix them.Understanding how Tochacha (rebuke) and Shalom (peace) are two necessary attributes despite their seemingly opposite nature; and that the first Bais Hamikdash was destroyed because of improper tolerance and a lack of Tochacha, and the second Bais Hamikdash because of Sinas Chinum and a lack of Shalom.Why did Yosef and Biyomin cry about the future destruction of Mishkan Shiloh and the Bais Hamikdash, specifically at the moment when the brothers finally reunited and why did each only cry about the other's tragedy.

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

Dec 25, 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.

60

Parshas Vayigash: Leadership Starts with Self

Dec 23, 2025

1:18:19

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn ztl on פרשת ויגש. Discussed: Chazal explain why Yehuda deserved kingship. R' Eliyahu Meir Bloch contrasts secular kingship with Jewish leadership. Yosef represents the Tzadik who never sinned, and Yehuda represents the Tzadik who falls and does Teshuva.

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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.

62

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.

64

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.

65

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?

67

Parashat Vayeshev: The Value of Suffering

Dec 8, 2025

56:48

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וישב.

68

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.

69

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).

70

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.

71

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).

72

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.

75

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?

82

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.

84

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?

85

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?

86

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.

87

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.

88

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.

89

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?

90

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.

91

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.

92

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.

93

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.

94

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?

97

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.

98

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.

99

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.

100

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.