Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

101

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.

102

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.

103

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.

104

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.

105

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.

106

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.

107

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.

108

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.

109

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?

110

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.

111

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?

112

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.

113

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.

114

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.

115

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.

116

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?

117

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. 

118

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?

119

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.

120

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.

121

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.

122

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.

123

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.

124

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.

125

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.

126

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.

127

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.

128

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.

129

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.

130

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). 

131

Parshas Vayigash: Leadership Starts with Self

Dec 31, 2024

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.

132

Parshas Mikeitz: Wealth in this World

Dec 26, 2024

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!

133

Parshas Mikeitz: מרגלים אתם - Understanding Yosef's Plan

Dec 26, 2024

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.

134

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

Dec 25, 2024

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.

135

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

Dec 25, 2024

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?

136

Chanukah: The Unity Of the Menorah

Dec 25, 2024

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.

137

Chanuka: The Supernatural Lights

Dec 25, 2024

1:11:33

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on חנוכה.

138

Chanuka: The Miracle of Burning Oil - Perceiving the Divine

Dec 23, 2024

57:48

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on חנוכה.  Discussed the Alter M'Kelm's approach to answering the famous question on Chanukah; why do we celebrate Chanukah for eight days if the miracle only lasted for seven.

139

Chanukah & Parshas Vayeshev: Internal Conflict is More Dangerous Than External Enemies

Dec 18, 2024

1:09:00

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וישב and on חנוכה. Discussed: The Sforno writes that the life of Yaakov Avinu parallels future generations; Yaakov's time spent at Lavan corresponds to Galus Bayis Rishon and the period of Vayeshev corresponds with the era of the second Bais Hamikdash culminating with the Galus of Miztrayim, and concludes with redemption when Yaakov's body returns to Eretz Yisrael. Understanding the history and ironies of the Chanuka story and the era of Bayis Sheni. The Limudei Nissan (R' Nissan Alpert) writes that Yaakov's desire to "rest" after vanquishing his external enemies resulted in strife among the Shevatim and the sale of Yosef.

140

Vayeshev-Chanukah: Be Dedicated To Your Commitments

Dec 18, 2024

1:10:29

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וישב and on חנוכה.

141

Moshiach Part 2: Galus and Geula Intertwined

Dec 17, 2024

1:17:36

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn ztl on the topic of משיח. We continue the theme of the last Shiur.   Discussed:  - The Chasam Sofer wonders why the belief in Moshiach is included in the Thirteen Principles of Faith. Why is it elevated to that status more than other fundamentals of Yiddishkeit?   The Maharsha and the Aruch L'ner explain why Moshiach is called בר נפלי, son of the fallen, and how that relates to the generation preceding Moshiach.

142

Moshiach Part 1 - Parshas Vayeshev: Seeds of Redemption

Dec 17, 2024

1:14:31

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn ztl on the topic of משיח - also relates to פרשת וישב.   Discussed:   What is the underlying message of Koheles? Is life meaningless and futile, or everything does have a purpose?   Moshul from the Dubno Maggid, about the person who gives expensive cloth to a tailor to make royal garments.   Rabbi Soloveichik asks, in what merit did the daughters of Lot deserve to produce Moshiach?

143

Parshas Vayeshev: Balancing Torah Learning with Family Relationships

Dec 17, 2024

1:16:02

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וישב.

144

Parashat Vayeshev: The Value of Suffering

Dec 17, 2024

56:48

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וישב.

145

Parshas Vayishlach: Having it All

Dec 10, 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.

146

Parshas Vayishlach: The Centrality of Torah Study

Dec 10, 2024

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? Why the Bronx’s thriving Jewish community didn’t last.   R’ Aharon Kotler’s distinction between the eternal Kedusha of the Makom Hamikdash and the temporary Kedusha of Har Sinai.

147

Parshas Vayetzei: The Mystery of Galus - גם זו לטובה

Dec 2, 2024

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?

148

Parshas Vayetzei: The Correct Approach to a Successful Marriage

Dec 2, 2024

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 Vayetzei: Thanking HaShem Through Recognition of Hashgacha

Dec 2, 2024

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 Toldos: Attaching the Physical to the Spiritual

Nov 29, 2024

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?