Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

101

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.

102

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!

103

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.

104

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.

105

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?

106

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.

107

Chanuka: The Supernatural Lights

Dec 25, 2024

1:11:33

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on חנוכה.

108

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.

109

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.

110

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.

111

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.

112

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?

113

Parshas Vayeshev: Balancing Torah Learning with Family Relationships

Dec 17, 2024

1:16:02

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וישב.

114

Parashat Vayeshev: The Value of Suffering

Dec 17, 2024

56:48

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וישב.

115

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.

116

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.

117

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?

118

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?

119

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.

120

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?

121

Parshas Toldos: Exchanging the Temporary for the Eternal

Nov 29, 2024

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?

122

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

Nov 29, 2024

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.

123

Hakaros Hatov - The Fundamental Middah of Yiddishkeit

Nov 28, 2024

1:24:09

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on the topic of הכרת הטוב. Discussed: How to understand 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).

124

Parshas Lech Lecha: Bris Milah - Perfect from the Start

Nov 4, 2024

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.

125

Parshas Lech Lecha: The Rise and Fall of Lot - Part 1

Nov 4, 2024

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?

126

Parshas Noach: The Macro Effect of Our Actions

Oct 30, 2024

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?

127

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

Oct 30, 2024

1:18:43

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת נח.

128

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

Oct 30, 2024

1:19:30

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת נח.

129

Parshas Noach: The Taivah and The Mishkan

Oct 30, 2024

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.

130

Parshas Bereishis: Kayin and Hevel - A Clash of Ideology

Oct 22, 2024

2:13:07

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בראשית. Discussed: • The Kli Yakir explains what it means that Kayin offered his Korbon, מקץ ימים, at the end of days. What was the motivation behind Kayin's Korbon, and why did Hashem reject his Korbon? • Understanding the essential concept of Korbonos. If Hashem doesn't "need" our gifts, why do we offer Korbonos? Furthermore, what is the significance of מבכרות צאנו, the first of Hevel's cattle; does it really matter to Hashem whether someone offers the last of their crop instead of Bikkurim? What is the difference between an animal offering and one of flax? • Understanding the Orach Chaim who explains why Kayin deserved the incredible promise from Hashem that he will be protected for seven generations. Also discussed, the idea of Bitachon based on the Segulah Niflah from the Nefesh Hachaim.

131

Parshas Bereishis: The Deception of Desire

Oct 20, 2024

1:15:51

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בראשית. Discussed: • What was the state of Adom Harishon before he ate from the Etz Hadas (Tree of Knowledge)? What changed after he sinned? • Learning from the Parsha the way the Yetzer Hara operates, and how desire fools us.

132

Parshas Bereishis: Evil Character is Worse for Emunah than Twisted Philosophies

Oct 20, 2024

50:14

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בראשית. Discussed: • The Netziv's introduction to Sefer Bereshis explains that Sefer Bereshis is called Sefer Hayashor and serves as the introduction to the entire Torah, teaching by example the message of Derech Eretz Kadma Latorah. • The observation that the Torah was willing to write the pesukim of creation in ways that can be corrupted and misconstrued to support idolatry and other ideologies in order to teach us lessons in Derech Eretz. • Understanding that left unchecked, the greatest danger of heresy and denial of G-D comes from personal arrogance. The Stiepler writes, the greatest levels of Yiras Shimayim are achieved through humility and we can also take this lesson from the episode of Adam when he ate from the Eitz Hadas.

133

The Uniqueness of Mitzvas Sukkos

Oct 13, 2024

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.

134

The Fallen Sukkah of Dovid

Oct 13, 2024

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.

135

Sukkos Part 2: The Joy of the Baal Teshuva

Oct 13, 2024

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?

136

Sukkos Part 1: Why in Tishrei?

Oct 13, 2024

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.

137

Sukkos - The Correlation between Emunah and Hashgacha Pratis

Oct 13, 2024

1:34:11

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on סוכות.

138

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

Oct 6, 2024

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.

139

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

Oct 6, 2024

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.

140

Yom Kippur: The Deeper Meaning of Viduy

Oct 6, 2024

1:34:55

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on יום כיפור.

141

Yom Kippur: Understanding How Kapparos Work

Oct 6, 2024

1:34:17

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on יום כיפור.

142

Rosh Hashana: The Mitzvah of Shofar

Sep 30, 2024

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.

143

Rosh Hashana: The Gift of G-d's Sovereignty

Sep 30, 2024

53:29

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on ראש השנה‎.

144

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

Sep 30, 2024

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.

145

Understanding and Appreciating the Tefillos of the Yomim Noraim

Sep 29, 2024

1:11:10

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on Elul.

146

Yomim Noraim: Segulos to Merit a Favorable Judgement

Sep 29, 2024

1:28:07

Shiur From Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl' on ימים נוראים. Discussed: The Gemara teaches that for those who forgo the grievances against them, Hashem reciprocates and will overlook the evil you might have committed. The significance of the סימנים and the importance of how you act on Rosh Hashana. The attitude one should have on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Should one cry? The diffrent opinions and R' Yisrael Slanter's compromise.

147

Parshas Netzavim - Vayelech: Returning All the Way to Hashem

Sep 25, 2024

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?

148

Parshas Vayelech: Torah is Available to Everybody but Acquired only with Dedication

Sep 25, 2024

1:20:18

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וילך.

149

Parshas Ki Savo: Bikurim and the Beginning of the Year

Sep 16, 2024

34:47

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת כי תבא. Discussed: • What does the Medrash mean that the world was created on account of Mitzvas Bikurim? • Understanding the preciousness of Mitzvas Bikurim that it manifests an acceptance of Hashem's Hashgachas Pratis. • The Alshich writes that the Torah attaches great importance to the Mitzvah of Bikurim because it demonstrates the Middah of Hakaros Hatov. For this reason, we allow employees to stop their work and join in the celebration of the Mitzvah.

150

Parshas Ki Savo: The Double Edged Sword of Prosperity

Sep 16, 2024

1:13:30

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת כי תבא. Discussed: • A deeper look into the Parsha of Bentching: why does the Torah only have a Mitzvah to make a ברכה after the meal when one is satiated, it would seem more logical to make a Bracha before we eat. • The Ksav Sofer explains why we use the Loshon of השקיפה (look down at us) in the Bracha after bringing Bikkurim, which has negative connotations. • The Rambam discusses why the Brachos in this week's Parsha are all of a physical nature and don't mention the primary reward of Olam Haba.