Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

151

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.

152

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.

153

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.

154

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.

155

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.

156

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?

157

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.

158

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.

159

Parshas Naso: A Nazir's Response to Sotah Times

Jun 5, 2025

1:18:15

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת נשא.

160

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.

161

Parshas Behar: True Freedom

May 19, 2025

1:32:54

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

162

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.

163

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!

164

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.

165

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).

166

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.

167

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.

168

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.

169

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.

170

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.

171

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.

172

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.

173

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.

174

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.

175

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.

176

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.

177

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'.

178

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.

179

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.

180

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.

181

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"?

182

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.

183

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?

184

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.

185

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'?

186

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.

187

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.

188

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.

189

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.

190

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.

191

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.

192

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.

193

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.

194

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?

195

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.

196

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?

197

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.

198

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.

199

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.

200

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.