Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

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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?

202

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. 

203

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?

204

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.

205

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.

206

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.

207

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.

208

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.

209

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.

210

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.

211

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.

212

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.

213

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.

214

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.

215

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). 

216

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.

217

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!

218

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.

219

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.

220

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?

221

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.

222

Chanuka: The Supernatural Lights

Dec 25, 2024

1:11:33

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on חנוכה.

223

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.

224

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.

225

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.

226

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.

227

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?

228

Parshas Vayeshev: Balancing Torah Learning with Family Relationships

Dec 17, 2024

1:16:02

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וישב.

229

Parashat Vayeshev: The Value of Suffering

Dec 17, 2024

56:48

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וישב.

230

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.

231

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.

232

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?

233

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?

234

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.

235

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?

236

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?

237

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.

238

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).

239

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.

240

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?

241

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?

242

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.

243

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.

244

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.

245

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.

246

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.

247

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.

248

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.

249

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.

250

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?