Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

201

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.

202

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?

203

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.

204

Sukkos - The Correlation between Emunah and Hashgacha Pratis

Oct 13, 2024

1:34:11

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on סוכות.

205

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.

206

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.

207

Yom Kippur: The Deeper Meaning of Viduy

Oct 6, 2024

1:34:55

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on יום כיפור.

208

Yom Kippur: Understanding How Kapparos Work

Oct 6, 2024

1:34:17

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on יום כיפור.

209

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.

210

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

Sep 30, 2024

53:29

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on ראש השנה‎.

211

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.

212

Understanding and Appreciating the Tefillos of the Yomim Noraim

Sep 29, 2024

1:11:10

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on Elul.

213

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.

214

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?

215

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.

216

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.

217

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.

218

Ki Savo: The Curses Preserve Klal Yisrael - Authority of Chachamim Part 3

Sep 16, 2024

1:51:32

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת כי תבא, continuing the topic of Rabbinic Authority.

219

Parshas Ki Tetzei: Ben Sorer U'moreh in Modern Society

Sep 12, 2024

1:20:50

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת כי תצא. Discussed: Understanding some of the underlying causes for Ben Sorer U'moreh and how these issues are prevalent in today's society. These are crucial lessons in Chinuch and one will be rewarded with healthy and happy children. R' Moshe Paskens that marijuana and other drugs are Assur to use because they cause addictive behaviors similar to the Ben Sorer U'moreh. Discussing the proper way and method to discipline children. One must carefully consider the child's need for discipline but can never hit a child out of anger because they will violate the לאו of לא יוסיף, as brought in the Vilna Gaon.

220

Parshas Ki Tetzei: Lessons Learned from the Battlefield

Sep 10, 2024

1:27:52

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת כי תצא. Discussed: Understanding some of the underlying causes for Ben Sorer U'moreh and how these issues are prevalent in today's society. These are crucial lessons in Chinuch and one will be rewarded with healthy and happy children. R' Moshe Paskens that marijuana and other drugs are Assur to use because they cause addictive behaviors similar to the Ben Sorer U'moreh. Discussing the proper way and method to discipline children. One must carefully consider the child's need for discipline but if one hits a child out of anger will violate the לאו of לא יוסיף, as brought in the Vilna Gaon.

221

Ki Tetzei: Ben Sorer U'moreh: Sinning versus Becoming a Sinner - Authority of Chachamim Part 2

Sep 10, 2024

59:51

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת כי תצא, continuing the topic of Rabbinic authority. Discussed: Discussion regarding the commandment to listen to Rabbinical decrees. When is it considered a Biblical violation for not adhering to the Rabbinical decrees? Why does the Torah punish a Ben Soreh U'moreh (wayward son) for his expected future actions (‘Nidone Ol Shem Sofo’)? The Gemara expounds from Yishmoel that there is a concept of "B'asher Who Shum’- One is only judged for his present state and not for his future actions. The important lesson in child-raising and marriage that we learn from Ben Soreh U'Moreh.

222

Parshas Shoftim: Desensitized - Feeling Jewish Pain

Sep 5, 2024

1:33:49

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת שופטים. Discussed: The Yalkut and Zohar bring a Medrash where Malachaim questioned Hashem why the Torah has more compassion for animal blood than Jewish blood. Hashem's response is alluded to in a Pasuk at the beginning of the Parsha. R' Chatzkel Levenstein encouraged the Bochurim to feel the fear and anguish of their fellow Jews as if the Yeshiva was physically at the battlefields. This lesson of sensitivity is the reason why Eglah Arufa is interposed during the discussion of war to re-sensitize us to the preciousness of one human life even in the midst of battle.

223

Elul: Restoring Wasted Time

Sep 4, 2024

46:12

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on אלול. Discussed: • The Sefarim bring down from the Arizal that Teshuva during Elul is classified as Teshuva M'Ahava (love), which has the awesome power to restore all the time wasted doing Aveiros. In contrast, Teshuva on Rosh Hashanah is classified as Teshuva M'Yirah (fear) and only wipes the slate clean, but the person is still accountable for wasted time and opportunities. • The Chofetz Chaim learns from the Pasuk in Ki Tetzei that if one simply makes an effort to battle with the Yetzer Hara, they will merit special Siyata Dishmaya, and emerge victorious. He adds, that the captives referred to in the Pasuk are all the Aveiros and lost opportunities that the Yetzer Hara captures throughout the year, which are recaptured by doing Teshuva M'Ahava.

224

Parshas Shoftim: Safeguarding the Community, Home, and Individual

Sep 3, 2024

1:23:40

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת שופטים. Discussed: • The Chida explains that the Torah uses a singular expression in the first Pasuk, שפטים ושטרים תתן לך בכל שעריך "guards 'you' should place in all 'your' gates," to teach us that every individual must enforce their own personal standard. R' Chaim Vital adds that the gates in the Pasuk allegorically refer to the "gates" of the human body (the eyes, ears, mouth, etc.). • A Pshat, that שעריך "your gates" pertain to the home, and that each person must ensure they have standards and gates protecting their home from harmful outside influences. • Why did R' Yosi Ben Kisma refuse to move to the wealthy community, insisting he must remain in a Makon Torah? Didn't he have a responsibility to be Marbitz Torah (spread Torah)?

225

Parshas Shoftim: Da’as Torah Does Not Yield to Shifting Moral Fashions - Authority of Chachamim Part 1

Sep 3, 2024

1:15:53

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת שופטים, on the topic of Rabbinic Authority. Discussed: A fascinating letter written by R’ Moshe Feinstein in response to Governor Rockefeller’s inquiry regarding the Jewish perspective on the death penalty. Ramban’s explanation on why one must listen to Chazal, even if they are clearly mistaken in their Psak. Chazan Ish’s response to being asked if halachic rulings can/should be re-assessed based on new manuscripts that were found in the Cairo Ganiza.

226

Parshas Re'eh: Insights on the Parsha

Aug 29, 2024

1:17:04

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת ראה. Discussed: • We learn a lesson from the first Pasuk, that an individual can affect the entire world by his actions. • R' Akiva Eiger has a Pshat in a cryptic Ba'al Haturim. • Three Peshatim on the Pasuk אחרי ה' אלוקיכם תלכו, after Hashem you shall follow. Why does the Torah use an expression that implies the person is far from Hashem?

227

Parshas Re'eh: Holy Food, Holy People

Aug 28, 2024

1:14:28

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת ראה.

228

Parshas Ekev: אין עוד מלבדו - The Key to Miracles

Aug 23, 2024

1:30:46

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת עקב.

229

Parshas Ekev: הטוב והמטיב - Appreciating the Good in the Face of Calamity

Aug 21, 2024

1:21:08

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת עקב. Continuing the topic of Birchas Hamazon. Discussed: Two approaches, from the Even Haezra and Bais Halevi, in explaining the Torah prohibition of the emotion of jealousy. Understanding why Lol Sachmod is part of the עשרת הדיברות and how it connects with the first of the דיברות (Anochi Hashem). Explaining why Chazal added a fourth Bracha to Benching in honor of the miracle at Beitar. Recognizing the ways that Hashem provides for the Jewish people throughout the various eras of our history: starting from the Midbar, continuing with our conquest of Eretz Yisrael, the period of the Bais Hamikdash, and ultimately, even in the darkness of Galus.

230

Parshas Ekev: The Battle of Bread

Aug 21, 2024

1:07:59

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת עקב. Discussed: Why is the Mitzvah only to Bless Hashem after eating? It would seem more logical (as the Gemara writes) to make a Bracha before eating. Two Peshatim why the Torah considers the מן to be a "test" for the Bnei Yisrael in the desert. R' Shamshon Refael Hirsch examines the similar roots of the words לחם (bread) and מלחמה (war), and writes that Bentching with a Zimun promotes Achdus and prevents conflict and war.

231

Gadol Hashalom Part 2: The Law of Unintended Consequences

Aug 21, 2024

1:55:26

The second part of the Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on the topic of Bein Adam L'chaveiro. Discussed: R' Chaim Shmulevitz examines a few Gemaras in which we see that terrible consequences result when people hurt others, even unintentionally! The Margolis Hayom explains why the Gemara praises ר' יהודה בר אלעאי‎, that in his generation six people shared a Tallis. Why is ר' יהודה בר אלעאי‎ praised for the action of his Talmidim? Why did the first batch of Talmidim of Rabbi Akiva die and why specifically in the period between Pesach and Shavous? What changed with the new Talmidim that they were worthy to establish Torah?

232

Gadol Hashalom Part 1: The Prerequisite of the Torah

Aug 20, 2024

1:20:17

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on the topic of Bein Adam L'chaveiro. Related to the Shiur on Devarim. Discussed: A discussion highlighting the difference between punishment for sin and the consequence of sin. Why Chazal praise the generation of ר' יהודה בר אילאי, that six of his Talmidim shared one garment. How do six people share one Tallis? R' Chaim Shmulevitz discusses two prerequisites for קבלת התורה and how these two Middos were exemplified by the Talmidim of R' Yehuda Bar Ilai.

233

Parshas Vaeschanan: Emunah, The Key to Life

Aug 15, 2024

1:32:37

Shiur from My Father Rabbi Kohn ZT"L on פרשת ואתחנן‎. Discussed: Why did Moshe Rabeinu have such an overwhelming desire to enter Eretz Yisrael? R' Yechezkal Abramsky found meaning and Chizuk in the Modeh Ani Tefilla, helping him thrive during his bitter exile in Siberia. The Nefesh Hachaim provides the secret to miracles, as illustrated by the story of R' Chanina Ben Dosa and the witch.

234

Tisha B'Av: Why We Lost The Land

Aug 12, 2024

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.

235

Tisha B'Av: Rabbi Akiva and the Holocaust - Understanding Jewish Martyrdom

Aug 12, 2024

1:19:50

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on תשעה באב, on the topic of the holocaust, Kiddush Hashem, and Jewish martyrdom.

236

Devarim - Tisha B'Av: Survival Guide for Galus

Aug 7, 2024

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.

237

Parshas Devarim: The Danger of Misusing the Power of the Neshama

Aug 5, 2024

1:21:00

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת דברים.

238

Parshas Devarim: The Greatness of Peace and the Consequences of Strife

Aug 5, 2024

1:33:43

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת דברים. This Shiur connects with the Gadol Hashalom series. Discussed: Lessons one can learn from Moshe Rabeinu on the proper way to give תוכחה (rebuke). R' Chaim Shmulevitz on the importance of proper sensitivity to human dignity even for low and deplorable people. The terrible consequences which come from a lack of Bein Adom L'chaveiro, as illustrated by the generations of Dovid and Achav.

239

Parshas Matos: Elef Lemateh - Doing Battle With Tefilla

Jul 30, 2024

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.

240

Parshas Matos: The Rambam's Sixth, Seventh, & Eighth Principle - נבואת משה Part B

Jul 29, 2024

1:13:45

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת מטות,‎ a continuation from the previous Shiur on the topic of נבואת משה. Discussed: • The Rambam's approach, based on various Pesukim in the Torah, that Revelation at Har Sinai also established Moshe Rabeinu as the ultimate Navi and transmitter of the Torah. • How the flaws in a Navi's Middos creates barriers in the prophetic vision. In contrast, Moshe Rabeinu's unique character traits differed from other Neviem, enabling him to transmit the Torah and act as the conduit between Hashem and the world.

241

Parshas Matos: The Rambam's Sixth, Seventh, & Eighth Principle - נבואת משה Part A

Jul 29, 2024

1:20:01

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת מטות‎ on the topic of נבואת משה. Discussed: • What is the difference between 'כה אמר ה', the phrase used by all נביאים, and the phrase 'זה דבר ה' used by Moshe? • Why does the Rambam have two separate principles of faith, one to believe in prophecy and a second for נבואת משה? What is so special about נבואת משה that it requires a separate principle of faith? • The Rambam explains what purpose miracles play in relation to prophecy and what are the requirements before we accept someone as a bona fide נביא.

242

Parshas Matos: The Purifying Power of Torah

Jul 29, 2024

1:36:15

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת מטות‎. Discussed: The Chofetz Chaim finds a parallel between the Parsha of Kashering utensils and the methods for proper Teshuva. A lesson from the Bnei Gad and Bnei Reuvain about the importance of staying affiliated with the entirety of Bnei Yisrael. Also discussed, is how children are influenced by the place where they are raised.

243

How Pinchas Saved the Jewish People

Jul 23, 2024

1:12:36

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת פנחס. Discussed: A Pshat why the Jews deserved to die even though they were motivated by lust to serve idols, and therefore according to the Rambam they don’t deserve capital punishment. The Sforno explains why Pinchas merited a long life because of his vengeful act. R’ Chaim explains why Pinchas was rewarded with a covenant of peace when his action was one of violence.

244

Parshas Pinchas: In the Public's Eye

Jul 23, 2024

1:10:04

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת פנחס. Discussed: Understanding the Sforno, that the public sin of Zimri required a public act of vengeance in response. A discussion on the possible merit that the United States had to become a superpower. R' Chaim Shmulevitz explains the unusual and vulgar worship of Baal Peor. Furthermore, why did this repulsive form of Avoda Zara attract so many Jews?

245

Parshas Balak: Bilam in the 21st Century

Jul 15, 2024

1:30:13

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בלק. Discussed: • R' Ahron Bakst asks, if the Goyim claimed they needed a Navi to inspire them, why did Hashem respond by sending them a person as morally reprehensible as Bilam? • The lesson of Parshas Bilam and its relevance to the modern era, the so-called "information age". • A discussion of how Bilam and Balak both returned home, unaffected by the wondrous miracles they had just witnessed.

246

Parshas Balak: The Thirst To Learn

Jul 15, 2024

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.

247

Parshas Balak: Greatness Without Goodness is Evil

Jul 15, 2024

1:18:50

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בלק. Discussed: The contrast between the reactions of Yisro and Balak after each heard the same exact news about Yitzias Mitzrayim, and how their reactions remain the theme of each of their respective Parshios. If as Chazal tells us, "Prophecy is one of the highest spiritual levels a person can reach", how did Bilam attain that level while being such a low and deplorable individual? The lesson that Hashem was showing the other nations by giving them such a powerful prophet like Bilam.

248

Parshas Chukas: Learning a Lesson from the Sin at Mei Merivah

Jul 8, 2024

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.

249

Parshas Chukas: New Generation, Old Issues

Jul 8, 2024

1:27:03

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת חוקת. Discussed: Understanding the Mishnah in Rosh Hashana which discusses the purpose of the bronze snake in curing the Bnei Yisrael. Rabeinu B'chaya's explanation as to why only now, at the culmination of the 40-year journey to Eretz Yisroel did the Jews start to complain about the מן. What changed after 40 years in the desert, and what exactly was their complaint?

250

Parshas Chukas: The Reasons For Mitzvos

Jul 8, 2024

1:35:39

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת חוקת. Discussed: The Ohr Hachaim explains why the Mitzvah of Parah Aduma is given the title of “Law of the (entire) Torah” (Chukas Hatorah) and not “The Law of Parah” and why this Parsha follows Parshas Korach. Dovid Hamelech’s deep insight into what is unique regarding the performance of the Mitzvah of Bris Milah. R’ Moshe’s explanation of the juxtaposition of the two places in the Torah that tie the specific mitzvah to the entirety of the whole Torah; Para Aduma and Kashering utensils.