Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

251

Parshas Korach: The Spinmeister

Jul 1, 2024

1:28:12

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת קרח‎. Discussed: The כח of Korach to ensnare is similar to that of the Meraglim. This is the power of "spin", the ability to mislead people and twist a story to one's personal agenda and away from the Torah This כח of misleading people by spin can be found throughout today's society, in the news media and entertainment industry, and can be traced throughout history, all the way back to the נחש הקדמוני and the sin of the Etz Hadas. The Yalkut writes how Korach created a work of fiction to showcase that the laws of the Torah are unfair and only benefit Moshe and Aharon, and with this fictional story was able to ensnare people to his cause.

252

Parshas Korach: The Bible Codes - Authenticating the Torah and Predicting the Future

Jul 1, 2024

1:34:09

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת קרח‎. Discussed: Understanding Korach's motivation to argue against Moshe Rabeinu and different aspects of his arguments. Why did Korach think he would be successful in his fight with Moshe and why did he err in interpreting his Ruach Hakodesh? A perspective on the Bible Codes based on the lessons from Parshas Korach. The Vilna Gaon explains how the Urim V'tumim worked. He also explained the dialogue between Chana and Eli Hakohen, based on a cryptic Rashi.

253

Parshas Korach: Understanding the Story of Korach

Jun 30, 2024

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?

254

Parshas Korach: The Message Behind the Thread

Jun 30, 2024

1:34:03

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת קרח‎. Discussed: The difference between one who's faith is miracle-based when God openly reveals himself, and one who works on his faith, struggling to cultivate belief and reliance on Hashem. R' Moshe explains why Korach used a Tallis full of Techeiles (blue thread) to challenge Moshe. What is the significance of the Mateh Ahron (the Staff of Ahron) that it bloomed with its flower, bud, and almond? And why did the almond branch remain for eternity fruit and blossom together?

255

Parshas Shelach: The Age of Misinformation

Jun 24, 2024

1:34:52

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת שלח. Discussed: Why do we refer to the spies as "מרגלים", this week's Parsha doesn't use that terminology even once! The Steipler writes that the spies mission was merely to report what they saw, but they became haughty and sinned by inputting their own opinions and agendas. The Kometz Hamincha writes that the Mitzvah of Tzisis is to teach us to learn from the mistake of the Meraglim, who instead of acting merely as spies, acted like leaders deciding and judging whether they could or could not conquer Eretz Yisrael. He compares this to Man who has an army of senses and emotions that "report" from the world, but ultimately the person must decide his actions based on his intellect and Torah.

256

Parshas Shelach: Understanding the Failure of the Meraglim

Jun 24, 2024

1:17:53

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת שלח.

257

Parshas Be'halot'cha: Pesach Sheni and the Charedi Mentality

Jun 17, 2024

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.

258

Parshas Be'halot'cha : The Power Of Faith

Jun 17, 2024

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.

259

Parshas Be'halot'cha: The Infinite Ripple Effect of Teaching Torah

Jun 16, 2024

1:19:38

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בהעלותך.

260

Parshas Naso: כה תברכו - Supernatural Blessings

Jun 14, 2024

1:26:26

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת נשא, on Birchas Kohanim. Discussed: The Ksav Sofer asks, what does Chazal mean that there is no Mazel for Jews, this contradicts the Gemara that children, wealth, and health are dependent on Mazel. Furthermore, how do the Birchas Kohamim, which refer specifically to children and wealth, have an effect if it's against someone's Mazel? A possible rationalization for the Minhag in חוץ לארץ, as brought in the Rema, to Duchen only on Yom Tov but not any other time (not even shabbos). The Limudei Nissim writes that Avrohom Avinu was Zoche to be above Mazel and not under the control of nature when he went with Yitzchok to do the unnatural act of עקידת יצחק. This act continues with Klal Yisrael and their acceptance of the Torah.

261

Parshas Naso: The Rambam's Pleasure Principle

Jun 14, 2024

1:13:44

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת נשא.

262

Parshas Naso: A Nazir's Response to Sotah Times

Jun 14, 2024

1:18:15

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת נשא.

263

Shavous - Ruth Part 2: The Microcosm of Kabbolos HaTorah

Jun 6, 2024

1:31:40

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on שבועות, continuing the topic of Megilas Rus.

264

Shavous - Ruth Part 1: Why Do We Read It On Shavuos ?

Jun 6, 2024

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.

265

Shavous: You can only Accept the Torah If You Trust Hashem

Jun 6, 2024

1:19:33

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on שבועות.

266

Shavous: Receiving the Torah Everyday

Jun 5, 2024

1:34:15

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelch Kohn Ztl on שבועות. Discussed: The Kli Yakir asks, why does the Torah refer to the holiday of Shavous as a day of the מנחה חדשה (Korbon of the new harvest), but never mentions the momentous occasion of קבלת התורה which occurred on that day? Three reasons why the only קרבן ציבור that was brought from חמץ, which represents the Yetzer Hara, was brought on Shavous. The Kli Yakir, in Olas Efraim, draws parallels between Shavous and Rosh Hashana, both of which are mentioned in the Torah in a vague and ambiguous way.

267

Shavous: HaKadosh Baruch Hu's Torah! - Birchas HaTorah Part 2

Jun 4, 2024

1:12:44

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl, contiuing the topic of שבועות.

268

Shavous: HaKadosh Baruch Hu's Torah! - Birchas HaTorah Part 1

Jun 4, 2024

1:02:06

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on שבועות.

269

Shavous - Bamidbar: Every Jew Has a Portion in the Torah, No Exceptions

Jun 2, 2024

1:12:24

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת במדבר and שבועות. Discussed: A few lessons one can learn from the Pesukim leading up to Kabalas HaTorah. Why does the Torah include lengthy and repetitious Pesukim which discuss the counting of the Jews in the Midbar? The Gemara discusses the idea that a poor person, a rich person, and a Rasha will be held accountable for how much time they set aside for Torah study.

270

Bechukotai: Olam Haba: Why the Great Secret?

May 27, 2024

1:32:03

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בחוקתי, and on the topic of Olam Haba. Discussed: An in-depth look at a Kli Yakir, who discusses many answers brought by the Rishonim to the famous question; why doesn't the Torah clearly state there is an afterlife and that the soul lives eternally even after death? The Ran and the Kuzari explain how the climax of the brachos in the Parsha is how we will live with Hashem and attain a spiritual connection to God in this world. This is the height of reward, and the Torah promises that this is achievable even in the physical world.

271

Parshas Bechukosai : Exile, Redemption, and Eliyahu HaNavi

May 26, 2024

1:29:28

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בחוקתי. Discussed: What does the Sifra (brought by Rashi) mean that Yaakov took the 'ו' (Vav) of Eliyahu's name as a guarantee that he will come and herald the redemption? Why does Yaakov want a guarantee if the Torah already guaranteed there will be a redemption? What is the necessity and the purpose of Eliyahu Hanavi announcing the imminent arrival of Moshiach? The Rambam explains the Haftorah of Shabbos Hagadol, which is the last prophecy of the last prophet (Malachi), and writes that the mission of Eliyahu Hanavi is only to bring peace and Teshuvah to the world, with no other agenda. R’ Schwab explains the necessity of Eliyahu Hanavi heralding Moshiach prior to his arrival, based upon the Ramban that explains that even though the birth of Moshe Rabeinu was arguably a much greater miracle than the birth of Yitzchak (since his mother was even older than Sarah Imainu) still the Torah only recounts miracles that were predicted in the Torah prior to their occurrence.

272

Parshas Behar: The Essence of Freedom

May 23, 2024

1:32:54

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

273

Rabbi Akiva's Life and Legacy - Gadol Hashalom (Sefira Edition)

May 22, 2024

2:23:17

This Shiur is an abridged version of the Gadol Hashalom series, it was edited for Sefira. Topics include Bein Adam Lcahveiro, Kabbalos Hatorah, Shalom Bayis, and the death of Rabbi Akiva's Talmidim. Discussed: R' Chaim Shmulevitz discusses two prerequisites for קבלת התורה and how these two Middos were exemplified by the Talmidim of R' Yehuda Bar Ilai. R' Chaim Shmulevitz examines a few Gemaras in which we see that terrible consequences occur when people hurt others - even unintentionally! The Margolis Hayom explains why the Gemara praises ר' יהודה בר אלעאי‎ for the actions of his Talmidim (that six people shared a Tallis). A close look at the two Gemaras in Shas where it brings the story of R' Akiva as he went off to learn for 24 years and the different lessons that we learn from each of the two Gemaras. Is it possible that the Gemara is implying that R' Akiva is indirectly liable for the death of his 24,000 Talmidim? What changed with Rabbi Akiva's second set of Talmidim that they were worthy to establish Torah?

274

Parshas Behar: Shemita and Har Sinai - EVERY Jew Needs to Learn!

May 21, 2024

1:16:00

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בהר.

275

Lag B'Omer: The Commencement of Torah Shebal Peh

May 16, 2024

1:09:50

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on לג בעומר, finishing the topic of ספירה. Discussed: The seemingly contradictory duality of Sefira; a joyful preparation for Kabalos Hatorah on Shavuos yet a time of mourning for the loss of Rabbi Akiva's students. Why is mourning even allowed during such a joyous time? Why do we celebrate that people stopped dying on Lag Baomer if the only reason there were no more deaths was that there was simply no one left alive? The connection between: 1) The Chasam Sofer regarding Lag B'omer being the day the first Maan fell. 2) The Kaf Hachaim pointing out that Rabbi Akiva began teaching his new students on that specific day. 3) The Orach Shulchan showing that Reb Shimon Bar Yochai came out of the cave on that day.

276

Sefirah: Sustained by a Small Allowance

May 16, 2024

1:29:03

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on ספירה, continuing the theme of the last Shiur. Discussed: Why do we count Sefira using the Korban Omer as a reference point, isn't Pesach or Shavous a more significant event? And why is the Sefira/Korban named after the size of the Korban, (Omer is just a measurement)? Furthermore, why do we start from the second day of Pesach and not the first? The Torah is seemingly inter-connected to the Mitzvah of Shemita and to the מן, what is this relationship? A Pshat why the מן fell only in small quantities.

277

Sefira: Growing from Emunah to Bitachon

May 16, 2024

1:05:56

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on ספירה. Discussed: The Baal Haturim explains that the Pasuk of the מן has all the letters of the Alef Bais as a message that Hashem will provide someone who keeps the Torah with all their needs just as Hashem provided Klal Yisroel in the desert with the מן. This is why when Yirmiyahu rebuked Klal Yisroel to learn more Torah he showed them the מן as proof a person has time to learn since Hashem will take care of them. This is the Gemora’s message that the Torah was only given to מן eaters, to highlight two interconnected parts; you need faith in Hashem to be able to learn, and at the same time, if you learn Torah, Hashem will take care of your needs. Sefer Chinuch explains that the Korban Omer celebrates the idea that everything is from Hashem, and that the yearly crop is no different than מן which falls from heaven. We can now understand why we count Sefira using the Korbon Omer as a barometer, and why we count away from Pesach (which represents Emunah) and build towards Bitachon and the Kabalas Hatorah of Shavous.

278

Parshas Emor: Making a Kiddush Hashem by Living a Life of Kedusha

May 13, 2024

1:19:16

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת אמור.

279

Parshas Emor: Awareness of Divine Providence

May 13, 2024

55:07

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת אמור, continuing on the topic of Hashgacha Pratis begun in Parshas תזריע-מצורע. Discussed: R' Shamshon Refael Hirsch explains why the Torah has several Mitzvos concerning mother and baby animals. The Chinuch writes that the Mitzva אותו ואת בנו (the prohibition to slaughter mother and child on one day) generates an awareness of divine providence and should cause one to be more conscious of Hashgacha Pratis. The Orach Chaim in Parshas Vayeshev writes that man has free choice and therefore is able to affect other people, even against Hashem's divine plan.

280

Parshas Kedoshim: Holy Nation - Maintaining Communal Standards

May 5, 2024

1:10:47

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת קדושים. Discussed: R' Eliyahu Meir Bloch explains why the Mitzvah of Kedoshim was said B'hakhel, in public to men, women, and children. And how the expectation of holiness demanded from the community are different than those expected from the individual. The Akeidas Yitzchok has harsh words for the Jews of pre-expulsion Spain, and warns of the consequences of those that ignore community responsibilities as seen by the destruction of Sodom. The proper way to give rebuke, as illustrated with a story about the Chofetz Chaim.

281

Parshas Kedoshim: Expand Yourself to Include Others

May 5, 2024

1:19:14

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת קדושים. Discussed: Various Peshatim on the Mitzvah of Kedoshim Tehiyu, 'You shall be holy'. R' Shimon Shkop wonders how one can emulate Hashem; God is completely selfless, while man is totally self-centered.

282

Parshas Acharei Mos: The Relationship Between Hashem, the Jewish People, and Eretz Yisrael - Part B

May 3, 2024

1:09:10

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת אחרי מות.

283

Parshas Acharei Mos: The Relationship Between Hashem, the Jewish People, and Eretz Yisrael - Part A

May 3, 2024

1:09:53

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת אחרי מות.

284

Parshas Acharei Mos: Meritocracy and Aristocracy - יקרה היא מפנינים

May 1, 2024

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!

285

Pesach: Antisemitism Preserves the Jewish Nation - With Your Blood You Shall Live Part 2

Apr 16, 2024

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.

286

Pesach: Jewish Continuity Throughout Galus - With Your Blood You Shall Live Part 1

Apr 16, 2024

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.

287

Pesach: Shiur on the Mitzvah of סיפור יציאת מצרים

Apr 16, 2024

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.

288

Pesach: The Election of Klal Yisroel - Part B

Apr 15, 2024

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.

289

Pesach: The Election of Klal Yisroel - Part A

Apr 15, 2024

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.

290

Pesach: The Four Sons Part B

Apr 15, 2024

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.

291

Pesach: The Four Sons Part A

Apr 15, 2024

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.

292

Pesach: A New Song of Redemption

Apr 14, 2024

1:26:11

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פסח.

293

Pesach: The Foundation of Judaism

Apr 14, 2024

1:35:09

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פסח. Continuation of the topics discussed from the shiurim on Parsahas Hachodesh and Purim.

294

Parshas Tazria: The Nature of Man and His Purpose in the World

Apr 9, 2024

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.

295

Parshas Tazria - Metzora: The Classic Approach to Hashgacha Pratis

Apr 8, 2024

1:25:24

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn on פרשת תזריע-מצורע, discussing the topic of Hashgacha Pratis. Discussed: A discussion on the fundamentals of Hashgacha Pratis, based on the Chinnuch: What is Hashgacha Pratis and how does it work? Do all animals have Hashgacha Pratis or just mankind? The Orchos Chaim Lha'Rosh explains why Hashem begins the 10 commandments by saying "I am your God who took you out of Egypt'' and not "I am God who created heaven and earth"? Recognizing how the Rishonim's approach to Hashgacha Pratis differs from the more common and modern approach, which is based on Kabbalah.

296

Parshas Shmini: The Korbonos and Avodas Hashem

Apr 4, 2024

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).

297

Parshas Hachodesh Part 2 - Jewish Months and the Second Temple Era

Apr 3, 2024

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.

298

Parshas Hachodesh Part 1: Jewish Months?

Apr 3, 2024

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.

299

Parshas HaChodesh: The Infinity of a Moment

Apr 3, 2024

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'.

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Parshas Shemini: Lessons from the Deaths of נדב ואביהוא

Apr 1, 2024

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.