Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

351

Chanukah, December 25, and the Winter Solstice - Jewish Enlightenment

Dec 20, 2023

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.

352

Moshiach Part 4: The Role of Moshiach

Dec 20, 2023

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.

353

Moshiach Part 3: The Generation Preceding Moshiach

Dec 20, 2023

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).

354

Lessons from Tes Teves - Tochacha, Richuk, and Sinas Chinam

Dec 19, 2023

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.

355

Parshas Vayigash: Leadership Starts with Self

Dec 18, 2023

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.

356

Parshas Vayigash: Balancing Truth and Peace

Dec 18, 2023

1:20:19

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת ויגש.

357

Parshas Mikeitz: Wealth in this World

Dec 17, 2023

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!

358

Parshas Mikeitz: מרגלים אתם - Understanding Yosef's Plan

Dec 14, 2023

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.

359

Chanuka & Parshas Miketz: The Light of the Menorah - Hope in Galus

Dec 10, 2023

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?

360

Chanukah: The Unity Of the Menorah

Dec 10, 2023

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.

361

Chanuka: The Supernatural Lights

Dec 10, 2023

1:11:33

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on חנוכה.

362

Chanuka: The Miracle of Burning Oil - Perceiving the Divine

Dec 10, 2023

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.

363

Chanukah & Parshas Vayeshev: Internal Conflict is More Dangerous Than External Enemies

Dec 7, 2023

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.

364

Vayeshev-Chanukah: Be Dedicated To Your Commitments

Dec 6, 2023

1:10:29

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וישב and on חנוכה.

365

Moshiach Part 2: Galus and Geula Intertwined

Dec 3, 2023

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.

366

Moshiach Part 1 - Parshas Vayeshev: Seeds of Redemption

Dec 3, 2023

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?

367

Parshas Vayeshev: The Virtues Of Silence

Dec 3, 2023

1:35:12

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וישב.

368

Parashat Vayeshev: The Value of Suffering

Dec 3, 2023

56:48

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וישב.

369

Parshas Vayeshev: Balancing Torah Learning with Family Relationships

Dec 3, 2023

1:16:02

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וישב.

370

Parshas Vayishlach: The Centrality of Torah Study

Nov 26, 2023

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.

371

Parshas Vayishlach: Understanding the Story of Dina and the Roles of Women

Nov 26, 2023

1:19:51

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl On פרשת וישלח.

372

Parshas Vayishlach: Having it All

Nov 26, 2023

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.

373

Parshas Vayetzei: The Mystery of Galus - גם זו לטובה

Nov 23, 2023

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?

374

Hakaros Hatov - The Fundamental Middah of Yiddishkeit

Nov 22, 2023

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).

375

Thanksgiving: A Jewish Perspective

Nov 22, 2023

46:37

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on the topic of הכרת הטוב. Discussed: Different Halachik opinions regarding a Jew celebrating Thanksgiving. The Alshich explains why Chazal say that the world was created on account of Mitzvas Bikkurim. Why is someone who is כפוי טוב (unappreciative) considered an Apikorus (denier of God).

376

Parshas Vayetzei: Thanking HaShem Through Recognition of Hashgacha

Nov 19, 2023

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.

377

Parshas Vayetzei: The Correct Approach to a Successful Marriage

Nov 19, 2023

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?

378

Parshas Vayeztei: Hodah and Modah - Appreciating the Miracle of the Mundane

Nov 19, 2023

1:02:21

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת ויצא.

379

Parshas Toldos: Exchanging the Temporary for the Eternal

Nov 17, 2023

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?

380

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

Nov 12, 2023

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.

381

Parshas Toldos: Attaching the Physical to the Spiritual

Nov 12, 2023

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?

382

Parshas Chayei Sarah: Sarah Preserved Herself in Every Situation

Nov 5, 2023

1:15:53

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת חיי שרה. Discussed: What is the connection between Sarah and Esther? Chazal say that Esther merited to rule 127 countries because Sarah lived 127 years. Why does the Gemara say Sarah’s beauty was like a 7 yr old and her innocence was like a 20 yr old - shouldn’t it be the other way around? How two seemingly contradictory compliments regarding Sarah’s beauty and her prophecy are really in sync with each other.

383

Parshas Chayei Sarah: Sefer HaYahar - Lessons In Middos

Nov 5, 2023

1:31:06

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת חיי שרה.

384

Parshas Chayei Sarah: Rivkah's Jewelry; A Deeper Understanding

Nov 5, 2023

1:19:51

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת חיי שרה.

385

Parshas Vayeira: Breaking From the Past - Lot Part 2

Oct 30, 2023

1:01:57

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וירא. We continue the discussion of last week regarding Lot. Discussed: Why does the Torah emphasize that Avrohom Avinu went back to the same hotels on his return journey from Mitzrayim? Why are some people able to achieve greatness, while others, who seemingly start out with lots of potential, stall and never advance?

386

Parshas Vayeira: The Last Three Tests: A New Mission - V'Heyei Tamim

Oct 30, 2023

1:17:37

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וירא.

387

Parshas Vayeira: Understanding When to Interpret the Torah Literally and When Figuratively

Oct 29, 2023

1:19:30

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת וירא. Discussed: What is the message we should learn that one should attend to guests before the Shechina? The Rambam’s parameters for when we say the Torah is speaking figuratively as opposed to literally. The Abarbenal’s explanation of how to reconcile the Rambam given all the questions the Ramban asks.

388

Parshas Lech Lecha: Bris Milah - Perfect from the Start

Oct 26, 2023

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.

389

Parshas Lech Lecha: Magen Avraham - Discovering HaShem

Oct 22, 2023

1:17:06

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת לך לך. Discussed: The difference in child rearing between someone observant by rote versus someone who chose it through their own conviction. Why do we list the Avos in ascending order? Furthermore, why do we delineate them separately at the beginning of the first Bracha of Shmonei Esrei and then conclude only with Avroham? R’ Shimon Shkup’s incredible prediction, that right before Moshiach we will see an abundance of Balei Teshuva.

390

Parshas Lech Lecha: Avraham - the Foundation of the Jewish People

Oct 22, 2023

1:08:53

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת לך לך.

391

Parshas Lech Lecha: Growing With Change and Enthusiasm

Oct 22, 2023

1:29:38

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת לך לך.

392

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

Oct 22, 2023

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?

393

Israel: One Lamb Surrounded by Seventy Wolves

Oct 10, 2023

55:02

This Shiur was given in May 2002, during the height of the second Intifada. Unfortunately, this Shiur is still relevant in October 2023. May we be זוכה to a swift and complete ישועה. Discussed: Thoughts on why many people, even holocaust survivors, feel that we are living in unprecedented times. A few reasons why modern anti-Semitism is possibly worse and more frightening than in earlier times. How the misleading terminology of the media and the lies of the Arabs confuse the public, even Jews. R' Chaim Volozinher explains the Zohar which writes that the Shechina dresses in woman form, representing motherly love, to descend ברחמים into Galus.