Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

351

The Hidden Light of Purim

Mar 21, 2024

1:02:34

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פורים. Discussed: Chazal compare Esther to the dawn, she was the end of miracles and a new era in Jewish history started. One would think that she should be compared to dusk, ushering in the night, so too Esther started the era of Galus and darkness and we lost miracles and prophecies. The Zohar states, there is no light except that which emanates from darkness. The Meshech Chochma's understanding of the Gemara, that Hashem forced the Jews to accept the Torah at Har Sinai, by holding the mountain over them.

352

Purim: The Song of The Megillah

Mar 21, 2024

1:27:43

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פורים. Discussed: If every Jewish holiday is named after the defining miracle of that Chag, why is Purim named after the seemingly insignificant lots which Haman drew to decide when to exterminate the Jews? What is the 'Song' of the Megillah that the Gemora says replaces the standard Hallel we recite on every Jewish holiday? Why does the fulfillment of Mitzvas Megillah specifically require that one hear every single word?

353

The Promise of Purim

Mar 20, 2024

1:07:00

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פורים. Discussed: The Medrash states that Purim & Yom Kippur will be the only two Yom Tovim around after Moshiach. The Tshuvos HaRashba asks on this Medrash, how can it be that any part of the Torah will be abolished at any point in time and why would Purim have precedence over the other Yom Tovim that are D'orayasa? The Ramban on the Tochacha explains why the Torah states that Hashem will hide from the Yidden (V'anochi Hasteir Asteir Panei) after they have stirrings of Teshuva. Shouldn't Hashem come closer to Klal Yisrael after they begin doing Teshuva? Why Hashem's name is often hidden when Klal Yisrael does battle with Amalek, as we find in the Megilla itself, which lacks Hashem's name.

354

Purim: Developing Internal Faith

Mar 20, 2024

1:19:15

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פורים.

355

Parshas Zachor: The Final Challenge - Haman, Amalek, and the Original Sin

Mar 19, 2024

1:19:11

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת זכר. Discussed: The Gaon writes that each generation faces a challenge corresponding to one of the עשרת הדברות, and the final generation before Moshiach will face the challenge of לא תחמוד. A close examination of the Aveira of the עץ הדעת and the evil of the נחש הקדמוני, which the Maharsha writes is the root of Amalek and Haman. A discussion on the true חמדה (treasure/desire) of the world, based on the story of אחאב, and how to properly utilize the Middah of חמדה.

356

Parshas Zachor: Destroying Amalek and the Parnassah Problem

Mar 19, 2024

1:15:18

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת זכור. Discussed: Why does Chazal compare the difficulty of earning a living to that of קריעת ים סוף (splitting the sea)? If Amalek represents the antithesis of spirituality & they are the spiritual arch-nemesis of the Jews and Torah, why does the battle against them have to be fought in a physical fashion and without any miracles? How can we blot out Amalek if they are no longer a viable nation and an active enemy of the Jews? What is this perplexing Mitzvah to 'remember to forget'?

357

Parshas Zachor - Tetzaveh: There is No Happenstance

Mar 19, 2024

1:19:32

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelch Kohn Ztl on פרשת תצוה and פרשת זכור. Discussed: Is there a connection between the lack of Moshe Rabeinu in Parshas Tetzaveh, and the lack of Hashem's name in the Megilla. The Netziv discusses why Moshe Rabeinu stepped back from the war with Amalek, and instead, Yehoshua led the attack.

358

Parshas Vayikra: The Small Aleph & Moshe's Greatness

Mar 17, 2024

1:33:43

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת ויקרא. Discussed: Two lessons from the small Alef in Vayikra, and why it was appropriate to give over these lessons at the beginning of Sefer Vayikra. If the Torah is against celibacy why did Moshe separate from his wife permanently? An explanation of the Medrash that says that the Shechina went into Galus only once the children were exiled, and why we have a Minhag for children to start learning from Sefer Vayikra.

359

Parshas Pekudei: Following the Command of Hashem

Mar 11, 2024

1:30:59

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת פקודי. Discussed: How to understand the order of the Parshiyos and why the Torah interrupts the construction of the Mishkan with Parshas Ki Sisa? Was there a Mitzvah to build the Mishkan before the חטא העגל? Why does Parshas Pekudei constantly repeat כאשר צוה ה' את משה (like Hashem commanded Moshe) over and over again? The Bais Halevi explains the underlying sin behind the חטא העגל and how the Bnei Yisrael repented when they built the Mishkan. He furthermore explains the mysterious nature of Parah Adumah and how it atones for the עגל.

360

Parshas Pekudei: Understanding Man's Endless Drive to Amass Wealth (Yetzer Hara Part 2)

Mar 11, 2024

1:27:44

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת פקודי, continuing on the topic of the Yetzer Hara. Can be listened as a standalone Shiur. Discussed: The Rambam in his Hakdama to Mishnayos asks, what is the value of all the people who waste time and spend their days in trivial pursuits? The Paradox of money: Why people have a limitless desire for money, a means to an end, but the end (physical pleasure) is very limited. The Gemara Darshans the Pasuk אוהב כסף לא ישבע כסף (he who loves money will never be satisfied with money) to refer to Moshe Rabeinu.

361

Parshas Vayakhel: Chacham Lev - Wisdom for the Wise

Mar 4, 2024

1:25:32

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn on פרשת ויקהל-פקודי. Discussed: Hashem only gives wisdom to the wise: why doesn’t Hashem give it to those that are lacking the wisdom, surely they need it the most? Furthermore, what is "wisdom of the heart" (Chachmiey Lev) that the Torah keeps referring to? Why did Hashem want the Krevuim to be in the image of children? R’ Chaim Shmuelevitz on what it means that ‘Shlomo Hamelech was smarter than all men, even fools’ and why Shlomo Hamelech merited to be the wisest of all men.

362

Parshas Vayakhel - Refraining From Materialism and Elevating Physicality (Yetzer Hara Part 1)

Mar 3, 2024

1:34:23

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת ויקהל, discussing the Yetzer Hara. Discussed: The meaning of במראת הצבאת (mirrors of the legions) that were donated for the Kiyur. Are we praising the women for spurning mirrors and physicality or lauding them for utilizing the mirror? R' Shamshon Refael Hirsch's question: Why did משה accept the women's jewelry including the כומז but (initially) rejected the mirrors used for the כיור. Two ways to understand what the Gemara means, "I created the evil inclination, and I created the Torah as a Tavlin".

363

Parshas Ki Sisa: The Second Luchos and the Start of Torah Sh'Baal Peh

Feb 26, 2024

1:31:59

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת כי תשא. Discussed: A discussion regarding the first Luchos, based on the Pasuk, חרות על הלוחות (engraved on the Tablets), which Chazal say should be read חירות (freed). Additionally a connection between the חטא העגל and Parshas Parah. R' Nissin Alpert learns a lesson from the leftover ink that lit up Moshe Rabeinu's face, which signifies the parts of the Torah that must be imparted verbally from a Rebbe. An explanation, based on the Steipler, for why Chazal say that after the Luchos were broken Torah only comes with צער and hard work, and why this refers mainly to תורה שבעל פה.

364

Parshas Ki Sisa: The Perils of Depression

Feb 26, 2024

1:35:11

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת כי תשא. Discussed: R' Chaim Shmulevitz wonders how it was possible for Klal Yisroel to rapidly fall from receiving the Torah to idol worship in the span of just a few months. The lesson R' Yehuda Hanasi learned from dropping his Megilah. Why people who go off the Derech fall much further than those that were never religious in the first place?

365

Parshas Tetzaveh: Combining Good Intentions with Good Actions

Feb 19, 2024

1:35:59

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת תצוה. Discussed: Sefer Zichron Meir explains how we can relate to Karbonos in modern times & why is a Karbon called a "Rayach Nechoch" (Pleasant Scent). Why did Shaul Hamelech refer to the command of Hashem as a "Dybur" (word) while Shmuel Ha'navi called it "Kol"(sound)? What exactly was the sin of Shaul Hamelech in regard to not wiping out Amalek and how his descendant Esther atoned for it. The Chofetz Chaim wonders how is it possible for us to bring Moshiach today if even greater generations couldn't.

366

Parshas Terumah: Building a Mishkan Through Commandments

Feb 12, 2024

1:33:33

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת תרומה. Discussed: Why is half of Sefer Shemos dedicated to the technical details of the building of the Mishkan? Why did Moshe Rabeinu recoil in shock when he heard about these three Miztvos: the building of the Mishkan, the Korban Tamid, and the Machtzas Hashekel? Vort from R' Aaron Leib Shtienman on the building of the Beis Hamikdash.

367

Parshas Terumah: The Sanctuary Within

Feb 12, 2024

1:17:24

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת תרומה.

368

Parshas Terumah: בדי הארון - Attached to the Torah

Feb 12, 2024

46:43

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת תרומה. Discussed: The Ramban asks why Sefer Shemos, which is called ספר הגאולה (Book of Redemption), includes the building of the Mishkan, seemingly unrelated to יציאת מצרים. A Pshat in the בדי הארון, what they represent, and the message one can take from the לאו not to remove them from the ארון. The Chofetz Chaim and Ksav Sofer compare the בדי הארון to those who support Torah, which is illustrated by a story about R' Lazer Gordon.

369

Parshas Mishpatim: בית יעקב Part 2 - Establishing a Curriculum of Torah Study for Women

Feb 7, 2024

1:36:55

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת משפטים, continuing the topic of Bais Yaakov and Girls' Education. Discussed: Understanding the Gemara that women receive a greater reward for encouraging their husbands and children to learn Torah, more than the merit they receive when studying Torah themselves. The Chofetz Chaim discusses the appropriate curriculum for a Bais Yaakov based on various exceptions to the Gemara (that discouraged women's Torah learning). Is there an actual Issur to teach women Torah, and how does the Bais Yaakov system harmonize with Gemara? The Bais Halevi, based on the Zohar, discusses two aspects of Torah learning, as a means to performing Mitzvos and as a goal unto itself. This idea is represented by the two crowns the Yidden received because they preceded נעשה before נשמע.

370

Parshas Mishpatim: Torah Versus Modern Morality

Feb 4, 2024

1:16:43

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת משפטים.

371

Parshas Mishpatim: Jealousy & Emunah - Lo Sachmod Part 2

Feb 4, 2024

1:33:35

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת משפטים.

372

Parshas Mishpatim: Legislating Human Emotion - Lo Sachmod Part 1

Feb 4, 2024

1:28:09

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת משפטים.

373

Parshas Mishpatim: Emunah of the Mind & Bribery of the Heart

Feb 4, 2024

1:19:58

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת משפטים.

374

Parshas Yisro: בית יעקב - Girls' Education and Sarah Schenirer's Innovation

Jan 30, 2024

1:18:14

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת יתרו. Discussed: Which individual contributed the most to Jewish education in the last century? The Ridvaz discusses the spiritual decline in Europe during the late 19th century, despite the prevalence of Yeshivos. He attributes the decline to the lack of Jewish education for girls and their exposure to European culture. R' Meir Shapiro explains why the women are called בית" יעקב", the "house" of Yaakov, and not בת יעקב, daughter, of Yaakov. He also discusses the ideal way that girls are educated in Yiddishkeit, using a metaphor of two ways to ingest medicine.

375

Parshas Yisro: Only Torah, Not Miracles, Can Change a Person

Jan 29, 2024

1:12:37

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת יתרו. Discussed: R’ Meir Shapiro explains the difference between the Chinuch of a father and a mother, and how this is implied with the Torah referring to the women of Klal Yisroel as BEIS (the house) of Yakkov and not BAS (daughters) Yaakov. Why is it appropriate for the Torah to be given in the Parsha named after a non-Jew? What is the juxtaposition of Krias Yam Sof & the war with Amalek that inspired Yisro to come to Klal Yisroel?

376

Parshas Yisro: Naaseh V'Nishma - The Mandate of Torah

Jan 29, 2024

1:23:13

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת יתרו.

377

Parshas Beshalach: Why Did the Sea Run Away?

Jan 26, 2024

1:30:58

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בשלח. Discussed: Discussing the various reasons given by Medrashim for Krias Yam Suf, implying that the miracle required human input and was not performed solely by Hashem. The Darkei Mussar, based on the Ikram, learns from Krias Yam Suf of Man's great power to partner with Hashem in creation, demonstrating Mankind's ability to elevate themselves above Malachim. The Kometz HaMincha writes, that even though Klal Yisrael was seemingly without Zchusim, they merited Krias Yam Suf because of the Kedusha they maintained in Mitzrayim, as epitomized by Yosef.

378

Parshas Beshalach: The Heart Rules the Mind

Jan 22, 2024

1:17:25

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בשלח. Discussed: R' Eliyahu Meir Bloch learns an important Mussar lesson from the מצריים that followed the Jews into the sea, an irrational act. R' Yaakov Kamenetzky wonders why magic doesn't exist anymore. What was the purpose of magic and where did it go? Why didn't Hashem miraculously save the Jews from Amalek, in stark contrast to the beginning of the Parsha when the Egyptians had the Jews surrounded?

379

Parshas Beshalach: Faith Splits Seas

Jan 22, 2024

1:14:24

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בשלח.

380

Daven For Emunah; Emunah Creates Miracles

Jan 22, 2024

1:14:25

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בשלח, continuing the topic of Tefilla.

381

Parshas Beshalach: What is the Goal of Prayer? Or is Prayer the Goal?

Jan 22, 2024

1:34:43

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בשלח, on the topic of תפילה.

382

Parshas Bo (Part B): Tefilin; An Unbreakable Bond

Jan 14, 2024

1:08:38

Two part Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בא , focusing on many aspects of Tefilin. Discussed: The Kli Yakir and Meshech Chochma explain why we wear Tefilin on our left hand which is the weaker hand. The Tefilin Shel Yad (hand), which we put on first, symbolizes deeds, while the Shel Rosh (head) represents the intellect and understanding of Mitzvos. The approach of the Orach Chaim, that God's greater hand, his so-called right hand, is one of love and Chesed, while His weaker arm, the left hand, is the one which smites and punishes.

383

Parshas Bo (Part A): Tefilin; An Unbreakable Bond

Jan 14, 2024

1:17:08

Two-part Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בא, focusing on many aspects of Tefilin. Discussed: Why the many differences between the Tefilin Shel Rosh (head) and Shel Yad (hand)? Furthermore, why is Tefilin unique in that we give preference to the left hand? Also, what is the connection between יציאת מצרים and Tefilin and why do we commemorate it daily? Understanding why HaShem also wears Tefilin. The Gra demonstrates the correlation between the five senses and the various compartments of Tefilin.

384

Parshas Bo: Our Behavior Creates Our Character

Jan 14, 2024

1:24:53

Shiur from Rabbi Kohn Ztl on פרשת בא. Discussed: The Ksav Sofer explains why the answer for the בן הרשע, the wicked son, is found by the שאינו יודע לשאול, the son who doesn't know how to ask. The Chinuch lays down a principle to explain why Hashem commanded numerous Mitzvos.

385

Parshas Bo: Judaism Includes Everybody

Jan 14, 2024

1:18:04

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בא. Discussed: The Kometz Hamincha explains why Pharoah asked, "who and who is going?" And why he had a hard time understanding that the children would also be joining. Why is it that non-Jews can only bring a Karbon Olah and only Jews can bring a Shlomim offering, this is counter-intuitive since an Olah is the highest level of Karbon as it is completely consumed by the Mizbeach? Ksav Sofer explains why when the Torah gives the answer to the question of the Ben Rasha with the answer of the Ben Shaino Yodah Lishol and why it's crucial to teach children Alef Beis before they learn ABC.

386

Parshas Va'eira: What Happened to Magic? - Lessons from Moshe's Staff

Jan 9, 2024

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?

387

Parshas Va'eira: The Power of Mesirus Nefesh

Jan 7, 2024

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?

388

Parshas Va'eira: Torah Broadens the Heart and Liberates the Mind

Jan 7, 2024

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.

389

Parshas Va'eira: Pharoah's Free Will

Jan 7, 2024

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.

390

Parshas Va'eira: A Natural Versus a Miraculous Redemption

Jan 7, 2024

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.

391

Parshas Shemos: The Jewish Name and the Jewish Identity

Jan 1, 2024

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.

392

Parshas Shemos: Trivial Matters with Eternal Impact

Jan 1, 2024

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.

393

Parshas Shemos: The Divine Plan is Inevitably Fulfilled

Jan 1, 2024

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.

394

Parshas Shemos: אושר החיים - Bilam's Painless Death v. Iyuv's Terrible Suffering

Jan 1, 2024

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.

395

Parshas Vayechi: B'Charbi U'Vekashti - The Spiritual Underpinnings of Our Struggles in Eretz Yisrael Today

Dec 25, 2023

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.

396

Parshas Vayechi: Chinuch Means to Self-Replicate

Dec 25, 2023

1:19:49

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת ויחי. This Shiur discusses the topic of Chinuch and the ideas behind Jewish education.

397

Parshas Vayechi: Yehuda; Your Brothers Will Acknowledge You

Dec 25, 2023

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.

398

Asara B'teves & Vayigash: The Peace Process - Crisis in Israel

Dec 22, 2023

1:35:02

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn ZT"L on פרשת ויגש & עשרה בטבת.

399

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.

400

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.