Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

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...

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...

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 Kei...

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.

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 w...

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 Je...

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 be...

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 learnin...

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, unaff...

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 juxtapo...

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 exact...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 tea...

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת שלח.

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 re...

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...

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בהעלותך.

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...

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת נשא.

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת נשא.

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