Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

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.

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.

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת עקב. 

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

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת אחרי מות. 

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת אחרי מות. 

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.

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.

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?

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

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!

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת מקץ.

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?

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.

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בראשית. Discussed: The Kli Yakir explains what it means that Kayin offered his Korbon, מקץ ימים, at the end of days. What was the motivation behind Kayin's Korbon, and why did Hashem reject his Korbon? Understanding the essential concept of Korbonos. If Hashem doesn't "need" our gifts, why do we offer Korbonos? Furthermore, what is the significance of מבכרות צאנו, the first of Hevel's cattle; does it really matter to Hashem whether someone offers the last of their crop instead of Bikkurim? What is the difference between an animal offering and one of flax? Understanding the Orach Chaim who explains why Kayin deserved the incredible promise from Hashem that he will be protected for seven generations. Also discussed, the idea of Bitachon based on the Segulah Niflah from the Nefesh Hachaim.

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?

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.

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)?

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.

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.

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.

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בלק.

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.

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.

This Shiur is an abridged version of the Gadol Hashalom series, it was edited for Sefira. Topics include Kabbalos Hatorah, Bein Adam Lcahveiro, 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?

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת ראה.

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 through our conquest of Eretz Yisrael and period of the Bais Hamikdash, and ultimately, even in the darkness of Galus.

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' perspective on the modern state of Israel as it relates to Galus, specifically to the horrors of the Holocaust and 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.

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.

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בשלח.

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 mean 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. 

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 root of the words לחם (bread) and מלחמה (war), and how Bentching with a Zimun promotes Achdus and prevents conflict and war.

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 from 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 did the first batch of Talmidim of Rabbi Akiva die and why specifically in the time period between Pesach and Shavous? What changed by the new Talmidim that they were worthy to establish Torah?

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.

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת פנחס. Discussed: - Understanding the Sforno about the public sin of Zimri which 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 low form of Avoda Zara attract so many Jews?

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 extreme conflicting qualities exist in himself. - 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.

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בלק. Discussed: - The contrast between the reactions of Yisro and Balak when they 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.

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 in Klal Yisrael through their acceptance of the Torah.

This Shiur was given in May 2002, during the height of the second Intifada. Unfortunately this Shiur is still relevant in May 2021. 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 earlier times. - How the misleading terminology of the media and the lies of the Arabs confuse people, 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.

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 with 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 points out that the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur in the Kodesh Hakodashim, is the holiest person in the holiest place during the holiest time, and that the Torah is more precious even than that!

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn on פרשת תזריע.

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.

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.

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.