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

Discussed

• Understanding the purpose of a Taanis and why we fast every year, especially as Eretz Yisrael is engulfed in yet another war on Asara B'teves. It is not simply a commemoration of historical calamities, but rather a time to understand the root spiritual causes of past and present events, and to reflect upon our spiritual failings to fix them.
• Understanding how Tochacha (rebuke) and Shalom (peace) are two necessary attributes despite their seemingly opposite nature; and that the first Bais Hamikdash was destroyed because of improper tolerance and a lack of Tochacha, and the second Bais Hamikdash because of Sinas Chinum and a lack of Shalom.
• Why did Yosef and Biyomin cry about the future destruction of Mishkan Shiloh and the Bais Hamikdash, specifically at the moment when the brothers finally reunited and why did each only cry about the other's tragedy.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.