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. What is so significant about this specific Mitzvah?
• Why is someone who is כפוי טוב (unappreciative) considered an Apikorus (denier of God)?

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 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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

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.