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.

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on חנוכה. Discussed: 

• Three Questions on Chanukah; (1) Chazal tell us that Purim marks the end of prophecy and supernatural miracles, if so, why do we find supernatural miracles in the Chanukah story which takes place hundreds of years later? (2) Normally, Hashem performs miracles involving the salvation of the Jews, yet the miracle of the burning oil was simply helping the performance of a Mitzvah? (3) Why did Hashem perform a miracle for the burning of the oil, if impure oil would have been allowed due to the principle of Tuma Hutra Bitzibur?
• Reb Mottel Progimonsky explains Rashi, who writes that we see the great reward of Tzadikim from the fact that Yosef was sold to a spice caravan and was spared a foul odor on his trip down to Mitzrayim. What is this great reward? Yosef was in the process of being betrayed by his own brothers, did he really care how the caravan smelled?

Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on the topic of הכרת הטוב.   Discussed:  

• A better understanding of the idea of Hakaros Hatov based on a seemingly arrogant statement of R' Zoma, brought down in the Gemara of Brachos.
• Lessons we can learn from Moshe Rabeinu regarding the extent of the obligation to recognize goodness.  
• How Kibbud Av V'em embodies the dual nature of Hakaros Hatov which is the foundation for both Mitzvos בין אדם לחברו (between man and fellow) and Mitzvos בין אדם למקום (between man and Hashem).

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 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?