Rabbi Eliyahu Kohen

The gemara in Yoma (9b) asks, “Why was the Second Temple destroyed? Weren’t the Jews occupied with Torah, mitzvos, and the practice of kind deeds? [The Second Temple was destroyed] because there was unjustified hatred between Jews (sinas chinam).”

We had a guest at our Shabbos table who had graduated a top tier university and became more Jewishly observant after graduating. “What motivated you to take this path?” we asked. “There were many factors,” he responded, “but the impetus began one summer while I was working on campus on a

The findings of a research project that came to light last week are mind-boggling: Trillions Upon Trillions of Viruses Fall From the Sky Each Day High in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Spain, an international team of researchers set out four buckets to gather a shower of viruses falling from the sky. Scientists have surmised

Seeking spirituality is hot today. To such an extent that even Oprah Winfrey produced a seven-part television mini-series in 2015 entitled “Belief” exploring faith and spirituality. Atlantic Magazine reported on October 18, 2015, “The breathtaking aesthetics of ‘Belief’ are reason enough to watch. Oprah spent a heap of cash over

After the death of Yaakov Avinu, the brothers of Yosef had great doubts whether or not Yosef had forgiven them for selling him to a caravan of Yishmaeilim that resulted in his eventual sale to Mitzrayim. Rashi informs us (Bereishis 50:15), “They perceived their father’s death through Yosef’s behavior. They were accustomed to

As we go about our daily affairs observing and interacting with our family, friends, acquaintances, and business associates, we are subconsciously (and sometimes consciously) making judgments about others, either negatively or positively. Every interaction is entered into our mental computer. We can become inclined to judge people negatively. However, the Torah requires that we judge... Read more »

There are many strategies to introduce newcomers to the excitement, meaning and depth of Chanukah. One approach is by teaching the Talmudic discussions addressing the mitzvah of lighting the Chanukah menorah. Learning Gemara with newcomers to Judaism is a vital step to help empower them to become active participants in the Mesorah. The NLE Thinking Gemara shiur on Chanukah can assist rabbis, educators and

We’re deep into football season. One of the usually uneventful times of a football game is when the team on offence fails to make a first down, is too far to attempt a field goal, and punts the ball into the opponent’s territory. Avid spectators reserve such plays for going to the fridge to replenish the Coke (read, “beer”) and

The National Archives, housed in an austere building in downtown Washington, D.C., contain original copies of the founding documents of the United States of America: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights. I went there to listen to scratchy tape recordings made secretly in Richard Nixon’s Oval Office, recordings of fraud and deceit... Read more »

In 1995, Rabbi and Mrs. Leib Kelemen arranged for a group of English speaking residents of Har Nof, Jerusalem to serve as Shabbos hosts for a few dozen students visiting Israel on a short trip from the US. Rabbi and Mrs. Jonathan Bressel were among the hosts that Shabbos, featuring meals and lodging with families,... Read more »

Pages By: Rabbi Eliyahu Kohen

New: Free Sefer of Stories on the Chofetz Chaim on Bein Adam L’Chaveiro: B’Nesivos HaChafetz Chaim

The Unexpected Question after the Tennis Game: A Take-away & Free Shiur for Parshas Beha’aloscha

Free Shiur: Global Viruses Have Gone Viral, Can Torah?

Just Goin’ with One of Oprah’s Millions of Ways

The Command that was Never Given

The Day of Reconciliation

Introducing Newcomers to Chanukah via Gemara Study

The Football Player who Deserves a Nobel Prize

When Will They Lie Next?

Transforming Shabbos with the New Illuminated Shabbos Table Experience Guide

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