Rabbi Gershon Schaffel's Shiurim

We review, briefly, the halachos that apply when erev Pesach falls on Shabbos.

We review the procedure for kashering one's kitchen for Pesach.

An overview of the cleaning that must be done to prepare one's house for Pesach without expending too much energy

We discuss whether Moshe Rabbeinu was gifted with his unique level or prophecy or it was achieved through his efforts and how the answer to that impacts each one of us. The first unique characteristic of Moshe Rabbeinu's prophecy is explained and we also explain the vital role of an intermediary in the prophecy of others.

What happens if you forget to do bedikas chometz before Shabbos? Is it permitted to do bedikas chometz with a candle or an oil lamp on Shabbos? Join us as we explore the issues involved and the potential solutions to allow fulfilling the mitzvah on Shabbos Sources can be found here  

We begin by establishing two types of people, those who are "real" and authentic to themselves and those who are "generic" and are guided what others will think and say. We then explore the main characters of Mordechai, Achashverosh and Haman and the amazing transition that Esther goes through to become fully real which leads directly to the salvation of the Jewish People

Is it permitted to crossdress on Purim? Are prohibitions suspended when violated in an effort to celebrate?

What is the essence of prophecy? What happened to the prophecy of the millions of prophets in Jewish history? Why is it a principle of faith to believe in the existence of prophecy?

We review the relevant teshuvos about listening to megilla reading by phone or a speaker system and then discuss whether those same opinions apply to digital technology.

We explore what prophecy is and the prerequisites to become a prophet. Why a prophet must be wealthy and rich is explained as well as traits that inhibit one from becoming a prophet. Finally, we explain what is intended when someone is described as a "holy man."

Is it permitted to use various ploys and techniques to force a claimant to accept a compromise for less than the amount that is actually owed?

How can we say ברכוני לשלום? Doesn't it violate the principle that prohibits davening to intermediaries? How does prayer work? Why do we pray if everything is decided for us on Rosh HaShanah?

If one damages a neighbor's snowman, is there any liability? What is the halacha regarding damage to objects that have little to minimum market value but significant sentimental value?

Davening to Hashem rather than to intermediaries. The origin of idolatry. Differentiating between the "wielder of power" and the "source of power." The difficulty this raises regarding numerous prayers such as ברכוני לשלום which seemingly, violates this principle.

An exploration of why the Jews sinned after experiencing so many miracles. We explore some of the fundamentals of our bechirah and when we cannot access free choice. Lastly, we explore how our struggles make us unique and what we can do to establish better habits in our lives.

Why is it essential to believe that Hashem "decided" to create the world? What does "first" and "last" mean when used in reference to Hashem?

If a non-religious parent, who is ill and declining mentally, asks for ice cream after a meat meal, is it permitted for a child to serve that parent ice cream?

How do we know that Hashem is not confined in time? Clarifying that "First" does not mean that Hashem exists in the timeline. If past, present and future do not exist for Hashem, how does He judge mankind? Creation ex-nihilo.

If one is sleeping in one home and eating in a simchah hall, where is the preferable place to light Shabbos candles?

In this shiur we discuss "proofs" of Hashem's existence, why we emphasize that Hashem is not physical but do not also emphasize that Hashem is not spiritual and does not exist in time. We also explore Hashem's unchanging existence even though it seems that He changes according to our behavior, the principle of midah k'neged midah and the tremendous power we have over the events and circumstances i...

What is the correct procedure for distributing aliyos when you have a minyan comprised of kohanim and levi'im?

If one roommate contracts COVID-19, who moves out? The roommate who is ill or the roommate who is healthy?

If a group of people suddenly need masks to avoid receiving a fine, is there a limit how much a supplier may charge?

Is it heretical to believe that Hashem has a physical body? The impossible endeavor to empirically prove Hashem's existence. Hashem's existence outside of time. Be a judge, not a lawyer. How does midah k'neged midah work?