The Shmuz

In the first session of Living Through the Makos, Rabbi Shafier explains how Klal Yisroel went from being a privileged nation in Egypt to tortured slaves. He discusses the rise of anti-Semitism amongst the Mitzri, and how their hatred of others ultimately led to their hatred of themselves. Packed with valuable life-lessons, this series is guaranteed to give you the ultimate in Pesach preparation a...

In the final class of the first perek, Rabbi Shafier develops the idea of how important our actions are in both this world and the next. In this incredibly encouraging shiur, we learn the great potential within us and how to maximize our deeds for eternity. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much over...

In today’s society, you are relentlessly bombarded with two fallacies: One, that money equals happiness, and two, that your sense of self should be defined by your net worth. The Torah rejects both of these ideas, yet this week’s parsha shows that the attraction to money is inherent in the briah. In this uncomfortably relevant Shmuz, Rabbi Shafier challenges you to take a long, hard look at how yo...

You are a spiritual being navigating a temporary physical existence in this world. But oh, how easy it is to forget! It’s so tempting to get caught up in the distractions of olam hazeh, losing sight of what truly matters. The key? Learning to keep the main thing the main thing. When you shift your focus beyond the fleeting to the eternal, you unlock a life of deeper meaning, purpose, and ultimate...

We often hear about the importance of teshuvah, loving others, and being mevater—essential values for a Torah Jew. But how often do we hear about forgiving ourselves? We are capable of surpassing even melachim, yet we have faults and failings—how can we still fulfill our purpose? By recognizing that failure is part of growth; it doesn’t define us, it makes us human. Hashem doesn’t expect perfectio...

One of the most difficult character traits to work on is humility. Not only is it considered the most praise-worthy of all of the middos, it is the most misunderstood. On one hand, we are obligated to appreciate the greatness of the human, yet on the other, we must remain humble. One way we can reach a greater understanding of anava is to learn what is not. By analysing the incredible arrogance of...

In the fourth session on Megillas Esther, Rabbi Shafier brings the conclusion of the Megillah dramatically to life. From Haman’s sudden demise to our own swift salvation, this class will explain the final perakim with additional insight and depth. Discover why Purim is considered to be greater than the kabbola at Har Sinai, how Haman’s unchecked arrogance inevitably led to his downfall and what fo...

Before Esther went into Achashverosh, Mordechai commanded the Jewish nation to fast for three days. Rashi tells us that those three days included the first day of Pesach. That means that Mordechai abolished the mitzvos of eating matzah, drinking the four cups, and eating marror that year. Since there were more than eleven months until the decree was to take place, what was the sudden need for acti...

Esther stands at the threshold of the throne room, prepared to forfeit her life in this world and the next.  Instead, she is assisted by three melachim, achieves ruach hakodesh and is the catalyst for Klal Yisroel’s eventual salvation.  Aside from the obvious message that Hashem can always flip things around in an instant, there are many other life lessons to be learned.  Firstly, E...

In this week’s parsha, Hashem explains to Moshe how to make Menorah. But the menorah is made miraculously- so why the explanation? This question underpins one of the fundamental concepts in Torah hashkafa: the delicate balance between bitachon and hishtadlus.  Whether it’s health, shidduchim or parnassah, how much effort are you expected to invest, and when should you say that you’re leaving...

Most people aren't happy. Why not? Even when a person can have all of their physical wants and needs met, they can still feel empty inside. Caveat: We’re not talking mental illness here. We’re discussing the pain a soul feels from ignoring it’s potential. It’s a pain familiar to all of us. Tune into this class understand it better and reach a greater level of fulfillment in your life. Reaching tho...

Mordechai’s timings were extraordinary. He demanded that Esther risk her life and approach Achashverosh, even though Achasverosh was imminently due to summon her. He refused to delay a national taanis, and instead called for Klal Yisroel to fast from the first day of Pesach, forgoing the zechus and mitzvas aseh of achilas matzah. What was Mordechai’s cheshbon? And what does his reasoning teach us...

The Jewish contribution to mankind is astounding. In every industry, in every profession, the Jewish people consistently play a significant role, far surpassing our tiny population. It’s clear that we are the am segula, the messengers for revealed good in the world. Nevertheless, your gan eden isn’t dependent on whether you’re a chess champions or nuclear physicist. The Torah teaches that your ola...

Are you a pleasure seeker, but feel kinda guilty about it because enjoying life isn’t a ‘Jewish’ concept? In this class, Rabbi Shafier addresses misconceptions such as this full-on, showing you how to use the pleasures Hashem has created to become a better, more spiritual human being. Reaching thousands people every month, R' Shafier provides life-changing Torah Clarity, Inspiration and enjoyment...

Megillas Esther Session One: What to do with a Problem Like Vashti? In the first class on Megillas Esther, Rabbi Shafier explains how the Megillah begins-the history, the context and the background of the story. Learn why Achashverosh was reluctant to kill his queen, the motivations behind Haman’s bizarre marriage advice and how incredible hashgacha pratis was evident from the very beginning. This...

Live your truth. Love is love. You do you. You’re worth it. Just do it. These are some of the phrases common in today’s culture. The problem is, they are completely at odds with Torah hashkafa.   Lo sachmod beis rayecha.  Lo sachmod aishes rayecha. Do not desire your friend’s house. Your friend’s wife. In fact, don’t desire anything that belongs to him. So says the aseres hadibros in thi...

In this electrifying shmuz, Rabbi Shafier urges you to look at the world without an agenda, consider the intricacies inherent in creation and acknowledge Hashem’s hand in every aspect of the universe. Reaching thousands people every month, R' Shafier provides life-changing Torah Clarity, Inspiration and enjoyment at http://theshmuz.com. #TheShmuz #Torah #Chizuk This podcast has been graciously spo...

Why can’t Man just be happy? Always running, always chasing, nothing is ever enough. In this mind blowing class, Rabbi Shafier teaches you how your soul was created for greatness. You are always longing for more because you know you can be more. How to get there? Watch to find out! Reaching thousands people every month, R' Shafier provides life-changing Torah Clarity, Inspiration and enjoyment at...

If you accept that Hashem is very good at being Hashem, a thinking person must marvel at the variety and intensity of pain that He has created- and then ask themselves why it must be this way. The question of suffering is discussed at length in the Mesillas Yesharim. In this class Rabbi Shafier brings down the Ramchal’s teachings to show you how suffering cannot make sense without an awareness of...

If we really understood the holiness of a neshama, we’d be blown away. Yet our reality is that we don’t appreciate the incredible potential enclosed within each of us-we don’t even appreciate ourselves. It’s not supposed to be this way. We were meant to achieve great spiritual heights during our lifetime, so what holds us back? In this shockingly honest shmuz Rabbi Shafier discusses his own challe...

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No less than nineteen mitzvos focus on Yetzias Mitzrayim. From Mezuzahs to Tefillin to Shema, we are commanded to remember the events in this week’s parsha. Why does it form the bedrock of our faith? As the Ramban explains, Hashem isn’t in the business of making everyday miracles. There was one moment in history where we clearly saw Hashem as real, present and maintaining every single aspect of ex...

In this powerful Shmuz, Rabbi Shafier discusses the spiritual forces that cause cognitive dissonance and shows you how you can live a more authentic and truthful existence. If you want to have the clarity to move forward through this thing called life, you need to understand what motivates and drives you. This shmuz will change everything you ever thought about yourself. This podcast has been grac...

There are forces in this world beyond what the eye can see. Even though they may not be obvious to our five senses, we take for granted gravity, radio waves and energy. So too, the world is run by spiritual forces that are influenced by our actions here on earth. This powerful shiur will help you see the significance of even the smallest, seemingly insignificant mitzvah. Prepared to be both inspir...

Before Moshe and Aron approach Paroh, Hashem cautions the brothers to treat Paroh with honor. Paroh, who took a daily bath in the blood of Jewish babies, who enslaved and tormented us throughout the shibud. It begs the question: why the need for respect? In this Shmuz, Rabbi Shafier makes a clear distinction between the rasha that was Paroh and the institution of malchus. We are instructed to resp...