The Shmuz

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...

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 perek-by-perek series will transform your experience of krias Megil...

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. Do not desire your friend’s wife. In fact, don’t desire anything that belongs to him. So says the aseres hadibro...

This may be Judaism 101, but how often do we stop to think about it, and allow it to impact who we really are? Catch the full Shmuz on the Parsha here: https://vimeo.com/390295113   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us wit...

If everything is determined by Hashem, can I take credit for my hard work? This question bothers many of us. Listen now to hear Rabbi Shafier’s response.   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thec...

Are you a hedonist? A pleasure seeker? A foodie? Know how to ‘enjoy the good things in life?’ Rabbi Shafier has a little mussar drasha for you…   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund....

Wondering how to increase your bitachon? Cut down on your angry outbursts? Stop feeling so jealous? Have more happiness in your life? There is a simple formula that can shape you into how you want to be. For more, check out the full video on this week’s parsha here: https://vimeo.com/390295113   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintai...

This powerful dvar Torah is sure to elevate your Shabbos table. Want to hear the entire Shmuz? Click here: https://vimeo.com/388858703   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewis...

Secular culture wants you to believe that everything is random. They’re dead wrong.   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

How is it that someone can study the complexities of creation and not be blown away by the greatness of Hashem? The answer? I’m not married to the facts. This clip is taken from The Shmuz on the Parsha. Watch the full Shmuz on Parshas Beshalach here: https://vimeo.com/388858703   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service s...

If you’re feeling far from Hashem, this simple cognition can help Have a wonderful Shabbos!   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Couldn’t resist posting two clips on the Rambam on Parshas Bo, because it’s simply mind blowing to think about! This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

This is one of those big-deal concepts that, if you actually stop to think about it, can straight-up change your life. Prepared to think deeply? Listen to this.   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https...

Sometimes we give power to *things*, like they’re outside of Hashem’s control. And we all do it. Be honest, have you been putting your faith elsewhere? This is taken from The Shmuz on the Parsha. Watch the full Shmuz on Parshas Bo here: https://vimeo.com/387328650   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help...

We know that there are unhappy situations that cannot be changed. Sometimes, there are no easy solutions and we’re forced to live with the reality that Hashem has given us. When we’re confronted with a challenge, we’re given the choice: accept the master plan or cause ourselves endless suffering. How do we make the choice that can lead to more happiness? How can we learn to let go of the hurt and...

Hashem wants marriages to flourish. So why is it so hard? 😫 Even the smartest of couples don’t realize how dangerous mistakes are to their marriage. And unfortunately, guidance on shalom bayis is needed today more than ever before. The Ten Dumb Mistakes That Very Smart Couples Make is a complete system for creating a successful marriage. Available now in Jewish bookstores and on www. TheShmuz.com...

There are many proofs for the Torah…but what does your heart tell you?   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

This short reminder may be just what you need to hear right now.   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Why should a rasha like Paroh be deserving of respect? Listen now to hear Rabbi Shafier’s interesting answer! This is taken from The Shmuz on the Parsha. Watch the full Shmuz on Parshas Va’eira here: https://vimeo.com/385869178   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewis...

Did you know that making a happy marriage is not intuitive? Most couples make the same fatal errors when trying to build their Torah home 😢 They’re not even aware that these minor infractions are ruining the most precious relationship of their life! 😫 Make sure your marriage doesn’t succumb to the same mistakes that Rabbi Shafier has seen so many others make. Learn how to avoid The Ten Dumb Mist...

Thoughts lead to feelings. But it’s not so easy to change our thoughts. Even if we are leading a life filled with purpose and meaning, negative thought patterns can hold back our happiness. Rabbi Shafier offers practical guidance from a Torah perspective in this indispensable class.   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this serv...

Hey, only fools pay taxes, right? Why should government officials line their pockets at my expense? Listen now for a fundamental lesson on integrity and honesty. This is taken from The Shmuz on the Parsha. Watch the full Shmuz on Parshas Va’eira here: https://vimeo.com/385869178   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service...

Aahhh Shabbos…aside from being a day of yom menucha did you ever wonder WHY Hashem wants us to spend 1/7th of our life in this way? Listen now for a beautiful quick vort for your Shabbos table!   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and...

Imagine if you actually succeeded in all of your self-development goals…your body, your middos, your thoughts, your actions- completely under control. What would life look like? Rabbi Shafier’s answer may surprise you.   This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecture...

Most of our difficulties in emunah stem from this common error. This video is taken from The Shmuz on the Parsha: Parshas Shemos. You can watch the full version here: https://bit.ly/3yEmDQB    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters an...