The Shmuz

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If we 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 us how suffering cannot make sense without an awareness of Ola...

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

Get to know the real you. Why do our emotions get hijacked? What stirs our soul? Why do we feel a sense of dissatisfaction when we waste our time? Our neshamas are complex. This class will give you a deeper understanding of what makes us tick-and what holds us back. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is...

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...

As we move through life, our currencies change, and our values shift. If you want to ensure that your ‘currency’ is in line with the Torah, watch this class. It will show you how to get a clear perspective on what our focus should be; giving us riches in this world and the world to come. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by Jewish...

Why is that we rationalize away our shortcomings? When it comes others, their faults are clear. But ourselves? We find every excuse. This is problematic as it holds back our potential and damages our relationship with Hashem. In this class Rabbi Shafier gives us clear guidance on how to move beyond our ego while keeping our self-esteem intact. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out informat...

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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 doesn’t serving Hashem come easy? If our souls want it, shouldn’t it be second nature? Over three-hundred years ago The Ramchal addressed this very question. By learning more about the tension between the guf and the neshama we can begin to understand our reluctance to grow. By getting real about our character traits we can move beyond our ego and fulfil our purpose in this world. Finally, the...

When was the last time you spaced out during davening? Spoke loshen hara? Found yourself at the mercy of your drives and instincts? We all have this problem-and the name of that problem is called ‘being human’. The cloak of physicality blinds us to fully recognizing what our souls know to be real and true. Tap into this class for a greater understanding of the obstacles we face in this world-and h...

In this captivating class Rabbi Shafier gives a detailed outline as to why our understanding of the World to Come is so central to our Yiddishkeit. The Mesilas Yesharim places great emphasis on the importance of making the World to Come real to us right now- in this essential class Rabbi Shafier gives us practical guidance on how to make this fundamental concept more relevant to our lives. See aca...

Making truth real to us. That is our challenge, knowing how to bridge the gap between the mind and the heart. But why has Hashem set up the world this way? Why is it a constant struggle to internalize what we know to be right? Join Rabbi Shafier as he embarks upon the Mesillas Yesharim and learn how The Ramchal guides us to discovering who we truly are. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-ou...

Never in the history of man have so many people enjoyed so much material wealth and possessions. The average tax paying citizen of today enjoys riches and comforts that kings of yesteryear couldnt envision or imagine -- and yet it seems that we dont appreciate what we have. We become so accustomed to the extraordinary wealth we possess that we no longer think of it as riches; we even start asking,...

Using the event of Eliezer Bar Dudia gaining the title of Rebbe, we are introduced to one of the greatest acts of teshuvah ever achieved by a human. We witness a human rise from the depths of depravity to the heights of spirituality in the course of a few hours. Through the story of his life, we see what a man accomplished in but a day -- and we are brought to a new appreciation of how great the p...

If a person looks at the features of this world they will quickly see that Hashem invested great wisdom and care in making man 's stay on the planet enjoyable. From the different foods, each one with its unique flavor, aroma and textures; to the colors of flowers and magnificent sea scapes , so much of the beauty of this world was not necessary. It is clear that Hashem put much thought in...

Rosh Hashanah Issues of the Day See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

Eternal People See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

What actually happened in the war to recapture the Bais Hamikdash? How many battles were fought? How long did they last? What was it like living in Yerushlayim at the time? Detailing the story of Chanukah as brought in Megillas Chashmonaim, this Shmuz brings us closer to understanding the events of the time, and appreciating the miracle that unfolded. It then takes us forward in time to some moder...

What if I just live my life, as any other occupant of this planet? What is so bad about that? Lets say, I am no worse than Joe the UPS driver, or Bob the mechanic, will Hashem really be upset with me? In this Shmuz we are brought to understand how great the human is, and how much he can accomplish. Within the context of this understanding the question of What am I accomplishing with my life?, beco...

Has there ever been a time when you reacted to something, and you couldnt believe that it was you who was speaking that way? Have you ever said something and had a feeling of, What came over me it was as if I were possessed? In this introduction to the inner workings of the human being, we come face to face with the understanding that I am created from very diverse elements. Within me are differen...

We know the Avos and Imahos were great individuals -- but what made them so great? Where did they get the moral courage to see what was right, and stick to it against all external pressures? Through the famous story of Rochel giving up her husband to her sister Leah so as not to embarrass her, we are introduced to some of the basic ingredients that shape any great persons success the moral strengt...

Of course we appreciate our parents. Of course we respect them. Isnt that only natural? Doesnt everyone? And yet we dont. We live in a society that doesnt seem to know the meaning of the word respect. There is no respect for authority, no respect for institutions, no respect for elders, and even no respect for ourselves. Unfortunately, we are affected by this, and this lack of respect goes so far...

The Shadchan says, "So tell me, what are you looking for?" And, out comes the laundry list."I need someone who is extroverted, funny, and outgoing.""I need a woman who is very frum, good, kind, tolerant, and funny.""I need a guy who is tall, a take-charge type, strong but not headstrong."And unwittingly, many people make the first mistake of the dating game - they aren't looking for their Bashert-...

After all is said and done, what was so great about the Akeidah? Throughout history many people have been called upon and have made great sacrifices. Yet this single act echoes through the millennia. What was so unique about what Avrahom did? What was so special about the way he did it? And more pointedly, what relevance does it have for us some 3,700 years later?    See acast.com/privacy for priv...

  We all daven, and on some level we know that Davening works. But do we really understand it? Do we really understand that our prayers have an effect on our lives? Do we really understand that my davening can change the circumstances of my life? This Shmuz helps us understand the profound effect that tefilah can have on situations and settings that directly affect our lives.  See acast.com/privac...