The Shmuz

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#68 - People Skills Mar 09, 2019

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Getting along with people is the single most important of all life skills. Good human relations are the key to running a successful business, having a loving marriage, and above all, to raising happy kids. Because people skills are so essential, this Shmuz offers something unique: a mini-course in social relations. With these basics under your belt, youll become more than just well-liked; youll be more effective in achieving your goals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

#69 - Yitzias Mitzraim- A War of Ideology Mar 09, 2019

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When we look at Pharaoh and his pagan beliefs, we usually write him off as primitive. The same goes for all idol worshippers. But surprisingly, they were tuned into spiritual secrets we modern folks tend to ignore. They just made one fatal error.Modern science isnt all that different. Scientists have uncovered some astounding facts of nature. But for all their sophistication, some of their beliefs are downright silly.For Pesach or for all year round, this Shmuz brings home the war of ideas between Pharaoh and Moshe and the war of ideas we face today. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

#70 - Onah-The Torah's Sensitivity to Another's Pain Mar 09, 2019

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Often we think of onaas devorim of not saying cruel things to people as referring to big things, like tearing someone down in public. In reality, its much more subtle. People hurt each other with callous remarks all the time. And usually, they didnt even mean to.Those callous remarks cost. Even when we forget what weve said, our victims dont, and neither does HASHEM. He makes sure well feel the after-effect one way or other.This Shmuz will heighten your sensitivity to your fellow human beings and keep you from stumbling into the ever-present trap of saying the wrong thing. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

#71 - Chesed-Being Like HASHEM Mar 09, 2019

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One of the most detailed sections in Torah is the description of Avraham Avinus chesed to the three angels. Posuk after posuk tells us the minutiae of how Avraham served his guests. But of all his spiritual accomplishments, what is so great about this one? Why does the Torah give it so much attention? The answer is that chesed is the closest means we have of emulating HASHEM. HASHEM is the ultimate Giver. He gave us life and all the brachos that come with it. Avraham knew this, so he cherished every opportunity to do chesed. And the Torah wants us to absorb that lesson.Believe it or not, each of us can be like Avraham. Weve got it in our genes. We just have to keep our eyes open for opportunities.This Shmuz will show you how to move away from self-centeredness and into other-centeredness. Not only will you become a better oved HASHEM, your life will be more satisfying, too. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

#72 - Respecting Others - The Students of Rebbe Akiva Mar 09, 2019

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Respect is the basis of all good human relations, but do we really give others their due? We know that every human is a tzelem Elokim, but how often do we think about that when were talking to our friends? Do we even remember it with our spouses?With stories of the gedolim, including some to make you laugh, this Shmuz shows how respect can work magic in your relationships. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

#73 - Self Respect - The Basis of it All Mar 09, 2019

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Too many of us are familiar with inner chatter, the little voice that constantly says, Youre no good. Youre a failure. Everything you touch turns to mud.If only we could learn to shut that inner chatter off! Its blocking us from reaching our full potential!Shutting it off may not be easy, but its definitely possible. The first success will boost you forward with the speed and strength of a runaway train.No quick fix for self esteem, this Shmuz goes to the core, highlighting the tzelem Elokim in each of us. The tools for reaching great heights are already in your hands. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

#103 Torah Study - The Key To It All Mar 09, 2019

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Everyone wants to grow. There isn't a person alive who doesn't want to grow; in fact this drive to grow is natural to the human. The problem is that we often find ourselves stuck. Even if we fully understand the gravity of our actions, even if we truly understand who it is that we can become-- it is difficult to change.Yet the Torah expects us to change, to grow, to become a better person. The question is how? How do I get the strength, the motivation, the push to actually move myself from where I am to where I would like to be? Chazal teach us that the key to personal growth is Torah study -- but not just Torah study, specifically, toiling in Torah. The process of learning Torah in depth, learning Torah with exertion, is the greatest firepower to empower a person to grow. This is a very good Shmuz for reenergizing our personal Torah Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

#104 - Parenting 101 Mar 09, 2019

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We hear a lot about the importance of good parenting techniques, and while these are essential to learn, it seems that there is more to being a great parent then being able to relate well to child. After all, there are many individuals who have good people skills yet make lousy parents. In this Shmuz we are introduced to the amazing concept that Sarah Imanu wasn't ready to be a parent to Yitzchak until she was 90 years of age-- despite her personal greatness, she wasn't quite there yet. From this we come to understand that the true essence of great parenting is being a great person - the type of person that can guide a child on their path in life. Which then leads us to the critical question: how can I, a regular person, become that great person that my children and grandchildren will want to emulate? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

#106 - The Power of a Tzibbur Mar 09, 2019

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There's strength in numbers. Sports fans tap into it when they cheer on their favorite teams, and lehavdil, the Torah recognizes it by commanding men to daven with a minyan. But why should it be that way? Why did HASHEM create the world in such a way that a group can accomplish more than an individual? This Shmuz uncovers the intense power we tap into simply by connecting ourselves with the community at large.Said At The 3rd Annual Torah Retreat. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

#105 - Understanding Life Settings PART II Mar 09, 2019

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We are taught over and over again that HASHEM is merciful and kind. We are taught that many times more that a Mother loves her child, HASHEM loves everyone one of his creations. Yet when we look around the world we live in there are many features that just don't make sense. There is pain and suffering. There are hurricanes and tornadoes. There are diseases and ailments; there are orphans, widows and divorce. If we also accept that HASHEM is all- knowing then we understand that all of these features are part of the design that HASHEM had for this world they weren't by accident- they were part of the plan.How are we to understand all of the suffering and misfortune that seems to be deliberately designed into the world? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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