The Shmuz

Latest Episodes:

#22 - Evolution - Does it Make Sense? Mar 09, 2019

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To many of us the issue of belief in the Creator boils down to logic against faith. As if from a purely rational, intellectual point of view it would appear that the world evolved, and we who believe have to hold on to our faith against the onslaught of logic and scientific discoveries. In this Shmuz we are asked to look at matters from a very different vantage point, namely: that which passes in the media as popular science, is neither popular nor science. And the reality is that from a dispassionate position of pure logic, the basic premise that the world just occurred on its own, is so implausible as to make it almost untenable. In the end we are brought to the question: Does Evolution make any sense? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

#24 - Understanding Life Settings Mar 09, 2019

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It almost seems as if some people are born with a silver spoon in their mouth, while others are destined to suffer. Why is it is that some people are born with amazing capacity, and others are created so simple? Why is there autism in the world? Why Down Syndrome? If in fact God is just, why not mete out talents and abilities in an equal manner to all people?Using the backdrop of a famous event brought in the Talmud; this Shmuz focuses us on some of the big picture issues of life, helping us understand life settings, as they apply to each person. Why are some people blessed with success and others not? Is there a reason for suffering in the world? What about pain? What about death? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

#23 - I willl never die. Not me. No way. Mar 09, 2019

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While this may be philosophys greatest question, isnt it something that any thinking person must answer: What is my purpose in existence? Drawing from The Path of the Just, this Shmuz focuses us on finding the true meaning and purpose of our life.What is my purpose in life?What are my true core values?What does it mean after death I will live on? I will be dead! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

#25 - They Dont Make Anti Semites Like They Used To Mar 09, 2019

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Over the course of history, it seems that there has been no shortage of anti-Semites, people who truly hate Jews and would do anything in their power to put an end to the Jewish Problem. Yet it also seems that if you ask the common anti-Semite, why is it that you hate the Jew? Likely, he wouldnt be able to answer. I know that you dream about their demise- but why? What is it about them that bothers you so? Yet there was a time when anti-Semites not only hated Jews, but they could tell you why. And that reason is very important for us as Jews to understand. Using Megillas Esther as the background for the Shmuz, we are introduced to the Torahs understanding of why there is Anti-Semitism in the world. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

#26 - Loshon Horah, Squandering our Olam Habbah Mar 09, 2019

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Of course loshon horah is forbidden. We know it was the prime cause of the destruction of the Bais HaMikdash, and of course we know that we arent supposed to speak it--yet we do. A big part of the reason is that we dont really see it as wrong, we dont see it as damaging, and we certainly dont see the act of speaking as something that will cost us in the future.This Shmuz is a powerful introduction to the effects that our words have on other peoples lives in this world, and on ours in the World to Come. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

06 - It's not Geneivah, It's Shtick Mar 09, 2019

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It is very difficult for us human beings to accept that we do things that are wrong, and so we rationalize. We create illusions and fanciful stories that we ourselves dont believe. And so, you will find intelligent, otherwise rational people saying things like, Of course I wouldnt steal, stealing is dishonest, but this isnt stealing .Its shtick. We mach shtick. We mach Shtick with the tickets, mach shtick with the regents. But its O.K because its not stealing; its only shtick.This Shmuz helps us identify something that has become blight in our community, the lack of a true sense of integrity in all of our dealings. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

07 - Noach - Understanding Belief Mar 09, 2019

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By all accounts Noach was a Tzadik. Yet he didnt go into the teivah until the water forced him in. Rashi tells us the reason was that Noach Believed and he didnt believe. Whilst he knew that Hashem was going to bring a mabul, he still doubted it. What seems perplexing is that Hashem spoke to Noach telling him there would be a flood. Not only that, but Noach had spent the last 120 years building a teivah for the flood. How was it possible that he didn't believe that Hashem was actually going to bring the flood? Through this Shmuz we are introduced to one of the most fundamental concepts in belief, and why in fact true faith is so difficult for us. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

08 - Power of Prayer Mar 09, 2019

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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/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

09 - Akaidas Yitzchak Mar 09, 2019

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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 privacy and opt-out information.

10 - Questioning G-d: Finding and Keeping Your Bashert Mar 09, 2019

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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- they have already formed him in their minds, and now are out to find the one that comes the closest to that image.It is almost like the children's toy Mr. Potato Head. You get to design the doll, choose red lips, big ears, small eyes, short legs Before going out most people go through a sort of personal inventory: "Let's see. Since I am., I need" Unconsciously, they put together a wish list of qualities to take out into the market place. Then amazingly, they find themselves frustrated. "I just can't find Mr. Right."This is a must-listen-to Shmuz offering a practical down to earth way to avoid the two most common mistakes made in finding and keeping your Bashert. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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