The Shmuz

Latest Episodes:

Shmuz on the Parsha Tizaveh Mar 01, 2020

Show notes

Parshas Tetzaveh: Learning to ForgiveWe hear plenty on the importance of doing teshuvah, on loving our fellow man and learning how to be mevater. All incredibly important concepts that are essential for a Torah Jew to work on and internalize. But how often do we hear about the importance of forgiving ourselves? We are capable of becoming greater than melachim, the absolute pinnacle of creation on which the entire world rests. And yet, we have faults, and so many failings! How can we possibly achieve our purpose in this world?By recognizing that failing is a part of growth. Failing doesn’t mean we are failures. It means we are human beings. Hashem doesn’t demand perfection, He only wants us to grow, so that we can become the very best versions of ourselves. When we stop blaming ourselves for our nature, we can learn to forgive ourselves, forgive others and walk through life with a healthy sense of self. In this week’s podcast, learn how to let go of your failings and gain the emotional freedom to achieve your tafkid. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Purim: Story Behind the Story 4 Mar 01, 2020

Show notes

Megillas Esther Session Four: On Death and DinimIn 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 forced Mordechai to leave the Sanhedrin. If you’re looking to reach a higher madreiga this Purim, having an understanding and appreciation of the words of the Megillah is essential. Tune in here and go beyond the externals this Purim with The Shmuz. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Parshas Terumah: Hashem’s Role/ Man’s Role- Finding the Balance Feb 23, 2020

Show notes

Parshas Terumah: Hashem’s Role/ Man’s Role- Finding the BalanceIn this week’s parsha, why does Hashem explain to Moshe how to make Menorah when it’s created miraculously? 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 we expected to invest, and when should we say that we’re leaving it entirely to G-d? In this clarifying shiur, Rabbi Shafier exposes some crucial misconceptions and brings to light exactly what our attitude should be when it comes to working hard, paying those bills or pursuing our goals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Shmuz 96 Purim Seize the Moment Feb 23, 2020

Show notes

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 themitzvosof eatingmatzah, drinking the four cups, and eatingmarrorthat year. Since there were more than eleven months until the decree was to take place, what was the sudden need for action? What was the urgency?This Shmuz demonstrates the laser focus that challenging deadlines can give us and what we can accomplish when properly motivated. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Purim: Story Behind the Story 3 Feb 23, 2020

Show notes

Megillas Esther Session Three: Esther’s Big Deal RequestEsther 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 learnt. Firstly, Esther’s people skills are exemplary. Want to ask for a raise? Just follow Esther’s three point plan on how to submit a request. Need chizuk in following daas Torah? Use Esther as an example. And if we want a clear warning on how not to behave we need look no further than Haman. His relentless drive for kavod shows us how if a person doesn’t control his middos, he’s destined to be utterly miserable in this world. It’s all here. Genuine, Torah-true hashkafa and timeless messages laid open for you this Purim. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Shmuz on the Parsha - Mishpatim Feb 16, 2020

Show notes

Parshas Mishpatim-Torah: Rocket Fuel for the SoulThe 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, our gan eden isn’t dependent on whether we are chess champions or nuclear physicists. The Torah teaches us that our olam haba will be built upon how much we choose to connect to the Ribbono shel Olam in this world.Our constant, unrelenting challenge of life is that our souls are distracted, pulled by our nefesh habahami to indulge in the here and now. The antidote? Limud HaTorah. Through limud haTorah, we are able to connect with the Eternal and discover the part of us that craves transcendence. In this week’s podcast, learn how to ignite your neshama through the joy of learning and gain a genuine Torah outlook on what ‘tikkun olam’ really means. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Purim: Story Behind the Story 2 Feb 16, 2020

Show notes

Megillas Esther Session Two: Mordechai Won’t WaitMordechai’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 for our own lives? In the second class on Megillas Esther, learn why Mordechai’s rebuke is so on point. Grasp the posukim like never before, gain a heightened awareness of the Megillah and prepare to go into Purim with an elevated sense of joy and gratitude. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

267 We Only Fight With Friends Feb 16, 2020

Show notes

The dor haflaga had an explicit mission to rebel against Hashem and were in many ways worse than the generation of Noach. Why didn’t Hashem destroy them? Rashi tells us it was because they acted towards one another with love and friendship. In fact, it was only when the languages were mixed up that the fighting began. In this shmuz on interpersonal relationships, Rabbi Shafier studies the ingredients of a macklokes and shares some essential tips on how to get along better with those around us. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

269 The 6 Constant Mitzvos Feb 09, 2020

Show notes

The Six Constant Mitzvos are the six keys that are vital to connecting with Hashem and understanding our role in this world. As the Mishnah Brurah explains, we are created to be ovdei Hashem, and our every thought and action should be a reflection of this awareness. You see if we really believed that Hashem is right here, observing everything we do, we would undoubtedly serve Hashem very differently. This Shmuz explains in clear language how to gain this level of mindfulness and encourages us to see the hand of Hashem throughout our day. It’s fundamental listening for anyone who wants to ensure they are living life for its ultimate purpose and is looking to develop their understanding of Torah-true hashkafa. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Purim: Story Behind the Story 1 Feb 09, 2020

Show notes

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 perek-by-perek series will transform your experience of krias Megillah and give a new depth of knowledge to a familiar tale. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Shmuz

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6