The Shmuz

Why did Hashem create human beings with desires, struggles, and limitations instead of giving us the instincts and abilities of animals? In this fascinating class, Rabbi Shafier explores the difference between pleasure and purpose, revealing how many of life’s frustrations are actually part of a deeper design for growth and fulfillment. Blending Torah insight with memorable examples and sharp observations about modern life, this lecture offers a powerful perspective on happiness, self-control, and what it truly means to live according to your purpose.   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

Have you ever heard the three rules of criticism? Don’t do it Don’t do it Don’t do it Ok, everyone knows how it feels to be criticized. Everyone agrees that it’s damaging to our most precious relationships. Some people have lived under the shadow of criticism their whole life, and have the arduous task of trying to rebuild their self-esteem and confidence. So if it’s so incredibly obvious as to why we shouldn’t do it- why do we? In this week’s Shmuz Live, I’ll be deconstructing the science behind the scorn, and give some real-life, practical advice on how to overcome this destructive habit.  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 do we mourn the Beis Hamikdash... if we don't even feel what's missing? In this thought-provoking Tisha B'Av shmuz, Rabbi Shafier explores a question that will turn your perspective upside down. What if the anxiety, confusion, and emptiness so many people experience today aren't simply part of modern life...but symptoms of a world that is fundamentally broken? Discover why Chazal cried for the Churban, why we struggle to, and how understanding what you've truly lost can change the way you view yourself, your purpose, and your longing for the Geulah.  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

Have you ever wondered why, if Hashem loves you so much, you don't always feel it? This powerful Shiva Asar B'Tammuz shmuz explores a question that touches every Jew. Through the remarkable story of Bilam and his donkey, Rabbi Shafier uncovers a profound insight into Hashem's relationship with you, challenging many of the assumptions you may carry about His love, patience, and expectations. You'll come away with a deeper appreciation of what it truly means to be part of Hashem's chosen people, and why that understanding can transform the way you see both your struggles and your potential.  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 To Restore Balance, Focus and Meaning to Your Life In this week’s Parsha, Pinchas is given the bris shalom after defending the honor of Hashem. Four hundred years ago, The Seforno explained that as a result of this gift, Pinchas was granted longevity. By living ‘at peace with himself’ Pinchas was able to live a longer, healthier life. Would you like to live more at peace with yourself? Be less stressed, more grounded? It’s hard to know where to start. How can I restore an equilibrium between my inner conflicts and desires? How can I achieve a healthy work-life balance, when I feel pulled in so many conflicting directions? And how can I stop myself feeling so frazzled, even when I know it damages my immune system and makes me miserable and tired? As always, the lessons of the Parsha offer us all a startling perspective. Want to hear more on how you can make lasting changes to improve your life, get healthy and enjoy your time in this world? This Shmuz is 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.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

What separates ordinary people from those who achieve greatness? In this inspiring class, Rabbi Shafier explores the power of human potential through unforgettable stories of determination, courage, and personal growth. Drawing from Torah wisdom, history, and real-life examples, this lecture challenges you to aim higher, overcome limitations, and discover what you are truly capable of becoming. 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 do so many people achieve success yet still feel empty inside? In this thought-provoking class, Rabbi Shafier explores the connection between inner peace, physical health, and genuine happiness, revealing why external success alone can never satisfy the soul. Blending Torah wisdom with fascinating modern research, this lecture offers a powerful new perspective on what it truly means to live a fulfilled and meaningful life. 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

You know that your year is decreed on Rosh Hashanah. Every aspect of your life is carefully designed by your Creator. You also know that you’re commanded to do your hishtadlus and daven that Hashem rewards your efforts. But how much hishtadlus is too much? How am I meant to tell when Hashem’s answer is ‘no’ or whether He wants me to keep up with the effort and tefillos that I’m investing in? In this incredibly practical Shmuz, I’ll be addressing your common bitachon dilemmas. Make sure to join me on Thursday to learn how to find that elusive balance between genuine hishtadlus and trusting in Hashem.  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 do people so often focus on what is missing instead of appreciating what they already have? In this uplifting class, Rabbi Shafier explores the incredible amount of goodness G-d places into your life and why true happiness depends on learning to recognize it. Through powerful examples and practical insight, this lecture offers a refreshing perspective on gratitude, material success, and the deeper spiritual purpose of life. 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

Rabbi Shafier explores one of the most empowering ideas in Jewish thought: the immense significance of every individual and every mitzvah. Through a profound examination of what it means to be created b'tzelem Elokim, he reveals how each person's actions impact far more than they can see  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

Our weekly Shmuz Live will be on a super-relevant topic this week: What to do when your bitachon is tested to the max. We’ve all got ‘stuff’. Baggage. Static. Nisyonos. We all need a Torah perspective to know how to respond to both major world events as well as the everyday traffic of life.  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 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 do you sometimes feel pulled in two different directions — wanting to do what’s right, yet struggling with temptation, anger, or selfishness? In this thought-provoking class, Rabbi Shafier explores the Jewish understanding of the human soul and explains how every person contains both a higher spiritual side and a powerful instinct-driven side. Through deep Torah insight and practical wisdom, this lecture offers a fascinating look at human nature and how you can grow into the person you were meant to become. 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 do some people inspire others while some push them away, even when they mean well? In this insightful class, Rabbi Shafier explores the power of words, the importance of speaking with sensitivity, and the impact your thoughts have on your emotions and actions. Drawing on a fascinating Torah story about Moshe, Miriam, and prophecy, this lecture offers practical wisdom for improving your relationships, influencing others positively, and gaining greater control over your inner world. 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

Do you believe in Hashem, but sometimes feel that He’s out to get you? Then you have emunah, but lack bitachon. You see, it’s not enough to simply recognize that Hashem runs the world. As a frum Jew, you also want to internalize that Hashem is directing your own life and knows what’s best for you. Too many of our problems in bitachon stem from thinking we know better than G-d. Too often we assume we know the bigger picture and feel abandoned by our Creator. In this Shmuz, Rabbi Shafier shares some practical ideas on how to make Hashem real. Pick a method that speaks to you, and transform your life into one of genuine trust and menuchas hanefesh.  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 do some people grow through hardship while others feel crushed by it? In this inspiring class, Rabbi Shafier shares the remarkable story of Rabbi Eliezer Ben Hurcanus and explores a powerful Jewish perspective on purpose, struggle, and human potential. Through memorable examples and deep insight, this lecture challenges you to see your life differently. You are not a victim of your circumstances. You have a unique mission designed to help you become the person you were meant to be. Curious for more? Listen 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

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

If miracles are so powerful, why do people still struggle to believe? In this fascinating class, Rabbi Shafier explores the story of the Exodus from Egypt and reveals a surprising truth about human nature: people often see only what they are willing to see. Through powerful examples, personal insight, and Torah wisdom, this lecture challenges us to approach life with greater honesty, openness, and awareness of Hashem’s presence in the world around us. 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

If miracles are so powerful, why do people still struggle to believe? In this fascinating class, Rabbi Shafier explores the story of the Exodus from Egypt and reveals a surprising truth about human nature: people often see only what they are willing to see. Through powerful examples, personal insight, and Torah wisdom, this lecture challenges us to approach life with greater honesty, openness, and awareness of Hashem’s presence in the world around us.  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 explains the survival of the Jewish people against every prediction of history? In this fascinating class, Rabbi Shafier explores how the Jewish nation survived exile, persecution, and repeated attempts to destroy them... yet still kept the Torah alive and returned to the Land of Israel after nearly 2,000 years. This powerful lecture will challenge the way you see Jewish history and leave you thinking long after it ends. 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

As we relive the journey to Har Sinai, this powerful Shavuos Shmuz explores one of the most astonishing moments in human history: the Jewish people becoming so overwhelmed by their longing for Hashem that they were willing to die just to come closer. What awakened this supernatural desire? Why did the revelation at Sinai ignite a love so intense it shattered the barriers of the physical world? In Deveikus, Lovesick for G-d, Rabbi Shafier uncovers the hidden yearning buried within every neshama, the struggle between the soul and the body, and the practical path to developing a vibrant love for Hashem in your own life. Far beyond inspiration alone, this Shmuz offers a deeply transformative perspective on what it means to connect to Hashem this Shavuos.  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

Are you ready to start living a more contented life? Then tune into this class, where Rabbi Shafier unveils Chazal’s ancient secrets on how to attain true happiness. Learn how society bombards you with messages that bring you down… and what you can do to protect yourself. This week, you’ll get practical strategies* and insightful advice on how to move past negativity and appreciate the riches you already have. And after the Shmuz, you’ll know how to live a life of meaning, purpose and closeness with Hashem- the greatest happiness available to you in this world. *The strategies in this Shmuz are aimed at those who are emotionally healthy. If you’re suffering from depression, you are encouraged to seek help from a qualified professional.  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 fragile is your ego? Do you know someone who will never admit to being wrong? They will stubbornly refuse to acknowledge the facts and stick to their story as if their very lives depend on it. Unfortunately, this quirk is not just limited to hardened criminals and pathological narcissists. Within all of us is the overwhelming desire to protect our ego and soothe our sense of self. It’s very unpleasant to admit we could be wrong. Unpleasant and humbling. Ultimately, our very purpose on this planet is to work on our middos and become the very best version of ourselves. And that version includes being truthful. It includes courageously learning humility. And it includes developing the psychological fortitude to be ok with being wrong. Ready to face up to who you really are?   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

Learn why your soul thirsts for learning and discover how to rise above your animalistic side this Yomtov  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 real about your Torah learning with this motivating Shmuz ! 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

You have the capacity to experience HASHEM. It's not enough to only have faith that He is present—you must also learn how to encounter Him. This Shmuz will show you how  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 do yeshivos place such enormous emphasis on learning Gemara — even when so much of it seems disconnected from everyday life? In this eye-opening and deeply inspiring shmuz, Rabbi Bentzion Shafier uncovers the true purpose of Torah learning and what it is really doing to a person beneath the surface. With remarkable clarity, he explains that every human being is a constant battle between the Neshama and the Behema, and that Gemara is not merely “information” or intellectual study — it is the very nourishment that gives the soul life, strength, and closeness to Hashem. This powerful shiur transforms the way you view learning Torah, revealing why deep Gemara learning is the foundation of spiritual growth, inner strength, and authentic Yiddishkeit. Whether you struggle with motivation in learning or simply want to understand why Torah matters so much, this shiur will leave you inspired and energized.   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

Have you ever wondered why Torah comes so easily to some people while others struggle for every line they learn? In this deeply encouraging shmuz, Rabbi Bentzion Shafier reveals a life-changing יסוד about how Hashem truly measures greatness. Through the lens of Moshe and Aharon — two vastly different individuals who nonetheless stood equal in the World to Come — Rabbi Shafier uncovers the Torah’s real definition of success: not how much you accomplished compared to others, but how much of your own potential you brought into reality. Anyone who has ever felt “behind” spiritually will walk away inspired, uplifted, and transformed.  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 would 24,000 talmidim of Rabbi Akiva — great men of Torah — be lost over something that seems so simple: a lack of respect? This powerful shiur uncovers what kavod really means, and why it is far more than just good manners. Through Chazal, real-life examples, and sharp insight, Rabbi Shafier will reveal why respect is a foundational principle that shapes our relationships, our growth, and our avodas Hashem. 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

Sometimes, it feels like Torah is out of reach. You might think you're not smart enough, dedicated enough, or focused enough. Shavuos seems to be for the talmidei chachamim, those who thrive on losing a night's sleep for the sake of learning. But what about us regular folks? What we need is a spark of motivation.This mini-Shmuz is not just about finding role models; it's about becoming a role model for yourself.Your journey to becoming the great person you are destined to be starts here! 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

Comparison and judgment are integral to the human experience. Subconsciously or not, you are constantly rating yourself against others. The problem is when you’re so focused on measuring up in the here and now that you disregard your Olam Haba ranking. And the really scary part? Many frum Jews are going to get a big shock after ad meah v’esrim. The truth is, the real competition is not against others but against yourself. In this week's Shmuz on the Parsha, Rabbi Shafier addresses the importance of halting toxic judgments and superficial comparisons. Tune in to discover how to achieve an everlasting personal best – in this world and the next!  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

Rabbi Bentzion Shafier takes listeners on a powerful and eye-opening journey through one of the Torah’s deepest lessons: why Klal Yisroel had to remain inside during Makkas Bechoros, and what it reveals about דין, protection, and the reality of spiritual danger. But this shmuz goes far beyond the Korban Pesach. With warmth, clarity, and profound insight, Rabbi Shafier explores how Hashem relates to us with perfect love and wisdom, why our tefillos matter, and how even painful tragedies force us to confront life’s true purpose. This is a moving perspective on growth, emunah, and understanding what Hashem wants from us in a world filled with both דין and רחמים.  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

In this compelling shmuz, Rabbi Shafier takes you from the seemingly simple mitzvah of removing ashes to a profound understanding of your own greatness. You’ll discover how it’s possible to recognize that the world was created for you, and still be humble. With sharp clarity and powerful mashalim, the shiur shows you why arrogance is not just a flaw, but a barrier to your relationship with Hashem. More importantly, it gives you a practical framework for working on middos in a real, attainable way. If you want to grow in avodas Hashem while staying grounded and honest, this is a shiur that will reshape how you see yourself.   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

Is the path to spirituality sitting cross-legged on a windy mountaintop, miserably chewing on stale bread and gagging on sips of murky water? Nope. Not by us. Hashem has blessed us with a world full of delicious gashmius, and it’s there for your enjoyment. Mmm. But there’s one crucial caveat that can’t be ignored. You need to know how to use pleasure without turning it into a gigantic, yellow-fanged monster that will dominate your thoughts and actions every waking moment of your life. And if that sounds scary, that’s because it is.In this Shmuz, you will learn how to get the monster in your mind under control. You’ll discover how to use the pleasures of this world to draw closer to Hashem. And you’ll finally understand how to deal with your wealthy brother-in-law’s geshmake kiddushim, without losing sight of who you are.  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

From the moment the Jewish People arrived at Har Sinai, it became a frightening and awe-inspiring experience. Why did Hashem want to evoke fear in us? If this were to be the wedding between Klal Yisroel and the Ribbono Shel Olam, shouldn’t it have been music instead of thunder and lightning? Rabbi Shafier explains that the purpose of the fear was to drive home the message of responsibility. By accepting the Torah, we not only had the power to change the world, but the very existence of the world also became dependent on us. Because of Matan Torah, the human race is now responsible for energizing both the physical and spiritual worlds. What awesome achariyus! In the final class of the series, Rabbi Shafier brings to light the incredible potential that lies within all of us. You are here to grow, to change and accomplish. Not only is this your purpose, Hashem has a deep desire for your success. He’s rooting for you every day! By internalizing the powerful messages of Shavuos, you can enhance your yomtov, get motivated to learn and face your responsibilities with joy. Don't miss it!  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

Let them become holy. The command that has echoed throughout our history and enjoins us to be separate and unique, a beloved holy nation that will forever stand apart. But how special can I be, when I’m just one out of seven billion people on this planet?In the third class of the series, Rabbi Shafier empowers you to recognize your inherent closeness to the Ribbono Shel Olam. When you fully internalize that whatever you experience, Hashem experiences as well, you gain a glimpse into His love for you and His belief in you. Those who stood at Har Sinai saw with complete clarity their unlimited ability to achieve, to grow, to accomplish. You have the same power within you. By tapping into the messages of Shavuos, you can also learn how to unleash your potential and continue the year with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.  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

Bitachon is something you’ve probably heard about many times. But what does it actually look like in your life? In this shiur, Rabbi Shafier walks you through what it means to truly trust in Hashem in a real, grounded way. You’ll start to see that bitachon isn’t just an idea. It’s a way of viewing everything that happens to you, recognizing that Hashem is involved in every detail, not just the big moments. You’ll be challenged to think about how you react when things don’t go as planned, and what that says about where your trust really lies. Through practical examples, you’ll begin to understand how to rely less on your own assumptions and more on Hashem’s plan. Listen in, and you’ll come away with a clearer, more honest approach to bitachon, along with a sense of how to start building it in your everyday life.  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

The Sefer HaChinuch explains that the joy of leaving Mitzrayim wasn’t even the main event- the real excitement was receiving the Torah. That’s a striking thought. Freedom is incredible… so why was Torah even greater?  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

As we journey towards Shavuos, Rabbi Shafier weaves together the events of Matan Torah with major concepts in Jewish thought. Tune in and discover why Torah is the spiritual nourishment for the world, what it means to be an am segula and how Moshe Rabbeinu could argue with the Ribbono Shel Olam. At the Foot of Har Sinai combines explanations taken from Chazal, Midrashim, Rishonim and Acheronim to skillfully describe the personality of Moshe Rabbeinu and the events leading up to kabbolas haTorah. This year, develop a deeper connection with the event that defines the very essence of who you are.  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

Are you a slave to your appetite? Love pleasure a little too much? Or what about the opposite? Are you too afraid to enjoy any of the pleasures of this world, in case it turns you into a baal taiveh? In this week’s Shmuz on the Parsha, Rabbi Shafier shows you the golden middle way. Learn how to enjoy life without feeling guilty- on The Shmuz Podcast!  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 would 24,000 talmidim of Rabbi Akiva — great men of Torah — be lost over something that seems so simple: a lack of respect? This powerful shiur uncovers what kavod really means — and why it is far more than just good manners. Through Chazal, real-life examples, and sharp insight, Rabbi Shafier reveals that respect is not optional; it is a foundational principle that shapes our relationships, our growth, and our avodas Hashem. From the way we view others as created b’tzelem Elokim, to the role respect plays in marriage and daily interactions, this session challenges you to rethink how you treat the people around 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

Shiurim on shmiras haloshon aren’t popular. Like exercise or keeping healthy, most think, “yep. I know this. Shouldn’t do it. Not sure I need to listen to a whole shiur about it…” Unfortunately, the parameters of lashon hara are not what you think. Just like eating treif or being mechalel Shabbos, it is one hundred percent forbidden. And it’s easy to see why- we all have stuff in our history that we wouldn’t want “out there”. It makes sense that talking about even true events could cause serious damage to another Jew. But there’s more: did you know it’s relatively easy to stop talking lashon hara. You see, lashon hara isn’t driven by passion, by desire. It’s mostly due to a lack of awareness. By becoming more attentive to what the Torah demands, you can start amassing a serious amount of s’char for yourself. All it takes is for you to become more mindful and aware of what you’re saying.  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

We have a mitzvah to remember Har Sinai, but to do that, we first need to understand what happened on that momentous day. At the Foot of Har Sinai brings the scene to life, capturing the majesty, awe, and unfolding of the events in a vivid and compelling way. While it’s difficult to fully grasp the magnitude of the miracles the Bnei Yisroel experienced, exploring them through the lens of our mesorah allows you to begin appreciating the depth of their joy and the power of Kabbolas HaTorah. In this introductory class, Rabbi Shafier guides you through the defining moment of your history — and shows how Matan Torah continues to shape your life and destiny until today.  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

In the fourth session of Living Through the Makos, Rabbi Shafier guides you through the final makos, describing how we were brought out of Mitzrayim and through the Yam Suf. Of course, you know that there were many overt miracles during the final stages of redemption. What do they teach you for your own outlook on life? When you learn about how Hashem manipulated the waters of the sea, taking care of every detail to make sure we felt cared for and protected, it gives YOU a tremendous chizuk to your own emunah. When you consider how the Mitzrim were confronted with an impenetrable cloud of glory, and yet still didn’t believe in Hashem, you are forced to confront the negias you may be holding onto in your own life. This year, bring your understanding and appreciation for krias yam suf to a deeper level. Free yourself of the restrictions that are holding back your own personal growth.  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

We like to think that if we witnessed one clear miracle, everything would fall into place; our emunah, our davening, our clarity. This shiur dismantles that assumption. Through a vivid, almost unsettling reconstruction of Mitzrayim from the Egyptian perspective, Rabbi Shafier exposes a deeper truth: belief is not driven by evidence, but by honesty. Even those who lived through open miracles found ways to explain it away. Why? Because they didn’t want to see. This is a shiur about intellectual integrity, self-deception, and the real barrier to emunah. Listen carefully, and you’ll gain a sharper lens on your own thinking and a far more demanding, but real, path to genuine belief.  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

Most people assume that one open miracle would change everything. Rabbi Shafier dismantles that illusion. In this gripping shiur, he takes you into Mitzrayim not from the Jewish side, but from the Egyptian side, and asks a startling question: how could people live through blood, frogs, lice, darkness, and Krias Yam Suf and still refuse to believe? The answer is a penetrating look at free will, self-interest, and the human ability to explain away even the most obvious truth. If you want a sharper, more honest understanding of emunah, this shiur will force you to rethink what really keeps a person spiritually stuck.  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 week’s Shmuz is about Mitzrayim. It’s about what Mitzrayim looks like in your life right now. The places you feel stuck. The things you’ve just accepted as “this is who I am.” The parts of life that feel impossible to move past. Pesach comes and reminds you that’s not the full story. You’re not as limited as you think. Hashem took you out of Mitzrayim to show you that change is always possible. That a person can grow and become more than they thought they could be. Not sure where to start? Listen 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

In parshas Vayikra, we learned how the cornerstone of all middos is humility. In this week’s Shmuz, Rabbi Shafier builds upon this fundamental principle by exploring the devastating influence of arrogance. We all agree that arrogance is ugly, but our mesorah goes further: arrogance will inevitably lead a person to forget Hashem. After all, when we’re so sure of our competence and independence, we don’t need a Master. We are in this world to serve Hashem, but when we are consumed by gaaveh, our avoda is ruined, because our intentions define every action. Arrogance will make us hated in this world and empty in the World to Come. It’s the essential work of a lifetime to rid our hearts of it completely, but where do we start? In Master and Servant Rabbi Shafier gives us practical tools that are guaranteed to cut through our illusions of grandeur, maintain our sense of self and reconnect to our ultimate Master and Benefactor.   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

In this compelling and eye-opening shiur, Rabbi Shafier uncovers the hidden forces shaping our decisions, revealing how even the greatest minds — like Moshe Rabbeinu — can be subtly influenced by something as small as a trace of laziness. Through vivid examples, sharp insights, and practical guidance, he shows how our thoughts are not passive but actively shape who we become, and how the “voice in our head” can either elevate us or subtly lead us off course. If you’ve ever wondered why you make certain choices, how to trust your inner voice, or how to take control of your growth, this shiur will fundamentally change the way you understand yourself.  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

The makos begin. The mitzrim are toyed with, antagonized and finally punished-exactly measure for measure. The world is shown that not only is there a Creator, there is also a Melech Hamishpat, a King who forgets nothing, and who punishes accordingly. In part three of Living Through the Makos, Rabbi Shafier draws on the Rishonim, Gemorah, Midrash Rabbah and Midrash Tanchumah to bring the eser makos into glorious high definition.Learn why Hashem chose such specific plagues, and what they symbolize. Visualize with astonishing detail what it was like to be in Mitzrayim during that time. Go beyond tradition. Immerse yourself in Living Through the Makos and start making the Ribbono Shel Olam a genuine reality in your life.  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