YUTORAH: R' Ian Shaffer -- Recent Shiurim

Sefer Shmuel Aleph ch.19 - Apr 14, 2026 - David inspires us at times of darkness. His optimism is amazing. In memory of my mother, Yetta Shaffer whose yahrzeit was today-27th Nissan. May her memory be for a blessing.

Sefer Shmuel Aleph ch.17 pt.2 - Feb 3, 2026 - Continuation of David and Goliath story. Do the clothes really make the man? Also the strange interaction at the end of the story. In memory of my wife's uncle, Yaakov Bloch(Kletchy) who passed away last Shabbat.May his memory be for a blessing.

Sefer Shmuel Aleph ch.14 - Nov 25, 2025 - Chapter 14. The quintessential story of Yonatan's bravery and his devotion to his father. A discussion also on the topic of nichush-divination.Opinion of the Ran.

Sefer Ezra ch.1 - Nov 18, 2025 - Intro to a fantastic sefer. Encouragement for our generation. Lesson given at the Hesder Yeshiva in Modiin to the anglo group connected to the OU.

Sefer Shmuel Aleph ch.12 - Oct 28, 2025 - Shmuel's final speech to the Jewish people.Many parallels to our situation here in Israel. Be'ezrat Hashem Nenatzeach!

Sefer Daniel ch.8 - Sep 16, 2025 - Describing the dreams of Daniel and their significance. In memory of Rabbi I Bernstein whose yahrzeit is on 22 Elul.Given at the OU learning program at the Yeshivat Hesder in Modiin,Israel.

Intro to Megillat Esther 5785 - Mar 11, 2025 - A different approach to the story which embellishes the event and puts the story into a wider historical context. Based on writings of Rav Benny Lau.

Kings 2 ch.16-Achaz-a real enigma - Jan 28, 2025 - Looking at the difficult turn of events in the southern kingdom. Also a strange reference to the 'salamander'.

Sefer Shoftim ch.15 Shimshon's campaign - Nov 19, 2024 - Continuing the remarkable life of Shimshon and his complete devotion to the Jewish people.Many allusions to the current situation with the 21st century Gazans.

Kings 2 ch.7-Some parallels to 2024 - Nov 12, 2024 - This chapter is a testament to faith and trust in Hashem whilst facing a formidable enemy from the north. Dedicated to the memory of Felix Wolkenfeld zl who lived in London and became a 'chaver' in his German community at the age of 16, after saving 2 Torah scrolls on krystallnacht 1938.