Popular Shows by Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier: Page 7

601

Derech Hashem: I Think Therefore Hashem Is

Nov 16, 2025

46:11

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

602

The Shmuz on the Parsha: Toldos

Nov 18, 2025

56:45

By the age of fifteen, Eisav had already killed a man, lived with a married woman, denied the Torah and renounced mitzvos, techias hameisim and olam haba. Devoid of morality, it seems puzzling that he was so careful to honor his father Yitzchak. In this captivating Shmuz, Rabbi Shafier tackles the subject of appreciation. Tune in to discover why kibud av was so instinctive to Eisav, how we can get better at it in our own lives and why hakaras hatov is our ticket to a 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

603

The Derech Hashem: Hashem is Beyond all Physicality

Nov 23, 2025

1:02:35

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

604

The Shmuz on the Parsha: Vayeitzei

Nov 24, 2025

48:37

We learn in this week’s parsha that Yaakov Avinu was saved from Lavan’s murderous intentions in the merit of his hard work. Not because of his unfathomable yiras shamayim, not because of his avodas Hashem, not because he was the son of Yitzchak and the grandson of Avraham. Hard work. Something we can all relate to. Something that occupies many, many hours of our time throughout our lives. Why does Hashem see work as such a zechus? Why weren’t we created with our needs easily met, allowing us to focus purely on mitzvos and limud haTorah?In the Merit of Work unravels how the everyday challenges of the workplace are no accident. Those late paychecks, irritating colleagues and daily grind are all designed to test us, strengthen us and move us forward in our ruchnius. This week, discover how your workplace can become the perfect place for spiritual prosperity and growth. Your nine to five will never be the same again. 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

605

The Fight: The Two Forces Within

Nov 25, 2025

1:08:12

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

606

The Derech Hashem: The Overview of Creation

Dec 1, 2025

49:52

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

607

The Shmuz on the Parsha: Vayishlach

Dec 2, 2025

49:41

Hashem is Here Yaakov walked with Hashem. He achieved an enviable closeness with Ha Kodesh Baruch Hu, understanding that He is present and involved in every aspect of creation. How can you integrate this truth into your own life? How can you speak to Hashem and really feel that He’s listening, that He’s real and right here with you? In this hands-on shmuz, Rabbi Shafier presents you with an irresistible idea on how you can reach incredible heights in your own avodas Hashem. He also gives you three actionable suggestions on how to improve the quality of your davening and provides plenty of chizuk to get you started. 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

608

Part 7 Soton out of the Box

Jan 5, 2026

57:18

609

The Fight: The Role of Marriage

Dec 3, 2025

1:08:12

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

610

The Shmuz on the Parsha: Vayieshiv: Living Like a Rock

Dec 8, 2025

56:58

In this week’s parsha, Rashi explains how the lives of tzadikim, beloved to Hashem, are described in detail in the Torah. This is in contrast to reshaim like Eisav whose lives are not dwelt upon. Rashi compares the reshaim to ‘rocks’, something that is discarded when searching for a gem in the sand. The implication is that a life of evil is as worthless as a rock. What is the value of a human life? Although the chemical composition of man is worth little more than $980, in the Torah’s eyes, a life is invaluable. But are you living your best life? How can you be sure you’re not ‘living like a rock’, going through the motions of life but not adding anything of lasting value? Your potential in ruchnius is unlimited. You are a neshama with infinite potential. This shmuz will give you the focus you need to ensure your actions are purposeful and your life is one of meaning. 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

611

The Fight: The Role of Imagination

Dec 9, 2025

55:11

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

612

The Derech Hashem: Don't Try to be Perfect

Dec 10, 2025

31:34

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

613

Chanukah: G-d Fights Our Wars

Dec 14, 2025

44:19

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

614

The Derech Hashem: How Could Adam HaRishon Sin?

Dec 14, 2025

1:00:32

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

615

The Fight: A Diamond With a Flaw

Dec 16, 2025

55:11

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

616

Derech Hashem: The Righting Reflex

Dec 21, 2025

56:19

Why do our best attempts to correct others so often make things worse? In this powerful class, Rabbi Shafier explores the “righting reflex”, the instinct to fix what we see as wrong, and reveals how it’s rooted in a deep inner conflict that began with Adam’s sin and continues to shape our struggles today. Through the lens of the Derech Hashem, Rabbi Shafier offers practical, sometimes uncomfortable exercises that retrain the mind and heart to think and feel correctly, shifting the focus from fixing others to refining ourselves. Insightful, honest, and deeply practical, this class invites you to rethink personal growth and makes a compelling case for why real change starts within. 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

617

The Fight: The Tricks of the Satan

Dec 22, 2025

55:11

How could Dovid HaMelech, a man of towering spirituality, learning, and devotion, fall so painfully? In this gripping class, Rabbi Shafier unpacks one of the most troubling episodes in Tanach, revealing how even the greatest among us are tested precisely at their weakest point. Through the story of Dovid and Batsheva, he explores the nature of the yetzer hara and the role of the Soton as a master strategist, tailor-making challenges to each person’s vulnerabilities. With clarity and depth, Rabbi Shafier shows that this isn’t a story of failure alone, but a timeless lesson in self-awareness, humility, and the absolute necessity of turning to Hashem for help. Honest, sobering, and deeply relevant, this class offers essential tools for recognizing temptation before it takes hold, and for rising stronger when we are tested. 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

618

The Shmuz on the Parsha: An Honest Man is Hard to Find

Dec 23, 2025

57:55

In this week’s parsha we learn of Yosef’s impeccable honesty, going above his obligation as viceroy and personally overseeing every sale during the years of famine. Although his behavior went above and beyond, as Torah Jews we can certainly use Yosef’s yashrus as an inspiration for our own business dealings. In this shmuz, Rabbi Shafier discusses some common pitfalls that can occur when in the workplace or handling money, and has a sobering message for those who think they could never be guilty of gezel. 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

619

The Fight: The Soton Unboxed

Dec 29, 2025

57:18

Why do small temptations feel harmless in the moment, but later seem impossible to break free from? In this shocking class, Rabbi Shafier explores the yetzer hara not as a sudden force that overwhelms, but as a slow, strategic trap. What begins like a delicate spider web can slowly tighten into a rope that controls a person’s choices. Drawing on a powerful Gemara, he reveals the striking difference between how the righteous and the wicked perceive the same struggle, and why recognizing the yetzer hara early is the key to protecting your life and your values. Crazy practical and full of sharp insight, this class will strengthen your ability to master temptation before it masters 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

620

Derech Hashem: The Struggle Within

Dec 30, 2025

53:51

Why does life feel like a constant tug-of-war between what the body wants and what the soul knows is right? In this foundational class on Derech Hashem, Rabbi Shafier explains that Hashem created man from two opposing forces, the guf and the neshamah, and that this inner conflict is not a bug, it's the very purpose of life. With awesome clarity, he explores why beauty and misery can exist side by side, and why this world was not designed for comfort, but for growth and spiritual accomplishment. If you’ve ever wondered why life is so hard, this class will give you a startling perspective that changes everything. 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

621

Derech Hashem: How Beauty and Misery Co-Exist

Jan 4, 2026

55:53

Why does life feel like a constant tug-of-war between what the body wants and what the soul knows is right? In this unforgettable class on the Derech Hashem, Rabbi Shafier explains that Hashem created man from two opposing parts, the guf and the neshamah, and that this inner war is not a flaw but the very purpose of existence. He shows why beauty and misery can coexist, and why this world was never meant to be a place of lasting comfort, but of spiritual growth and accomplishment. Through a vivid mashal of a princess living among peasants, Rabbi Shafier reveals that true happiness comes from aligning with our spiritual nature. If you’ve ever wondered why life is so hard, this class will give you a perspective that changes everything. 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

622

The Shmuz on the Parsha: Emunah and Bitachon: Understanding the Difference

Jan 5, 2026

58:26

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 are also meant to internalize that Hashem is directly involved in your own life and knows what is best for you. Many of our problems with bitachon stem from the fact that we think 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

623

Part 8 WYSIWYG-What you see is what you get

Jan 5, 2026

57:58

624

Part 10 Developing Willpower

Jan 5, 2026

52:00

625

Session #4 – Life Brings Humility

Jan 5, 2026

56:28

626

Session #5 – Arrogance and Anger - Living with Humility

Jan 5, 2026

1:03:07

627

Marriage Part 3 - Equal Partners Different Roles

Jan 5, 2026

56:36

628

Session 4 Gevuros – The Might and Majesty of our Creator

Jan 6, 2026

52:50

629

Session 5 Kedushas HASHEM – Relating to the Holiness of HASHEM

Jan 6, 2026

52:20

630

Session 6 Personal Requests 1 – Asking for Wisdom, Torah and Forgiveness

Jan 6, 2026

1:02:12

631

Session 7 Personal Requests 2 – Asking for Salvation, Health and Sustenance

Jan 6, 2026

55:53

632

Session 8 Communal Requests 1 – Redemption and Restoration

Jan 6, 2026

57:52

633

The Tefilah Project #1 Prayer - A Changed Reality

Jan 6, 2026

49:14

634

The Tefilah Project #2 Why Daven

Jan 6, 2026

1:05:57

635

The Tefilah Project #3 The Power of Prayer

Jan 6, 2026

57:46

636

The Tefilah Project #4 Mechanics of Prayer - Your Main Heshtadlus

Jan 6, 2026

52:12

637

The Tefilah Project #5 How to Speak so that Hashem Listens

Jan 6, 2026

49:41

638

The Tefilah Project #7 Brachos - Counting our Blessings

Jan 6, 2026

53:54

639

The Tefilah Project #8 Pesukei Dzimra - Putting back the Wow into Nature

Jan 6, 2026

50:11

640

The Tefilah Project #9 Boruchu - A Glimpse into the Upper World

Jan 6, 2026

48:04

641

The Tefilah Project #10 Shemoneh Esreh - Asking for really Big Things

Jan 6, 2026

48:36

642

Introduction

Jan 6, 2026

39:27

643

Are you Happy

Jan 6, 2026

43:13

644

Pursuit of Pleasure

Jan 6, 2026

39:34

645

Holy Pleasures

Jan 6, 2026

50:58

646

Your Attitude is Your Reality

Jan 6, 2026

1:00:48

647

Part 1 - A Monumental Moment for Mankind

Jan 6, 2026

1:00:22

648

Part 2 - Standing at the foot of the Mountain – session a

Jan 6, 2026

1:05:51

649

Part 3 - Standing at the foot of the Mountain – session b

Jan 6, 2026

58:24

650

Part 4 - Eternal lessons for an Eternal People

Jan 6, 2026

1:14:13

651

Sefer Yonah Part Four - Going to Nineveh

Jan 6, 2026

37:49

652

Teshuva Boot Camp Part 1

Jan 6, 2026

46:40

653

Teshuva Boot Camp Part 2

Jan 6, 2026

55:54

654

Hilchos Shabbos Boot Camp Session 2

Jan 6, 2026

22:06

655

Hilchos Shabbos Boot Camp Session 3

Jan 6, 2026

21:59

656

Hilchos Niddah Boot Camp Session 3

Jan 6, 2026

56:22

657

The Fight Part 8: WYSIWYG

Jan 6, 2026

57:58

What happens when a person gives in to desire so completely that it becomes part of who they are? In this gripping class, Rabbi Shafier revisits the chilling story of Titus, the destroyer of the Second Beis Hamikdash, and the haunting punishment that followed him for seven years. But the lesson goes far beyond history. With a sharp, unforgettable analogy, Rabbi Shafier explains how unchecked desires don’t just lead to bad choices, they can reshape a person’s very essence, like a diamond that appears flawless on the outside while hiding deep internal cracks. He then offers a powerful framework for fighting back, showing how the struggle itself is what reveals your true self, like a laser cutting away what doesn’t belong. Deep, thought-provoking, and intensely practical, this class will change the way you understand temptation and what’s truly at stake in your inner battles. What happens when a person gives in to desire so completely that it becomes part of who they are? In this gripping class, Rabbi Shafier revisits the chilling story of Titus, the destroyer of the Second Beis Hamikdash, and the haunting punishment that followed him for seven years. But the lesson goes far beyond history. With a sharp, unforgettable analogy, Rabbi Shafier explains how unchecked desires don’t just lead to bad choices, they can reshape a person’s very essence, like a diamond that appears flawless on the outside while hiding deep internal cracks. He then offers a powerful framework for fighting back, showing how the struggle itself is what reveals your true self, like a laser cutting away what doesn’t belong. Deep, thought-provoking, and intensely practical, this class will change the way you understand temptation and what’s truly at stake in your inner battles. What happens when a person gives in to desire so completely that it becomes part of who they are? In this gripping class, Rabbi Shafier revisits the chilling story of Titus, the destroyer of the Second Beis Hamikdash, and the haunting punishment that followed him for seven years. But the lesson goes far beyond history. With a sharp, unforgettable analogy, Rabbi Shafier explains how unchecked desires don’t just lead to bad choices, they can reshape a person’s very essence, like a diamond that appears flawless on the outside while hiding deep internal cracks. He then offers a powerful framework for fighting back, showing how the struggle itself is what reveals your true self, like a laser cutting away what doesn’t belong. Deep, thought-provoking, and intensely practical, this class will change the way you understand temptation and what’s truly at stake in your inner battles. What happens when a person gives in to desire so completely that it becomes part of who they are? In this gripping class, Rabbi Shafier revisits the chilling story of Titus, the destroyer of the Second Beis Hamikdash, and the haunting punishment that followed him for seven years. But the lesson goes far beyond history. With a sharp, unforgettable analogy, Rabbi Shafier explains how unchecked desires don’t just lead to bad choices, they can reshape a person’s very essence, like a diamond that appears flawless on the outside while hiding deep internal cracks. He then offers a powerful framework for fighting back, showing how the struggle itself is what reveals your true self, like a laser cutting away what doesn’t belong. Deep, thought-provoking, and intensely practical, this class will change the way you understand temptation and what’s truly at stake in your inner battles. What happens when a person gives in to desire so completely that it becomes part of who they are? In this gripping class, Rabbi Shafier revisits the chilling story of Titus, the destroyer of the Second Beis Hamikdash, and the haunting punishment that followed him for seven years. But the lesson goes far beyond history. With a sharp, unforgettable analogy, Rabbi Shafier explains how unchecked desires don’t just lead to bad choices, they can reshape a person’s very essence, like a diamond that appears flawless on the outside while hiding deep internal cracks. He then offers a powerful framework for fighting back, showing how the struggle itself is what reveals your true self, like a laser cutting away what doesn’t belong. Deep, thought-provoking, and intensely practical, this class will change the way you understand temptation and what’s truly at stake in your inner battles. 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

658

Hilchos Kashrus Session 1

Jan 6, 2026

48:15

659

Hilchos Kashrus Session 2

Jan 6, 2026

57:56

660

Hilchos Kashrus Session 3

Jan 6, 2026

28:52

661

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 1 - Introduction

Jan 7, 2026

36:21

662

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 2 - The Foundation Of It All

Jan 7, 2026

33:04

663

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 3 - Three Obstacles

Jan 7, 2026

37:46

664

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 4 - Three Overlays

Jan 7, 2026

42:25

665

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 5 - The System Of Growth

Jan 7, 2026

49:44

666

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 6 - I Never Do Anything Wrong

Jan 7, 2026

49:29

667

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 10 - Suffering In this World

Jan 7, 2026

32:27

668

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 11 - A Hole In My Soul

Jan 7, 2026

32:24

669

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 12 - Pleasures and Desires

Jan 7, 2026

55:53

670

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 13 - Happiness

Jan 7, 2026

46:17

671

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 14 - Keeping The Main Thing the Main Thing

Jan 7, 2026

38:55

672

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 15 - The External System

Jan 7, 2026

39:01

673

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 7 - Changing Currencies

Jan 7, 2026

52:43

674

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 8 - Spiritual Machines

Jan 7, 2026

49:28

675

Perek 1 - Mussar Vaad 9 - Power Given to Man

Jan 7, 2026

54:56

676

Perek 2 - Mussar Vaad 16 - The force of habit

Jan 7, 2026

43:32

677

Perek 2 - Mussar Vaad 17 - Functional intelligence

Jan 7, 2026

38:58

678

Perek 2 - Mussar Vaad 18 - The busy generation

Jan 7, 2026

39:53

679

Perek 2 - Mussar Vaad 19 - The role of the soton

Jan 7, 2026

36:13

680

Perek 3 - Mussar Vaad 20 - The gles of self deception

Jan 7, 2026

30:31

681

Perek 3 - Mussar Vaad 21 - The two-step process of growth

Jan 7, 2026

58:10

682

Perek 3 - Mussar Vaad 22 - Chazal’s secret

Jan 7, 2026

26:36

683

Perek 4 - Mussar Vaad 23 - Torah Rocket fuel for My Soul

Jan 7, 2026

31:30

684

Perek 4 - Mussar Vaad 24 - The shlaymei HaDaas

Jan 7, 2026

37:15

685

Perek 4 - Mussar Vaad 25 - Honor as a motivator

Jan 7, 2026

48:01

686

Perek 4 - Mussar Vaad 26 - The depth of judgement

Jan 7, 2026

36:55

687

Perek 4 - Mussar Vaad 27 - Third grader twelfth grader

Jan 7, 2026

31:37

688

Perek 4 - Mussar Vaad 28 - The gift of teshuvah

Jan 7, 2026

36:22

689

Perek 4 - Mussar Vaad 29 - Who makes it to the world to come

Jan 7, 2026

41:43

690

Derech Hashem: The Complaint of the Moon

Jan 10, 2026

55:34

What if everything you see in the physical world is only the surface layer of a much deeper spiritual reality? In this fascinating class based on Derech Hashem, Rabbi Shafier explores the idea that every physical entity has a spiritual counterpart that sustains it and directs its existence. Using the moon and stars as a vivid example, he reveals how the unseen spiritual world orchestrates everything we experience. With striking metaphors, Rabbi Shafier shows how your actions create nuclear-level, spiritual impact and shape the world far more than we realize. Insightful, mind-expanding, and deeply motivating, this class will make you rethink what your choices truly accomplish and why they matter so much. 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

691

The Shmuz on the Parsha: Vaera: America the Beautiful

Jan 12, 2026

58:31

Before Moshe and Aron approach Paroh, Hashem cautions the brothers to treat Paroh with honor. Paroh, who took a daily bath in the blood of Jewish babies, who enslaved and tormented us throughout the shibud. It begs the obvious question: Why the need for respect?In this Shmuz, Rabbi Shafier makes a clear distinction between the rasha that was Paroh and the institution of malchus. We are instructed to respect the government under which we live, even if it is contrary to our own political leanings. Bringing fascinating examples from modern-day America, Rabbi Shafier demonstrates just how much hakaras hatov we owe the United States, and cautions us to ensure that our own behavior falls in line with Torah values. 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

692

The Fight: Developing Willpower

Jan 18, 2026

52:00

In this class, Rabbi Shafier shows how real willpower is built, starting with Rabbi Akiva, who held onto his emunah even while being tortured to death. He then connects it straight to real life, including the famous Stanford marshmallow test, proving that the ability to delay gratification predicts long-term success. The message is clear: willpower isn’t something you’re born with, it’s a muscle you train. Build it, and everything else in life gets easier to control. 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

693

Derech Hashem: Nothing You Do is Small

Jan 20, 2026

50:42

You matter more than you think. In this class, Rabbi Shafier unpacks the creation of man and why the malachim questioned whether humanity should even exist. The reason is simple and heavy: human actions don’t just affect personal life, they move the entire spiritual system. Using sharp, relatable analogies like home-court advantage in sports, Rabbi Shafier shows how your role, your capacity, and your everyday choices carry real weight. This class will change how seriously you take the small things, because in the spiritual world, nothing you do is small. 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

694

The Shmuz on the Parsha: Bo: The Fifth and Sixth Level of Emunah

Jan 21, 2026

57:42

No less than nineteen mitzvos focus on Yetzias Mitzrayim. From Mezuzahs to Tefillin to Shema, we are commanded to remember the events in this week’s parsha. Why does it form the bedrock of our faith? As the Ramban explains, Hashem isn’t in the business of making everyday miracles. There was one moment in history where we clearly saw Hashem as real, present and maintaining every single aspect of existence. This is deeply relevant to you. By learning how Hashem is in control of the big picture, you can also come to see His involvement in the small details of your own life as well. By discovering the fifth and sixth levels of emunah you can step away from your physical confines, see beyond the limits of nature and begin to view Creation in a dramatic new light. 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

695

The Shmuz on the Parsha: Beshalach: People Believe What They Want to Believe

Jan 25, 2026

57:51

Parshas Beshalach- People Believe What They Want to Believe The Mitzrim endured the makos, witnessed krias yam suf and were prevented from attacking B’nei Yisroel by the impenetrable cloud of glory. These events form the basis of our emunah system, and yet they didn’t seem to have such a profound effect on the people living in Egypt. Until the bitter end, they denied Hashem’s control over every facet of physicality. Unfortunately, we can also be guilty of living like a Mitzri. The gift of bechirah means we are capable of denying the nissim in our own lives and often refuse to acknowledge the wonders of creation. Our imaginations tempt us to deny what our neshamas instinctively know to be true, and our egos loathe to be wrong. In this electrifying shmuz, Rabbi Shafier urges you to look at the world without an agenda, consider the intricacies inherent in creation and acknowledge Hashem’s hand in every aspect of the universe. 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

696

The Shmuz on the Parsha: Yisro: Live Your Truth?

Feb 1, 2026

55:35

Live your truth. Love is love. You do you. You’re worth it. Just do it. These are some of the phrases common in today’s culture. The problem is, they are completely at odds with Torah hashkafa. Lo sachmod beis rayecha. Lo sachmod aishes rayecha. Do not desire your friend’s house. Do not desire your friend’s wife. In fact, don’t desire anything that belongs to him. So says the aseres hadibros in this week’s parsha. But why not? Society cries. “How can I deny my feelings? Why should I oppress my love for this person?” And even in the frum world, “Why shouldn’t I have the house I want, the car I want? Afterall, my parents should buy me a house, I can take a loan for the car…” This week's podcast invites you to embrace a complete paradigm shift. The Torah says you can and must control your thinking, your emotions and your actions. Even if you see yourself as insignificant, you are held accountable to a high standard. So how can you train your brain to become more elevated, more holy and simply a nicer person? Catch this week’s episode and prepare to become a better version of 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

697

Shmuz Live: Free Will: The Most Dangerous Gift Hashem Ever Gave You

Feb 3, 2026

48:57

Your ability to choose is what makes you marvellously human- capable of reaching the sublime or crashing into the garbage heap of humanity. In the first of a brand new Shmuz Live, Rabbi Shafier addresses the delicate tight rope you walk each day. Will you control your thoughts, or will your thoughts control you? If you think you know the answer, you definitely need to hear this 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

698

Derech Hashem: Our Greatest Gift

Feb 4, 2026

52:52

In this powerful and sobering class, Rabbi Shafier explains how a person’s decisions can shape their eternal destiny, and outlines the different layers of Divine judgment: in this world on Rosh Hashanah, at the moment of death, and the final accounting before Olam Haba. Rabbi Shafier also clarifies the purpose of suffering, Gehenom as spiritual cleansing, and the severe consequences reserved for the most destructive lives. With striking depth, he distinguishes between the “internal system” of personal growth and the “external system” of how our actions affect others, while emphasizing the enduring power of teshuvah and compassion for those who never truly had the chance to know better. This class is intense, clarifying, and impossible to ignore. 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

699

Megillas Esther Part One: What to do with a Problem Like Vashti?

Feb 8, 2026

1:07:24

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. 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

700

The Shmuz on the Parsha: Mishpatim: Rocket Fuel for the Soul

Feb 9, 2026

45:28

The 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. 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

Popular Shows by Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier בן ציון שפיר