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

The word ‘vayikra’ is written in a sefer Torah with a small aleph. Moshe Rabbeinu was uncomfortable with the Torah recording that Hashem called out to him, and begged Hashem to alter the wording of the posuk. When Hashem refused, Moshe Rabbeinu wrote ‘vayikra’ with a small aleph instead. The Baal HaTurim comments that this is a sign of Moshe’s incredible level of humility. Yet, it begs the obvious question: a humble person listens to their Creator and obeys their commands. Against this backdrop, Rabbi Shafier guides you through the often misunderstood middah of anavah, and discusses what it means for your own sense of self and emotional well-being. We are all gifted with incredible talents and abilities - how can we utilize our inherent potential while remaining grounded in humility and gratitude?  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 if the people who frustrate you the most are actually messages from Hashem? In this thought-provoking shiur, Rabbi Shafier explores the deep struggle between Yaakov and Esav and reveals a powerful perspective on criticism, conflict, and difficult relationships. Instead of seeing these moments as random or unfair, he shows how they may be carefully orchestrated opportunities for growth. If you want to learn how to hear the messages Hashem is sending through the challenges and people in your life — and transform frustration into real spiritual growth — this shiur will change the way you see every interaction.  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

Living Through the Makos continues with a detailed explanation on how Moshe ended up in Midian, his meeting with Tzipporah and his first encounter with the Ribbono Shel Olam at the Sneh. Rabbi Shafier gives a clear and articulate delivery of the events that subsequently unfold, shedding light on how Shevet Levi managed to be excluded from the shibud. He also gives some poignant moments to contemplate, such as Moshe’s reticence to communicate with Hashem, Paroh’s absolute belief that he really was a god, and Dosan and Aviram’s persistent malice. Living Through the Makos dramatically brings to life the ancient story of our people. This Nissan, be mekabal the mitzvah of sippur Yetzias Mitzrayim with a refreshed perspective and step into your seder with a reaffirmed sense of wonder and hakaras hatov.  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 remarkable Derech Hashem shiur, Rabbi Shafier explores not only the hidden mechanics of nevuah, ruach hakodesh, and how Hashem reveals knowledge to man, but also the staggering inner world of Moshe Rabbeinu and Aharon HaKohen. What emerges is a portrait of greatness that is almost hard to comprehend: leaders so pure, so selfless, and so elevated that even the offer of ultimate spiritual access could be turned down rather than cause another Jew pain. Listen to this shiur to deepen your understanding of nevuah, sharpen your appreciation for Chazal and the gedolei Yisrael, and walk away with a far bigger vision of what true greatness looks like.  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 think one clear miracle would change everything. Rabbi Shafier shows why that’s not true. In this powerful shiur, he takes you back into Mitzrayim and asks a haunting question: how did the Egyptians watch open miracles, month after month, and still refuse to believe? The answer opens up something deeply uncomfortable about human nature, free will, and the stories people choose to tell themselves.  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 if the physical world is only the surface of something much bigger? In this powerful Derech Hashem shiur, Rabbi Shafier uncovers the spiritual forces that operate behind the scenes of creation: forces that ancient civilizations understood far better than we do today. Why did Pharaoh believe he could fight Hashem?And what does that reveal about the hidden power every Jew holds? Once you hear this, you’ll never look at the world the same way 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

You know that contemplating the events of Yetzias Mitzrayim is central to your avodas Hashem. Recognizing that this house has a Master is the very purpose of your life in this world. It is therefore your holy obligation to learn as much as you can about Pesach and gain a detailed understanding of the events that transpired. In the first session of Living Through the Makos, Rabbi Shafier explains how Klal Yisroel went from being a privileged nation in Egypt to tortured slaves. He discusses the rise of anti-Semitism amongst the Mitzri, and how their hatred of others ultimately led to their hatred of themselves. Packed with valuable life-lessons, this series is guaranteed to give you the ultimate in Pesach preparation and elevate your Sedarim like never before.  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 week’s parsha, we come to the making of the kiyor, fashioned from the mirrors of the Jewish women. Moshe Rabbeinu was initially reluctant to accept this offering, wary that something that was used for female beautification would be inappropriate in the Mishkan. Hashem replies that these mirrors are actually the most beloved. Why did Moshe think Hashem wouldn’t want the mirrors? What does this week’s parsha teach us about the role of female beauty? Listen now to discover the role of attraction in marriage, some fundamental differences between men and women and how to achieve pure love with your spouse.  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 mitzvah items like a shofar or tzit tzit are kadosh while you use them, but then get demoted once their time is up. But tefillin, mezuzah, and a Sefer Torah are different for one reason: Hashem’s Name is written inside. And in Torah, a “name” is an essence. Which raises a wild question: if Hashem is infinite and beyond definition… how can there be “Names” at all? This shiur shows why Hashem gave those Names, what they actually activate in the world, and why a simple “Baruch Atah Hashem…” said with awareness can change you more than you think.  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 today’s society, you are relentlessly bombarded with two fallacies: One, that money equals happiness and two, that your net worth should define your sense of self. The Torah rejects both of these ideas, and yet we see from this week’s parsha that attraction to money is something inherent in the briah. In this uncomfortably relevant Shmuz, Rabbi Shafier encourages you to take a long, hard look at how you judge yourself and others- are your attitudes towards money in line with Torah hashkafa? Or are you constantly pursuing the next best thing, hoping that it will give you the elusive satisfaction for which we all crave?  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 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.  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

Purim is not what you think it is. Achashverosh wasn’t the squishy, dumb king you see in your kids megillah. He was a hardened, ruthless anti-Semite who was just as eager as Haman to destroy every Jew. And Esther’s decision to invite Haman to the party? It looked shockingly reckless. In reality, it was a calculated move designed to push Klal Yisrael into absolute desperation… because only then would we finally turn to Hashem with total sincerity. And that’s not ancient history. It’s the real test of our lives too — how much do we rely on our effort, and how much do we actually trust Hashem? When rockets are intercepted, enemies implode, and everything looks like brilliant strategy… do we see “systems,” or do we see the hidden Hand? This shiur connects Purim, current events, and our daily struggles into one uncomfortable question: Who do you really believe is running the 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

Who are you? Not your name. Not your body. Not even your brain. In this mind-opening class, Rabbi Shafier walks you through a Musar exercise that sounds simple but changes everything: identifying the real “you.” He explains why you are not a physical being having spiritual moments, but a spiritual being temporarily wearing a body. Along the way, he unpacks the tension you feel every day — the pull between your higher self and your animal instincts — and why sometimes you don’t even recognize your own behavior. Using powerful analogies and practical tools, he shows how to cut through the noise and access the deeper voice inside that already knows the right thing to do. If you’ve ever felt conflicted, confused, or disconnected from yourself, this class will give you clarity about who’s actually in charge — and who you truly 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

Esther 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.  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 does “just a little more” never feel like enough? Why do high achievers still feel restless and often collapse under their own success? In this hugely powerful shiur, Rabbi Shafier uncovers the hidden drive inside every human being: a hunger for greatness that can either elevate your life or subtly drive you crazy. He reveals why recognition is one of the deepest human needs, why a single compliment can be transformative, and why the most dangerous voice you’ll ever hear might be your own. If you’ve ever felt driven, dissatisfied, or ridiculously hard on yourself, this one will hit home.  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

Parshas Tetzaveh: Learning to Forgive We 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.  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 must-listen class, Rabbi Shafier shows you how Dovid HaMelech used praise and tefillah to rebuild his relationship with Hashem, reshape his view of reality, and come back stronger after being publicly humiliated. Along the way, Rabbi Shafier tackles the questions people are scared to say out loud: if Hashem is so good, why does life feel so hard, and why do so many people carry a warped, frightening picture of Hashem?. If you’ve ever felt guilty, disconnected, or tired of blaming everyone else just to survive emotionally, this class will hit you right where you need it most. 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 class, you’ll see how the choices you make don’t just shape you, but echo through generations, tracing the story from Adam HaRishon to Avraham Avinu and the sealing of the nations. Along the way, the shiur unpacks what makes the Jewish neshamah unique: your connection to the Upper Worlds, Hashem’s direct hashgachah, and the startling reason Jews so often lead far beyond their numbers. If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind Jewish destiny and why it keeps showing up in history, this class will 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

If the Menorah was made through miracles, why give Moshe instructions for it? 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 you expected to invest, and when should you say that you’re leaving it entirely to G-d? In this clarifying shiur, Rabbi Shafier exposes some crucial misconceptions and brings to light exactly what your attitude should be when it comes to working hard, paying those bills or pursuing your goals.   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

Mordechai’s timings were extraordinary. He demanded that Esther risk her life and approach Achashverosh, even though Achashverosh was about 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 you for your own 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

How precise is Hashem’s justice? In this powerful class, Rabbi Shafier takes you to Kriyas Yam Suf and shows how every single Egyptian was judged differently, with each punishment calibrated with impossible precision. From there, he opens up a life-changing understanding: Hashem didn’t just create the world, He is actively maintaining it every second, orchestrating every detail with absolute control. Using vivid mashalim like a dream, virtual reality, and the cloud, Rabbi Shafier explains what it really means that Hashem is the energy source of all existence and that nothing happens outside His will. Once you hear this, you won’t look at “coincidences” the same way again. THE SHMUZ LIVE IS EVERY WEDS 2PM EST. GO TO THESHMUZ.COM FOR THE LINK 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 think Hashem created the world and then stepped back. In this eye-opening class, Rabbi Shafier explains why that idea couldn’t be more wrong. He breaks down how Hashem is not only judging the world, but actively powering it every second, meaning every thought, choice, and action is happening inside His system. Using clear, relatable analogies, including a video-game model of how reality actually works, Rabbi Shafier shows why your effort and tefillah genuinely change outcomes, even in a world Hashem fully controls. This class brings clarity to how judgment really works and leaves you with a much stronger sense of responsibility, meaning, and connection in your daily 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 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

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

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

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

In this haunting and deeply thought-provoking class, Rabbi Shafier explores the tragic story of Elisha ben Avuya, a towering sage who, after a profound spiritual experience, fell into heresy. Drawing from the Gemara’s account of the four who entered Pardes, Rabbi Shafier shows how only Rabbi Akiva emerged whole, while others were broken in devastating ways. Elisha’s downfall, rooted in a fatal misunderstanding of a heavenly message, becomes a powerful lesson about how spiritual confusion can lead a person astray. The class also confronts the difference between superficial regret and genuine teshuvah, emphasizing that true repentance must come from the deepest sincerity. Sobering, intense, and filled with timeless insight, this session leaves the listener reflecting on the stakes of spiritual integrity and the enduring hope for redemption.  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

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

Great people don’t rely on willpower alone, they plan for their weaknesses. In this class, Rabbi Shafier shows how Yaakov Avinu, despite his towering level, knew exactly where he was vulnerable and prepared for it. Running from Esav and heading into Lavan’s world, Yaakov didn’t trust himself to “just be strong,” he made strategies, boundaries, and a deal with Hashem. The takeaway is sharp and practical: we absorb the behavior of the people around us, so if you don’t manage your triggers, they will manage you. This class is a masterclass in emotional control, planning ahead, and building the support you need to stay true to who you want to be.  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

Free will isn’t simple, and it was never meant to be. In this class, Rabbi Shafier breaks down how Hashem designed human beings to build themselves through layers of choice, shaping who they become forever. From the pull of the animal soul, to character traits, life circumstances, and the unique load each person carries, he shows why everyone’s struggle looks different. Even pain has a purpose, either to wake a person up or to clean them out. This class gives you a clear framework for understanding your challenges, and why the exact life you’re living is the one you need to grow.  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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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