The Shmuz

1051

#139 - The Power of Speech

Mar 9, 2019

51:57

We know that the Torah is very exacting in regards to Loshon Horah: there are 17 negative and 14 positive commandments concerning disparaging speech. In fact, the Rambam paskens like the Gemara, that the sin of Loshon Horah is worse than the sins of Idol worship; illicit relations, and bloodshed. The question is why? Of all of our activities why does the Torah see fit that this one should be dealt with so severely? What is so egregious, so horrific? After all its only words.. ..This Shmuz deals with the Torah's view of the power of the spoken word, and its effect on human relationships. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1052

#141 - Parenting Part IV - Sibling Rivalry

Mar 9, 2019

55:14

Since the time of Kain and Hevel, it seems a given that brothers fight. Even in the most refined home, where individuals are polite and respectful, siblings take liberties with each other that they wouldn't dare take with outsiders- it is almost as if an unwritten law permits the torture of siblings. What is even more surprising is that individuals we know, good people, who outside the home are so courteous and caring, act very differently when they are amongst their closest family -- What is even more shocking is when those "People", turn out to be you and I. The question is why? Why does the very closeness and attachment we share with family bring out contention, and what can we do about it? This Shmuz explores some of the forces that drive sibling rivalry, and offers strategies to deal with it, whether in the role of parents or sibling. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1053

#140 - The Arabs and The Jews

Mar 9, 2019

58:29

The Palestinians have aspirations of political freedom as do every people. Their requests are merely of sovereignty and political rights-- and of course, once they have been granted these, they will live in harmony with their neighbors, recognizing Israel's right to peaceful coexistence. Or will they? An opened minded view of the current situation brings grave doubts to the true desires of the Arabs in general and the Palestinians in particular. This Shmuz focuses on some of the underlying causes of the Arab's attitude towards the Jews, and why Western Culture has such difficulty relating to the core issue. WARNING: If your worldview is shaped by CNN you will find this Shmuz disconcerting. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1054

#144 - Stages of Change Part II Support Groups

Mar 9, 2019

43:02

Recent studies show that in 2004, there were an estimated 44.5 million adult smokers in the United States, and 70% of them want to quit. Each year, 35% do attempt to stop, yet only 5% succeed -- clearly change isn't easy. Willpower alone isn't enough. A good program for change alone isn't enough. To make change permanent, we need outside help. Support groups are successful for this very reason. Weight Watchers reports that people who attend meetings lose three times as much weight as those who don't. Same program, same motivation. The only difference is the social component of support. Our goal as the Chosen Nation is not only to change destructive personal habits, but to change our very natures, our character traits, and our approaches to life -- the type of spouses we are, the type of parents we are, the type of human beings we. Clearly it is a formidable challenge- one that we were given a lifetime to tackle. And provided we have the motivation, systems and knowledge of how to change, we can accomplish it. In this second of a three part series on the mechanisms of change, we focus on how support systems function and how important they are in making change permanent. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1055

#142 - The Power of Laughter

Mar 9, 2019

43:12

There are certain life lessons that they don't teach you in school. One of them is the importance of maintaining a sense of humor. Not only is this one of the key elements for maintaining a sense of balance and joy as we travel through the trials of life, in terms of our relationships with others, a light touch often spells the difference between harmony and strife-love and hate. Focusing on the adage that "He who laughs, lasts.. .." this Shmuz underscores the power of laughter -- a force that improperly used, can cause much harm, but properly utilized is one of the keys to leading a successful life. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1056

#143- Stages of Change Part I Denial

Mar 9, 2019

57:56

The Vilna Gaon tells us that the main reason for life is to change our middos -"If not" he says, "Why should a person have life?" The difficulty with this mandate is that it means: I have to change. While in theory I may be open to grow -- I may even recognize the many advantage to my life, in practice we humans find it very difficult to change. Ask a person who has smoked for 20 years, "How easy it is to change?" Ask a person who is 40 lbs overweight, "Don't you want to lose weight?" The reality is that even when we recognize the need to change, actually carrying out the process seems to be a daunting task-and it's not just about willpower. This is part one of a series of Shmuzin, focusing on the dynamics of change. Whether my aim is to stop: gambling, over eating, drinking, or improving my character traits; by understanding the different stages, techniques and mental states, that are a necessary part of change, we can be more successful at attaining our goals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1057

#145 - Stages of Change Part III Taking Action

Mar 9, 2019

52:05

When a person recognizes that he needs to lose weight, it isn't enough for him to read all the latest diet books and find a great plan - the person has to actually "do it." He has to go on that diet and stick to it. But "doing it" requires motivation, not just the initial motivation to begin, but long-lasting motivation that will withstand the tests of life, allowing changes in behavior to become permanent. Why is it that some people are able to maintain that positive focus and other aren't? Are there techniques for "getting motivated", and maintaining that sense of empowerment? This issue is especially relevant to us, the Chosen Nation. Our mandate is not only to change damaging personal habits, but to change our very nature, our character traits, and our approaches to life -- the types of spouses we are, the types of parents we are, the type of human beings we are. To do this, we must have a constant source of motivation and drive. Changing our very nature is difficult work. Where does this drive come from? How can we stay that motivated throughout life? In this third part of a three-part series on the mechanisms of change, we focus on using moments of inspiration and learn how to lock them in, so that we give ourselves the constant source of inspiration needed for change. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1058

#146 - The Impact of One Mitzvah

Mar 9, 2019

46:46

I do daven with a minyan. I don't. I do a chesed -- I don't. Does it really matter? Does it really make a difference? Very often we find ourselves thinking what is the big deal? Will my actions really change my life? Will they change my world? Yet every once in a while, we come across a single action that does change the world-- a shot heard around the world. Our natural assumption is that these types of acts are relegated to singular people, living in highly unusual times and circumstance. Yet, Chazal have a different appreciation of the value of a single act. From their vantage point a single mitzvah, accomplished by an ordinary person, is so important, that it exceeds anything we could ever imagine. The question is why? What is the big deal? After all said and done, it was only one Mitzvah, it's not like the entire universe: heaven and earth, are dependent upon that one act.Using HASHEM's answer to, why Nevuchadneser merited becoming one of the most powerful kings in history, as a backdrop, this Shmuz helps us enter Chazal's world view of the impact of even one Mitzvah. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1059

#148 - Rich, Richer, Richest - How to be Wealthy

Mar 9, 2019

55:23

Hot, hotter, hottest. Fast, faster, fastest. In the English language we distinguish between the adjective, a descriptive word, and the superlative, an adjective taken to its extreme. Yet when we think about wealth, that distinction somehow gets lost. If I am not as rich as Bill Gates, then I am not rich. While the Torah does not guarantee that any individual will be wealthy, it does offer a tried and true formula for a person to enjoy riches in this world. This Shmuz focuses on the concept of wealth, appreciation and the concept of being rich. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1060

#147 - Finding G-d

Mar 9, 2019

49:30

On 12 April 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space. Upon his return, he made the famous statement, I have proven that G-d doesnt exist I was in heaven, and I didn't see any God up there." While we may find his logic simple minded, in reality, he makes a valid point. How can the Torah expect us to believe in something that all of our senses deny? We relate to the world through our five senses, yet none of them can perceive the presence of HASHEM. How can a person be expected to see HASHEM when everything he experiences clearly denies HASHEM existence? This Shmuz focuses on how we can come to see HASHEM clearly and experience His presence in our lives. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1061

#149 - The System of Tshuvah

Mar 9, 2019

51:47

We know that Tshuvah works. The Nivim told us it does, Chazal repeat it many, many times, and we even have Yom Kippur, a day created specifically for tshuvah. The question isn't whether Tshuvah works, but why I don't make use of it? Why is it that I don't stand there on Yom Kippur with tears flowing down my face, repenting, improving, ridding myself of a year's worth of iniquities? It isn't that I don't want to. It isn't even that I don't believe in it. It just seems that I don't feel a need to repent. This Shmuz focuses on the motivation to do Tshuvah and the different parts of the Tshuvah process. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1062

#150 - Being a Religious Atheist

Mar 9, 2019

45:49

An atheist is someone who doesnt believe in G-d. A religious person is someone who practices a lifestyle that serves G-d. It would therefore seem obvious that being a religious atheist would be a contradiction in terms. Yet not only isnt this correct, the phenomenon of religious atheists is far more prevalent than we realize. This Shmuz focuses us on some of the bedrock foundations of our religion and some of the strange experiences that result from living a life unexamined. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1063

#151 - Be Bold, Be Brave

Mar 9, 2019

47:46

All the great leaders and teachers of the Jewish Nation had faults and flaws. The Torah tells us the shortcomings of Avrohom, Dovid, and Shlomo. More amazingly, the Gemarah tells us that the four men who never sinned aren't counted amongst the greatest of our nation. Why? The reason is simple. HASHEM didn't put us on the planet not to sin. HASHEM created us to act - to accomplish, to change ourselves, to change our world. To do this, we need to stand up for what is right, despite the odds, despite what others will say or think. But where does a person get the courageand strength to do just that: to be bold and be brave? This Shmuz introduces us to one of the basic life outlooks necessary for a person to reach his potential. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1064

#126 - Dignity of Man

Mar 9, 2019

55:01

While there is much talk today about the importance of self esteem and its effect on a person's attitudes and accomplishments, there is a corollary benefit of understanding the greatness of man -- If I am obligated to respect myself because I was created in the image of HASHEM, then so too, I must respect you, because you also were created in that same image. In fact, Ben Azzai teaches us that if a person wants to improve his interpersonal relationships, a concept that will help him even more than Loving one's neighbor as oneself, is this understanding that All men are created in the image of HASHEM. This Shmuz focuses us on the Torah's view of the true dignity of man, and the profound effect that this concept has on our lives. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1065

#127 - Breaking The Forces of Habits

Mar 9, 2019

49:25

We are creatures of habit -- we act by habit, we react by habit and, to a large extent, we even think by habit. And, in truth, it has to be that way. If we didn't act based on previously established patterns of behavior, life would be unmanageable. If every time we turned a corner we would have to think through the actions involved, our entire mind's focus would be on navigating the basics of living, with no upper brain room left for thinking. For that reason, HASHEM gave us this ability to put things on auto pilot, doing many activities without even giving them a second thought, thereby leaving us the ability to free our mind for more important things.While this reality is a fact of life, it also brings us face to face with one of the core realities of growth: our habits determine who we are and what we become. Assuming that some of my habits are in my best interest and some aren't, the question then becomes, "How do I change".This Shmuz helps us identify those habits that affect us, and then defines the strategies necessary to change them. In this Shmuz we are introduced to the vital obligation upon every Jew to be involved in Kiruv, and some practical understandings as to how easy it for everyone, not just the Kiruv professional, to have a profound effect on the people around us. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1066

#128 - Kiruv: The Message & The Medium

Mar 9, 2019

58:08

In 1996 Gordon and Horowitz published a study entitled Will your grandchildren be Jewish? Their conclusion: if one were to view the Jewish Nation as a totality, based on ever decreasing birth rates and skyrocketing intermarriage rates, the odds of any Jews being left by the end of the 21 st century are slim to none. However, one category stands out in stark relief -- the Orthodox. Based on their average birth rate of between 4-6 children per family, and their intermarriage rate of less than 3%, they are burgeoning and ever increasing. We should expect that by the end of this century the Jewish Nation will be alive and vibrant, however strictly Orthodox. The only question that remains is of those Jews alive today: How many will make it themselves, and how many of their grandchildren will be Jewish. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1067

#129 - HaKaras HaTov: Recognizing the Good

Mar 9, 2019

53:08

Shmuz INfo Coming Soon.... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1068

#130 - Living With Bitachon

Mar 9, 2019

44:23

We know that everything is from HASHEM. We also know that we must do our part-- our Hishtadlus. In theory it is easy to find the balance-- I must act in the way of the world, yet knowing all the while that HASHEM runs everything. One of the great challenges of life is actually personifying that tightrope walk between Bitachon and proper Hishtadlus. How hard should I be working? How seriously should I take the medical reports and new findings? When is it appropriate for me to say, "I have done my part, now it is in HASHEM's hands"? Drawing on some very inspiring examples of perfect Bitachon, this Shmuz helps us put our belief system into practice. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1069

#131 - Working For A Living

Mar 9, 2019

44:51

We know that we were put on this planet for a few short years, to shape ourselves into who we will be for eternity. HASHEM has created this world specifically to give us the chance to mold our inner essence. We also know that the Torah and its mitzvahs are the greatest vehicles of self perfection. If so, one of the questions that a thinking person must ask themselves is, why do we need work? HASHEM is quite capable of creating a world where all of man's needs are met. Yet, not only do we labor, it seems that majority of our life is spent earning a living. Why would HASHEM want that to be? If the entire purpose of life is to allow us to grow in spirituality, wouldn't those goals have been better met by putting us in a world where all of our physical needs were met, and then we would have the time and energy to focus on perfecting ourselves? This Shmuz addresses one of the most basic questions a Jew must ask himself: Why does HASHEM want us to work for a living? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1070

#132 - PURIM: Being Human

Mar 9, 2019

54:10

One of the most difficult character traits to work on is humility. Not only is it considered the most pervasive of the all of the middos, it is the most misunderstood. On one hand, we are obligated to appreciate the greatness of the human, yet on the other, we must remain humble. One technique to help identify the trait and its pathology is to see it in its extreme. Using the story of Megillas Esther as a backdrop, and particularly some of foibles of Haman, we are able to witness arrogance in its extreme, and thereby find its cure: the understanding that I am a human. This is a highly recommended Shmuz for working on the trait of humility, as well as a good preparation for Purim. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1071

#133 - ReJEWvinate

Mar 9, 2019

49:45

One of the tools of highly successful people is the ability to stay focused and motivated over long periods of time. Whether in sports, academics, or business, the effort and consistency needed to accomplish long term goalsrequires a high level of motivation and the ability to renew excitement and enthusiasm. Often the difference between a person who reaches great heights and a person who doesn't is the persons self awareness and ability to marshal the inner resources to stay on top of the game. In religion, , we also need the same set of skills to maintain a high level of enthusiasm and focus to prevent our daily actions from becoming merely robotic. In this Shmuz we are focused on one of the Torah's techniques for staying motivated-- ReJewvinating. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1072

#134 - PARENTING 103: Setting Limits

Mar 9, 2019

47:42

If you were to poll our community, the average parent would admit we probably give our children too much. And while this sentiment may not be clearly spoken out by young parents, once children hit the teen age years, most parents upon reflection would say : I wish we had been more firm with them when they were younger; Weve probably spoiled them; They would have been better off, had they not be given quite so much We live in permissive times, and parents seem almost afraid to say the word no to their children. Yet intuitively, we understand that we are injuring our children by not being firm, by not setting limits, and following through with consequences when they go past those limits. The challenge for parents is to find the balance between letting our children know that we love them unconditionally and setting limits and educating them in our expectations. Using the backdrop of some of the most famous personalities in all of history for reference, the Medrash presents to us some of the foundations of effective parenting. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1073

#135 - Imagination: The Devils Playground

Mar 9, 2019

49:57

Eleanor Roosevelt has been credited with saying, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." The reality is that most of the battles that we fight are based on complex constructions -- created by us. Whether they be issues of misunderstanding other's motives, or our fight with passions and desire, or understanding our place in the universe - our fights and battles are very real to us. Yet, when you try to explain them to others we often find, many people can't even identify with the challenge nor understand the temptation. This Shmuz focuses on the fight of our generation, and the very powerful psychological forces that help create the fever- pitched battle that it is. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1074

#136 - I'm Never Wrong

Mar 9, 2019

1:04:16

There is much truth in the adage: There are three sides to every story, your side, my side and the truth. And, even though I fully understand that you might be making a valid point, as soon as we get into an argument, I can no longer even see your side because, of course, I'm right. Why is that? We all make mistakes. That is part of being human. And while I certainly can accept that you make mistakes, it becomes very difficult to accept that I may be wrong. In theory I accept that as a human I err, but when it comes down to real life situations, I just seem never to be wrong. This Shmuz focuses on why it is that we humans have a blind spot when it comes to seeing our own faults, and helps us with some techniques to change that natural propensity. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1075

#107 - CHAZAK!

Mar 9, 2019

43:12

Everybody wants to succeed. We want successful careers, successful relationships; we want to be winners at the game of life. But winning takes hard work, and hard work takes single-minded drive. That can be hard to maintain, especially when the going gets tough.This Shmuz looks at the amazing success stories of champion athletes and underdogs who beat the odds, teaching us where we can find the inner strength to reach the heights HASHEM set up for us.Said At The 3rd Annual Torah Retreat. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1076

#108 - Servant of HASHEM

Mar 9, 2019

49:33

Said at the 3rd Annual Torah Retreat. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1077

#109 - MACHLOKES! The Damage of Conflict

Mar 9, 2019

49:37

The Torah calls us a stiff necked people. It seems to be part of our very nature --put two Jews together and you get three opinions.So how it is possible for us to live in harmony, as individuals, as families and certainly as communities? We certainly understand the damage of conflict, and unfortunately many of us have felt first hand, the powerful downward spiral that occurs when human beings live in a state of strife. The question is on a practical level, what can I do about this? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1078

#110 - Becoming a Great Individual

Mar 9, 2019

44:38

Each individual was created with different strengths and weakness -- One is wise and the other is capable, one has great physical strength, and the other has a strong mental capacity. One is a financial wizard but can't fix his car, the other is a great Talmid Chacham but can't balance his checkbook. Some people can paint, some can speak, some can play the piano, some can create, some can sing and some can write poetry each person has his or her own unique ability. This Shmuz focuses on the concept that each individual was created with the potential for greatness -- but not all individuals have the potential to be great in the same areas. As there are different aptitudes, talents and gifts, there are different expectations from each person. One of the keys to leading a successful life is to find my personal strengths, develop them, and use them to accomplish great things. At the end of my days "They" will ask me if I became a great person, but not a great person as judged by the criteria of you, or any other individual -- the question will be did I use my abilities, gifts and talents to become the great individual that I could have become. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1079

#111 - Sustaining Spiritual Growth

Mar 9, 2019

39:10

Any level of spiritual growth comes with a lot of hard work and perseverance. Oftentimes it takes months or years to change my outlook on life, and to bring my value system in line with the Torahs values. Now that I have invested the time, energy and effort, and I have reached a certain level of understanding, how do I maintain it? How do I keep up the growth that I have attained? This Shmuz offers us the Torah's system for preserving spiritual growth, and making the changes that we have effected in ourselves permanent. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1080

#112 - Chesed - The Essence of Judaism

Mar 9, 2019

48:38

We know that HASHEM is more kindly that any human being that we can imagine. HASHEM created this entire world with fantastic love and concern strictly to give to man. We also know that HASHEM created many features in this world, specifically to give man more enjoyment. So why don't I see it? Why don't I see the Chessed of HASHEM? Why can't I simply open my eyes and be awed by the fantastic amount of chessed, pure kindliness that HASHEM has invested in this world? In this Shmuz we focus on a concept of projection. That more a person lives a life of doing for others, the more they are can appreciate what others do for them, and the more they are able to sense kindliness. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1081

#113 - Tshuvah - Two Elements of Sin

Mar 9, 2019

45:28

As we come close to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we focus on the idea that Torah expects us to do Teshuva. Yet for most of us, while in a theoretical sense we understand that there are areas in which we could improve, in our real mode of being, we don't seem to feel that we really sin. When we go to Shul on Yom Kippur morning, it is rare to find the person who walks in with this sense of the magnitude of his sins and the fierce determination to get rid of them. For most of us, we come to daven, we try to focus on what we can do to improve, but the idea of heart felt remorse and repentance just doesn't seem to fit in.In this Shmuz we are brought to focus on the severity of a sin and its grave consequences, and our ability to use the system of Teshuva to rid them from our essence. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1082

#114 - Creating a Balanced Self Esteem

Mar 9, 2019

46:19

In todays culture there is great emphasis on Self Esteem. Countless studies and reports claim that the basis of success is a good strong sense of self. Does the Torah agree? Are there exceptions to this rule? Is self esteem really that integral to becoming a great person? And if, in fact, I need to have a high self esteem to reach my potential as an individual, how can that be balanced with the concept of being humble? High self esteem translates into thinking that I am very important; humility manifests itself into thinking that I am not important. Arent these two concepts in utter contradiction? In this Shmuz we are introduced to the correct source of self esteem, its importance in success, and the formula for finding the balance between a good strong sense of self and a healthy sense of humility. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1083

#115 - Preparing For Yom Kipper

Mar 9, 2019

55:14

While Yom Kippur is known as the day of forgiveness, there are two other issues a person should be focusing on during this day: Praying for all of their needs in the coming year, and asking themselves that key question: is the life that I am leading, in fact the life I wish to be leading. This Shmuz focuses us on the importance of all three issues, and gives us some powerful motivation to use the day to its fullest. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1084

#116 - GROWTH

Mar 9, 2019

43:13

Every human needs to grow -- this is an inborn trait in the species. That trait either manifests itself in real, significant growth or it can be sublimated, channeled into other pursuits. When we watch people chase all types of new plateaus and never being satisfied when they attain them: The man who is constantly seeking to make more money, even though he already has far more than he can spend in his lifetime; the king who goes to war to expand his boundary, even though his monarchy is safe and secure, these are manifestations of the need for growth, incorrectly channeled. This need stems from the Nishoma of man, his soul. Man was placed on this planet exactly for that purpose -- to grow. If man fills his soul's needs, then he is satisfied, and finds peace, if he doesn't, then he has this unmet need and desire within him that plagues and haunts him, demanding its fill. If that fulfillment can't be attained with real growth then it demands its fill with something, anything, as long as it takes away that gnawing sense of "I am wasting my life". This Shmuz introduces us to some of the most basic factors in the functioning of a human being, and helps us understand exactly what it is that man needs to attain happiness. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1085

#117 - OPTIMISM

Mar 9, 2019

41:42

Optimism is one of the most essential ingredients in a successful life: Without optimism the world is bleak, dreary place - Life stinks then you die. And even if there is some meaning and purpose in my existence, the odds of my succeeding at it are very slim, considering that bad things are far more likely to befall me than good. An Optimist on the other hand, looks upon the world as a positive place. People and events are inherently good, things will work out in the end - They have a positive outlook on life. Yet there is a sense of realism that demands questioning such an outlook. After all, many bad things do happen: businesses go bankrupt, people get sick, and everyone must die at sometime. Doesn't an optimistic outlook on life run counter to intelligence? How can a person maintain a sense of optimism when often times it is counterintuitive? This Shmuz deals with the issue of balancing an objective, calculated view of life with optimism, and some practical techniques towards adopting a more optimistic view point. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1086

#118 - Daas Torah

Mar 9, 2019

53:56

When we have medical questions, we go to our doctor. When we have legal questions, we go to our lawyer. When we have financial questions, we go to our accountant. But who do we go to when we have "life questions"? Who do we approach when we have the really big deal questions -- questions that shape our future and the future of our families? Since the time we were in Yeshiva we have been taught the answer: Da'as Torah -- We consult our Rebbeim. But the problem is that most of us don't have a Rebbe. Most of us find ourselves davening in one shul maybe another If we had a connection to a Rebbe in our Yeshiva days, we have long since lost contact with him. The Rov of the Shul I daven in, may be a big Talmid Chacham, but I have little to do with him So who do I turn to? This Shmuz address this very real problem in our communities. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1087

#119 - Bris Milah

Mar 9, 2019

47:34

The Jewish contribution to the cultural, scientific, and technological evolution of civilization is nothing short of astounding. Whether in academics, politics, the media, or the professions -- from curing polio to discovering atomic energy, from Hollywood to Wall Street-- Jews have had an extraordinary influence on culture and human progress. Between 1901 and 2006, 23% of all Nobel Prizes worldwide, were awarded to Jews. In the 20th century, 37% of all United States Nobel Prizes were awarded to Jews. (Even though Jews make up less than a quarter of a percent of the world population, and less than 2% of the US population!) The question is why? Why is it that such a miniscule percentage of the population can have such a profound influence - even effecting areas not known to be Jewish, areas like literature, art, theater and music? This Shmuz explores some of what make Jews unique, and allows him to find exceptional success in all of his endeavors. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1088

#120 - Thrift

Mar 9, 2019

54:21

Never before in the history of mankind, has so much been available to so many. Even in recent times the earning power and discretionary income of the average US citizen has increased dramatically. The typical American worker today earns far more than he did back in the 1950's. Yet, the rate of savings has decreased fourfold since that time. Even more troubling, consumer debt has increased exponentially (far outpacing the rate of inflation or cost of living increases) to the point that for many, credit card debt has become a fact of life they never see themselves getting out of it. Why is it that we are earning more and more, yet finding ourselves deeper and deeper in debt? This Shmuz explores the Torah's approach to personal money matters, and gives us a solid approach to financial stability. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1089

#121 - EMES - The Whole Truth

Mar 9, 2019

49:06

Politicians lie, lawyers lie, salesmen lie -- but we are honest, moral people and we don't lie... Unfortunately, the reality is that the world we live in affects us, and lies - sometimes little ones, sometimes bigger ones, tend to seep into and become part of our lives. Reb Yisroel Salanter defines lying as "Saying words with our mouth that our heart knows aren't true". Using this as our gauge of Emes, we may well find that we bend the truth a bit more often than we would care to admit. This Shmuz introduces us to the Torah's definition of Emes, and aids us in becoming more honest in all of our dealings. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1090

#122 - Parenting 102

Mar 9, 2019

55:11

For thousands of years parenting was a pretty straight forward responsibility. Society offered very structured guidelines for behaviors and expectations: Adult's roles were well defined, children's roles were clearly delineated, and throughout the strata of the community everyone knew his place. In terms of practical parenting, new parents had their own parents as guideposts and role models, and the techniques to use were time tested and proven - to fit that world. However, we live in very different times. We live in an open society. Man has social freedoms that never existed before, in terms of opportunities for education - social advancement - increase in income - where to live and what to do - there are almost no boundaries. Yet, this new found freedom comes with a cost: gone are the norms of social conduct, gone is the family structure, and gone are the role models for socially acceptable behaviors. And, so, we now find ourselves in uncharted waters in the role of parents, without having a clear and definitive path as to "how to parent". This Shmuz, the second on the topic of parenting, deals with the primary role of the parent, and some practical "how to"s in term of fulfilling that role. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1091

#123- Chanukah - Whose Side Are You On?

Mar 9, 2019

57:11

Chanukah centers on the ideological battle of two cultures: The hedonistic Yevanim (Greek / Syrian) Culture waging war against the Torah ideals -- the battle not being fought for the physical survival of the Jewish nation, but rather for its ideology and way of life. We, today, live in very different times. We are no longer downtrodden and subjugated to oppressive regimes -- we are free to choose our lifestyle. And so, not only does Torah learning flourish at unprecedented levels, we have also created our own insular culture, and the Jewish nation even in exile, has fashioned its own way of life. We have our own neighborhoods and schools, we have our own shopping districts and clothing styles, we even have our own novels, music and daily newspapers. So it seems that we have won the cultural war - there are no Yevanim influences in our world -- and as such the message of Chanukah has little to offer us. Unfortunately, this rosy picture is far from reality. This Shmuz explores some of the inroads that "foreign ways" have found even into the finest Torah homes, and identifies the ideological battleground of our time. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1092

#124 - Life is Like a Box of Chocolates

Mar 9, 2019

55:15

Do you ever get the sense that there is always something going on -- If it's not one thing it's another. Just when you have finally gotten one area of your life under control, from out of nowhere a whole new issue, a whole new problem, or a whole new crisis pops up -- and now a completely different set of difficulties have to be dealt with. Why is this? Why can't life just be simple? Why can't HASHEM just allow me to go about my business, work on myself, and use this life for its intended purpose? In this Shmuz we are introduced to a perspective on the various situations that befall a person, and why in fact they are a necessary, integral, part of life. A highly recommended Shmuz for understanding life, and the point of view necessary to make sense out of the "things" that just seem to keep on happening. podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1093

#125 - Business Ethics

Mar 9, 2019

56:29

HASHEM created man with an innate sense of morality and an inborn need to do what is right and proper. One of the difficulties of acting ethically is that in the slippery slope of life that sense of right and wrong becomes dulled. It seems that in the business world this is more clearly felt, where the lines between what is considered honest and moral, and what isn't, quickly get blurred. In the post Enron era, when much of the business community is checking its moral compass, isn't it time for us, The Chosen Nation, to make sure that we are living our lives in accordance with the Torah's standards? In this Shmuz we are introduced to an overview of what the Torah considers the ethical approach for business dealings, and how to conduct our day to day affairs. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1094

#87 - SELF CONTROL

Mar 9, 2019

49:29

Most of us are wimps. If you dont believe it, ask yourself what you do when faced with a choice between doing what you want and doing what you should. The nisyonos are different for everybody, but how many of us can claim to be masters over our desires? How many of us have real inner strength, real self-control? Just like a body builder develops his strength in small increments, we develop inner strength step by step. This Shmuz clues you in to the strategies you need to trounce your weaknesses once and for all. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1095

#88 - Chanukah - The Effect of Outside Influences

Mar 9, 2019

50:07

The nisayon in the times of Chanukah was clear: fight for Torah or succumb to Greek culture. During the Spanish Expulsion, the nisayon was also clear: leave Spain as a Jew or convert and remain comfortable. What is the nisayon in our times? Our lives are no longer threatened. We enjoy tremendous wealth and freedom. What could be wrong? Make no mistake. Modern-day culture is insidiously breaking down morality. Each of us must be on our guard. If you ever wondered if there was a Divine purpose for Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and Mick Jagger, then this Shmuz is for you. Beware of the crushing of a few idols. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1096

#90 - Torah Lishmah

Mar 9, 2019

53:18

Since the time we began school the importance of Torah study has been something that weve learnt about and come to understand. But at the end of the day, it seems to be hard to set up meaningful Sedarim that really last. Why is that? And, what can I do about it? In this Shmuz we are brought to see the value of Torah from the Torahs perspective, and given some practical, hands on, advice as to how to set up realistic Torah study goals, actually reach them. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1097

#92 - TACT

Mar 9, 2019

38:55

How can a different perspective of speech and my actions sometimes so drastically make a difference between success and failure. Tact is a careful consideration of the feelings and values of another so as to create harmonious relationships with a reduced potential for conflict or offense. It is a virtue. It is the ability to induce change or communicate critical and sometimes hurtful information without offending through the use of consideration, compassion, kindness, and reason. A tactful person can tell you something you don't want to hear and you will be thankful for the information when they are finished. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1098

#89 - Malbin Pnei Chavero

Mar 9, 2019

42:07

We've all have felt the pain of embarrassment, and we understand the seriousness that the Torah ascribes to not causing a friend pain-- Yet it seems that it happens anyway. Granted we don't intend it, but it happens anyway. In this Shmuz we are introduced to a new understanding of the gravity that the Torah ascribes to not embarrassing a fellow man, and the sensitivity we need to develop to another person's pain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1099

#91 - I Never Forget

Mar 9, 2019

47:13

Shmuz Info Coming Soon... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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

1100

#97 - Living the Good Life

Mar 9, 2019

38:38

We all want to live "the good life." Big homes, money in the bank, vacations, and luxury. The trouble is that these things never seem to satisfy. Anyone who spends his life acquiring them finds himself wanting more and more. Perhaps "the good life" isn't so good, after all.So what is "the good life?" It comes from living life in balance, from fulfilling your mission on this planet.By breaking down human nature into its basic components, this Shmuz shows how good, happy, and productive lives are possible for everybody - and that includes you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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 Shmuz

More by Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier