The Shmuz

1101

#77 - Man Based Morality

Mar 9, 2019

48:50

Whenever we follow our own desires, we mess up. Even when we act with the best of intentions, we mess up. High-minded ideologies have failed time and time again. History is chock-full of examples. Theres a very good reason why man-based morality consistently fails. We humans are imperfect. We cant possibly see all the consequences to our actions. This Shmuz reminds us of the one and only way to make sure that your good intentions bring good results: by sticking with the tried and true morality of Torah. 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

1102

#78 - Kiddush HASHEM

Mar 9, 2019

48:43

Making a kiddush Hashem isnt just about the big things like sacrificing ones life for the sake of a mitzvah its something we can do every day. Ultimately, every Jew is a billboard for Torah. When we behave properly, we have a ripple effect on the people around us. Our simple mitzvos make the world a better place. Its a heavy responsibility, but also a rewarding challenge. This Shmuz shows how your honesty and courtesy have the power to transform you, your family and friends, and even total strangers. 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

1103

#79 - Reward & Punishment

Mar 9, 2019

47:22

Reward and punishment is not a matter of HASHEM giving a potch to a rasha and making nice to a tzaddik. Each persons cheshbon is meted out with fine precision, sometimes over generations. Its so complex we cannot begin to fathom it. But theres one thing we can understand: our actions, whether for the good or the bad, have a forceful impact. By giving us a glimpse into the vast orchestrations of reward and punishment, this Shmuz will leave you awed not only by HASHEMs power, but by the power He gives each one of 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

1104

#80 - Its Never Too Late

Mar 9, 2019

46:25

We put up many resistances to teshuva. The simplest one is denial. Ive never done anything wrong. But deep down, we know its a lie, so guilt festers, perking up at odd moments to tell us, Who do you think you are doing mitzvos? Youre a slime and a faker. Stop pretending to be holy. With all these obstacles, it could almost seem that teshuva is impossible. But it isnt. You just have to take it in small, steady steps. With inspiring mussar for Elul, the Yomim Noraim, or even an ordinary day, this Shmuz will show you that its never to late to 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

1105

#81 - All For My People

Mar 9, 2019

42:46

Loving our fellow Jews is a beautiful concept, but really feeling one with them often seems far-removed from real life. Its fine in theory, but in practice? Its hard to do in the cold and indifferent 21st century. The story of Yonah is the prime example of ahavas Yisrael. He risked his life and his Olam Habo, all for the love of the Jewish people. And while we cant be on that level, this Shmuz will give us practical applications for that all-important mitzvah, the klal gadol of the Torah. 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

1106

#82 - Why Me? Understanding Suffering

Mar 9, 2019

37:07

Nobody gets through this life without some suffering. Some people suffer tragedies, others just stress and discomfort, but no matter the nature of the pain, it comes with a Divine purpose. Suffering, when viewed correctly, deepens you and makes you a better, more sensitive person. Unfortunately, its possible to completely miss HASHEMs message. A person can suffer pain and not even grow from it. That is the worst kind of suffering - pain without meaning. Its only natural to want to minimize pain, but since some is inevitable, the wise person prepares himself to face it. This Shmuz gives you the mindset you need to extract the Divine lessons in every type of suffering. 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

1107

#83 - The Moon Was Jealous, Understanding the Forces of Nature

Mar 9, 2019

43:43

The Midrash that tells us that the moon was jealous of the sun is much more than a mashal for kids. It contains deep and spiritual messages about how HASHEM runs the world, but it takes a mature mind to grasp them. The world is far more complex than meets the eye. To really understand it, you need a spiritual microscope. This Shmuz, drawing on the teachings of the Rishonim as well as modern science, provides that spiritual microscope. The stories of your childhood wont seem so childish anymore. 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

1108

#84- Why Me

Mar 9, 2019

38:28

Why me? Why now? Its too much. I cant take it anymore! Weve all said it when the going gets rough. The trials of life really can seem unbearable at times. But the moment you think youre down for the count is the moment to turn to HASHEM even if youre angry at Him. This Shmuz gives you the chizuk you need to get through all the rough spots on the roller coaster of 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

1109

#85 - MOTIVATION!

Mar 9, 2019

43:26

Success may be sweet, but to get there, you need motivation. When things are going swimmingly, motivation comes naturally. But when you hit those inevitable rough spots, you need an extra boost. Where do you get it, especially when youre in a rut? How can you get motivated when you just arent? Motivation works on the positive side and the negative. You can motivate yourself by visualizing your dreams or you can give yourself a little kick by imagining your worst fears. Both ways work; you just need to know when to apply which. This Shmuz will teach you how to be your own cheering committee so youll always be motivated to tackle the big challenges of 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

1110

#86 - To Tell the Truth

Mar 9, 2019

40:53

Were surrounded by falsehood. We dont believe our leaders, and we know that all the ads bombarding us are lies. Were so used to it, we accept as normal. Tzaddikim dont do that. Lies are anathema to them. They live by their word. Once upon a time, everyone lived that way. Truth and honor meant something, not just to tzaddikim, but to ordinary people. This Shmuz shows how you, an ordinary person in a world full of lies, can rise above it all and live a life of truth. 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

1111

#54 - Understanding Laziness

Mar 9, 2019

58:23

Have you ever found it hard to get out of bed in the morning? Lying there after a full nights sleep, is it difficult to get yourself moving? It doesnt take a genius to know thats laziness, but the question is: how do we overcome it?For starters, we need to understand laziness why we have it and why it drags us down. From there, the solution is simple. Dont be lazy. Good middos are like muscles. When you exercise them, they grow stronger.The battle plan in this Shmuz will not only help you beat laziness and make you more productive, it will make your life more fun! 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

1112

#55 - Staying Pure In An Impure World

Mar 9, 2019

47:53

Staying Pure In An Impure World. 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

1113

#50 - Bitachon Part I - Learning to Trust HASHEM

Mar 9, 2019

55:00

Part one of a three-part series on Bitachon, this Shmuz focuses us on the first stage of Bitachon: learning to trust HASHEM. Amazingly the Chovos Halevovos explains to us that by nature we trust. In fact, without trust we couldnt function. If we didnt trust, then every time we left our home we would fear death by a car crash, an earthquake, or a tornado. Every time we entered into a business transaction we would fear the economy failing or a major international catastrophe. To allow us to function as healthy human beings, HASHEM put into our nature a need to trust. However, that need to trust is typically misplaced. We trust in nature, we trust in the economy, we trust in the Air Force, the police and the emergency medical personnelmore than anything we trust that the ways things have been until now, they will continue to be. And this sense of trust remains with us until the thing we so trusted in fails us, and then we see the futility of that which we trusted in. A good follow-up to Shmuz #18 The Difference Between Emunah and Bitachon. 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

1114

#48 - Being a Nice Guy

Mar 9, 2019

58:58

Most people we meet are nice guys. If you were stuck on the road, or if you needed a place to sleep they would be the first to come forward and offer to help. Yet these very same people do things that really arent nice-- in fact, sometimes downright cruel. The question is why? Why is it that people who are kind and sweet, do things that are so unquestionably mean? Oftentimes the answer is simply because they dont see other people. They go through life too busy to notice that those around them are human beings, with needs and sensitivities just like their own. So while they may be nice people in the sense that they mean well, they do a lot of damage to others because they fail to see that those around them have the same human feelings as they do. Amazingly, it is often you and I who fit this description! Yet, once we come to this recognition our behavior can change dramatically. This Shmuz focuses us on the concept that by becoming sensitive to other people's needs, not only do I become a truly nice guy, I begin that long road to spiritual perfection, by becoming more similar to our Creator, the source of all giving kindness in this world. 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

1115

#49 - Yom Kippur- The Capacity of a Human

Mar 9, 2019

59:25

Nachum Ish Gam Zu, one of the greatest Tanaim who ever lived, was a complete Tzadik. Yet, at one point in his life, he made a minor mistake, and from then on suffered terribly. When he explained to his students that it was because of this minor oversight that he was suffering they said to him, Woe to us, that we have to see you this way. He responded, Woe to me, if you didnt see me this way. Meaning he felt that his pain was worth it. Even more, he felt that his suffering was a good thing, something he welcomed -- something in fact he had wished upon himself. Through this perplexing episode brought in the Gemarah we are presented with a radically different view of punishment in this world, and the extent of accountability that a human is held to. But more than a fire and brimstone concept, we see what is expected of a person, and what he can accomplish during his stay on this planet. 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

1116

#52 - Bitachon Part III

Mar 9, 2019

55:36

The Torah tells us that when Yosef Ha Tzaddik was in prison and asked Pharaohs wine steward to put in a good word for him, HASHEM punished him for his lack of bitachon. Doesnt that seem a bit extreme? He was in a terrible dungeon, far worse than the prisons of today. What was wrong about making an effort to free himself?The problem lies not in what Yosef did, but how and why he did it. And while HASHEM does not expect us to be on Yosefs level, He does test us with challenges of our own.This Shmuz reveals HASHEMs three intended purposes for giving us parnossah. As long as we keep His priorities straight, we can maximize bracha in our own 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

1117

#53 - I hate Criticism

Mar 9, 2019

57:14

Youre always late. Why cant you ever be neat? You bounced another check, whats wrong with you It seems that whether we are dealing with children, parents, siblings, coworkers or employees, there is so much that needs improvement, that we cant help but comment. In fact, these lines slip out of our mouths so easily, that often we dont even know we are saying them! Of course, we only say them in the hope of influencing behavior and affecting change Yet they never seem to work. For some strange reason, not only dont these comments cause people to improve, they seem to backfire. In this Shmuz we are brought to focus on the concept that, not only is criticism counterproductive, it actually eats away at the root of all successful relationships- that sense of trust and approval that we humans so crave. 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

1118

#51 - Bitachon Part II

Mar 9, 2019

44:45

If you want to know if your bitachon is where it should be, theres a very simple test. Do you go into a panic when you dont know how youre going to pay your next bill? Do you often think that you could have been more successful if only youd done things differently? If your answer was yes, then you, like most of us, need to work on bitachon.But striking the balance between bitachon and hishtadlus is not so simple. What is my part and what is HASHEMs?This Shmuz teaches how honest effort combined with trust in HASHEM is an unbeatable formula for success. 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

1119

#56 - The Death of Right and Wrong

Mar 9, 2019

57:02

According to the modern world, the worst thing we can do is judge others. Im okay, and youre okay. Even murderers are okay, or at least we should try and understand them. They have excuses their upbringing, jealousy, pressures. How can they be responsible for their crimes?This moral relativism is eating away at the very fabric of society. Its even penetrating Jewish society. What can we do about it?This Shmuz weaves together current social politics with the Chanukah story, delivering a timely message about standing up for right and wrong. 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

1120

#57 - Torah - Creating Worlds

Mar 9, 2019

1:03:05

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

1121

#58 - Arrogance Misdirected

Mar 9, 2019

50:15

Nobody in the entire Torah was as arrogant as Pharaoh. He actually believed he was the Creator! But his delusion, though in an extreme form, is common in human beings. Weve seen it in dictators like Hitler and Napoleon. We see it in larger-than-life tycoons like Donald Trump. And sometimes, we see it in ourselves.With a breakdown of why this middah rears its ugly head so often, this Shmuz motivates us to work on its antidote: 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

1122

#59 - Humility - An Issue of Perspective

Mar 9, 2019

49:44

HASHEM gave everyone a unique set of talents. Some people are strong, others smart, and others musical. But no matter which talents you have, HASHEM gave them to you to help you accomplish a specific mission in this world.The trouble is, people often lose sight of this. They credit themselves for their talents and even expect praise and honor because of them. Not only does this make them seem obnoxious, it guarantees that they will fail to use their talents as HASHEM intended.This Shmuz teaches us to view ourselves and our abilities with honest humility. Only then can we achieve the greatness HASHEM meant for each of 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

1123

#60 - Tidal Waves and Middas HaDin

Mar 9, 2019

54:17

Middas Ha Din and Middas Ha Rachamim may seem like esoteric Kabbalistic concepts beyond our understanding, but a look at history will give us a clear demonstration of how they operate. Weve seen people die by the millions, not just in wars, but in famines, tidal waves, and other natural disasters. Even the media calls them acts of G-d. The question is: why does G-d make them happen?This Shmuz wakes us up to the awesome power of HASHEM and stirs our hearts toward teshuva. 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

1124

#61 - Heroes!

Mar 9, 2019

43:34

People have accomplished some extraordinary things. Muhammad Ali fought his way to becoming heavyweight champion of the world. Roger Bannister ran the first four-minute mile. And lehavdil, gedolim like Rav Shimon Shkop, Reb Chaim Brisker, and Rav Gifter became champions in Torah.What is the difference between them and us? Surprisingly, nothing at all. HASHEM gave every human the ability to soar to great heights if only wed believe in ourselves. So dust off those dreams youve put on the shelf. This Shmuz will give you the focus and motivation to turn them into reality. 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

1125

#62 - Plan Your Life / Live your Plan

Mar 9, 2019

46:22

Plan your life; live your plan. Set goals for yourself; follow through with them.It sounds like plain common sense, but somehow, most people dont bother. They get sidetracked by the rat race and the pursuit of pleasure. Winging their way through life, they never reach their full potential.The trick to planning your life effectively is in when you plan it. First and foremost, you have to understand yourself.The simple yet powerful teachings in this Shmuz contain everything you need to live the life of your dreams. 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

1126

#63 - Davening Part I

Mar 9, 2019

52:59

Plan your life; live your plan. Set goals for yourself; follow through with them.Davening by rote is nothing less than selling yourself short. HASHEM and only HASHEM has the power to provide you with whatever you want or need. So why rush through davening in one big mumble? The trick to planning your life effectively is in when you plan it. First and foremost, you have to understand yourself.With humor and apt mashalim, this first of a three-part Shmuz is just the thing to put life back into your davening. 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

1127

#64 - Davening Part II

Mar 9, 2019

42:44

Davening is an amazingly powerful tool, and any of us can use it. Hashem loves us so much, its as though He cant resist our prayers. Yet somehow, most of us dont believe it. We think were too small to be noticed or that if we ask for too much, its kvetching. Nothing could be further from the truth.This Shmuz gives us a taste of just how much HASHEM loves us. With that clear in your mind, youll be more enthused about davening than ever before. 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

1128

#65 - Davening Part III - Power Prayers-The Impact of Tfilah

Mar 9, 2019

42:38

A close look at tefilla defies human logic. Simply by saying particular words with kavannah, we can reverse judgments in Heaven. How is it possible? It doesnt make sense!The answer is that it doesnt have to make sense. On one level, davening is a chok. But more than that, davening is a gift. Its an escape hatch we can use to get out of trouble any time.This Shmuz will teach you to treasure the mitzvah of tefilla and help you to tap into its life-changing power. 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

1129

#66 - Mark of the Man

Mar 9, 2019

46:31

A popular notion in the secular world is that people are just like animals. Animals live and breathe; we live and breathe. Animals walk on four legs; we walk on two. Whats the big difference?The Torah tells us that the difference is staggering. Its true that humans have an animalistic side, but we also have nishomas. By nurturing the nishoma, we can reach limitless spiritual heights. Thats something no animal can do.The nishoma requires specific nourishment for its growth: Torah. Learning Torah beats back the animalistic desires and propels the nishoma forward. It takes discipline, but the pay-off is enormous. By reminding you of just how much you stand to gain, this Shmuz will not only motivate you to learn, itll help you enjoy learning. 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

1130

#67 - Understanding and Eliminating Jealousy

Mar 9, 2019

39:28

If theres one thing that makes smart people act dumb, its jealousy. When people are caught in its clutches, they forget every other bracha in their lives. Nothing is as important as what the other guy has, whether it be money, happiness, or kavod.The good news is that jealousy is surprisingly easy to work on. Because its so irrational and illogical, clear thinking is all it takes to neutralize it.This Shmuz will give you the hashkafos you need to quell that green-eyed monster once and for all, put you on the path to conquering jealousy forever, leaving you free to really enjoy your 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

1131

#27 - Respecting the Institution, America the Beautiful

Mar 9, 2019

57:44

We live in a world of disrespect. Children dont respect parents. Students dont respect teachers, spouses dont respect each other and I certainly cant respect a President or world leader who gives in to his every passion and whim. In this Shmuz we find that Torah has a very different understanding of respect, and who is worthy of respect. We are introduced to the Torahs concept of respecting the institution even if we dont respect the person. And we are brought to focus on the tremendous sense of appreciation we must have for all the good that we experience living in this land. 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

1132

#28 - People Believe what they want to Believe

Mar 9, 2019

1:01:51

If Hashem would just show me one miracle, then I would really believe. If Hashem would just show me one clear sign -- it would change my life. This premise that seeing a miracle would make a person believe is brought into sharp relief by one central question: Why didnt the ancient Egyptians believe in Hashem? They experienced all of the greatest miracles ever shown. They lived through the greatest manifestation of Hashems hand, and yet they didnt come to believe in Hashem. Through illustrating some of the miracles shown in Mitzraim we come to a new understanding of what causes a person to believe. 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

1133

#29 - The Busy Generation

Mar 9, 2019

44:17

While we boast of more labor saving devices that ever before in history, It seems that we are busier today than we have ever been. In fact, we are so busy that we dont even have the time to ask ourselves what is that we are so busy with.This Shmuz focuses us on attitudes and perspectives that we pick up from the society in which we live attitudes that may be against what the Torah views as ideal, and even against what common sense says is intelligent. 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

1134

#30 - Anger Management

Mar 9, 2019

1:07:25

We all know that anger is bad and if we have ever gotten into a situation where we lost our temper, we certainly wished that we hadnt --but what can I do? This is the way I react. He said something, I saw red and exploded. That is just my nature. I didnt ask to be born this way, and there is nothing that I can do about it. Right? In this Shmuz we are introduced to the motivation and the mechanics of doing that most difficult of tasks -really changing ourselves. 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

1135

#31 - The Voice Inside

Mar 9, 2019

50:13

Have you ever heard of something called a guilty conscience? What about a Jewish guilty conscience? While we all recognize that Voice Inside, that seems to moralize and lecture to us when we have stepped over the line, we assume that this is just one of those things that we have to sort of ignore. In this Shmuz we are brought to understand that Voice that HASHEM put inside every human is actually a highly sophisticated tool --almost a moral compass-- that will allow us to find our path amongst the many choices that life brings our way. 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

1136

#32 - Understanding Nature, Putting the 'WOW' Back Into Nature

Mar 9, 2019

57:19

Who can look at a sunset and not say Wow, look at the beauty of this world.? Yet, it seems that we rarely do that. It is almost as if we are detached from the natural world -- As if the world of lions and tigers and bears is a place reserved for taking our children to when they are little, but has no connection to our lives.The Rishonim tell us that the surest way to come to understand that there is a creator of the world is to look at the creation and say just that. Wow! Look at the wisdom, look at the vastness; look at the sophistication of this world. But looking at the world with an eye to see its creator requires attention and training. This Shmuz helps us focus on the Wow behind nature thereby allowing us to be moved by the awe inspiring miracles with which HASHEM has created the world in which we live. 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

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#33 - Where Was G-D During the Holocaust?

Mar 9, 2019

1:05:07

We read about the Holocaust, we study about the holocaust, we memorialize the Holocaust, and yet it seems that this question isnt dealt with. Where was G-d during the Holocaust? Yet, isnt this one of the most basic questions a thinking person must deal with?Tracing the historical rise of Nazism and Adolph Hitler, a strong case is made for seeing the presence of G-d during these horrific times. 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

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#34 - Isreal: Exalted Nation / Oppressed People (Why Did G-d Allow the Holocaust to Happen?)

Mar 9, 2019

47:58

Throughout history all things change, the only constant that seems to cross all cultural and time barriers, is that everyone hates the Jew. Is there a Torah perspective that can explain why the Jewish nation is so tortured and oppressed? If we accept that G-D controls what happens on this earth is there a reason why His nation, the Chosen People are so downtrodden? Are there forces involved that control the very destiny of Israel?This Shmuz explores some of the underlying causes of the Jewish Nations state throughout history, including the Why behind the Holocaust. 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

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#35 - Hashem and Man: Master and Servant (Understanding Humility)

Mar 9, 2019

1:00:19

We know the Torah gave us a specific mitzvah - to work on our character traits, but how do I change my very basic, underlying emotional makeup? Much like as with any character trait, I didnt wake up in the morning and say, I just want to be a big, fat, arrogant buffoon. I didnt wake up and say, I would like to consider myself the most important human on the planet G-d's gift to humanity. But what can I do? Thats how I feel. Now what? This Shmuz helps us deal with the gaavah, arrogance, as it functions in our lives. How do I recognize if I am affected by this trait? How do I work on this issue?Understanding our relationship with HASHEM is the first line of defense against arrogance, and as it turns out, the sense of humility is central to all of avodas HASHEM. 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

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#36 - For the Love of Money

Mar 9, 2019

1:08:38

I heard hes worth 10 million dollars, is not so uncommon an expression for us to hear, even within our own community. The reality is that to many people, their self worth is equal to their net worth. While we assume that our values come exclusively from a Torah Perspective and not from the world around us, the reality is that the world we live in has a real effect on our thoughts and attitudes. In our society money has a prominence and significance that affects even bnai Torah.This Shmuz helps us focus on the Torahs view of money and how to shape our attitudes towards it. 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

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#37 - Three Types of Miracles, The Fifth Level of Emunah

Mar 9, 2019

52:54

Hashem created this world. Hashem orchestrates this world but there is another dimension of Hashems relationship with this world -- Hashem is the maintainer of this world. A very deep Shmuz that deals with the way that HASHEM interacts with this world, and directly deals with some fundamental questions: How I can have free will, when HASHEM knows what I am going to do? How can HASHEM be in so many different places at the same 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

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#38 - Where is Hashem, The Sixth Level of Emunah

Mar 9, 2019

59:25

We are trained from our school years to say boruch Hashem and im yirtzeh Hashem. Yet it seems that something is lacking. While we mouth the words that Hashem is responsible and we thank Hashem, if we are honest with ourselves we will soon recognize that what is lacking from our sentiments is Hashem. The sense of Hashems presence and involvement in our life that we talk about is what is missing from our understanding. Understanding the sixth and highest level of emunah, we are brought to understand some of the deepest thoughts of which man is capable. 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

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#39 - I Need, Needs

Mar 9, 2019

55:44

It is clear that Hashem is capable -- very capable. It is also clear that Hashem has great wisdom -- enough wisdom and capacity to create the cosmos and all that it contains, with words alone -- from galaxies that stretch over billons of light years, to tiny amoeba that float in a sea of flotsam, all parts of the whole, all harmoniously integrated, all so seemingly perfect. Yet Hashem created man incomplete, with many needs. It seems that Hashem could have created man to be much less needy - yet Hashem didnt. This Shmuz focuses us on the importance of needs in our life. And we come away with the understandings that not only arent these" needs" frivolous things to be rejected; they are actually an essential part of the growth process of 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

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#40 - Acher, The Importance of Torah, Founding an Organization

Mar 9, 2019

50:48

Elisha Ben Avuha was one of the greatest Torah scholars who ever lived--He was a tanna, a great Torah teacher, and the rebbe of Rebbe Meir -- until he became Acher, the Heretic. In that state he undid all of the good that he had accomplished, and did things that were purely evil. Yet, when he died, he wasnt allowed into Gehenom, because of the merit of Torah until his student, Rebbe Meir, begged for mercy. Through this gripping story we are introduced to the value of Torah learning, the one act that can never leave a person. A great motivating Shmuz for setting goals and succeeding in learning. 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

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#41 - Rebbe Akiva and Rochel, Potential of the Individual

Mar 9, 2019

45:31

At the age of 40, Akiva the shepherd went off to learn and transformed himself into the Torah giant known throughout history. We all know the basic story line, but we may not know that he promptly quit and set back home -- a failure. One event changed his life and gave him the strength and fortitude to turn back and succeed. Detailing the events of Rebbe Akivas struggle, the story of sacrifice, failure and eventual success, we are introduced to some of the most moving events that shaped this great leader of men.An inspiring lesson to all of us who at one time or other felt, Im not cut out for learning. 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

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#42 - Tricks of the Soton

Mar 9, 2019

55:17

Chazal tell us that Hashem created a malach whose sole job it is to trip up man -- to get us to sin, to get us to fail, to get us to mess up. Where is he? What voice does he speak with? How can I identify him? For most of us, without direct guidance from chazal it is difficult to quantify and identify the soton. Does he speak in my head? Whose voice does he use? How can I tell? This Shmuz brings us face to face with a powerful force that is foreign to western thought, and requires great understanding to recognize. 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

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#43 - Soton out of the Box

Mar 9, 2019

55:34

It seems that it should be easier now to grow than in any previous generation. We have wealth, luxuries, freedom from oppression, and we have time. We enjoy so many time saving devices and conveniences that it would surely seems that we are finally free to sit and learn. And in fact, it seems that we should be able to reach great heights - and yet it is harder than ever to serve Hashem. It seems that somehow in earlier generations it was just easier to sit and learn, but why?This Shmuz focuses on the one area that the Soton was given control over in this generation, that one area he is allowed full control over, the one area he is allowed to go full power... 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

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#44 - Bar Kamtza - Do you really have Free Will?

Mar 9, 2019

54:35

I accept that each persons life span is set before they are born. I also accept that the question is visited on Rosh Hashanah when Hashem decides who will live and who will die. All that is fine and well, until I pick up a gun and say to myself, cant I decide to end that persons life? Isnt it obvious that whether that person will live or die is now in my hands? Using the Tisha BAv Gemarah as a backdrop we are brought into some of philosophys deepest questions: resolving the issue of how much of life is in HASHEMs control, and how much is in mans. 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

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#45 - WYSIWYG- Developing Willpower

Mar 9, 2019

59:55

Its true that Im not quite where I hope to be one day. Its even true that there are many thoughts that go through my head that Im not proud of. I am still selfish and self centered, and there are many things that I feel that I would be deeply ashamed of if anyone else knew about them. But its OK, because one day I will change. This Shmuz focuses us on the shocking realization that as I am at the last moment of life, exactly as I am, is how I will be for eternity. The same attitudes, thoughts and desires that course through my mind now will be a part of me forever. When I leave this earth -WYSIWYG- What You See Is What You Get. I will be exactly as I am now, with one difference; you and everyone else will be able to see me, exactly as I am, with all of my positive thoughts and all of my negative ones. This Shmuz also brings us to understand the preciousness of life, -- that as long as there is a breath in my being, I can change -- I can shape myself; mold myself into what I will be for eternity. 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

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#46 - Greatness of Man- Beyond our Understanding

Mar 9, 2019

57:43

Chazal teach us that HASHEM would have created the entire world for one man: the sun, the moon and the stars, the planets and constellations, the oceans, the rivers and the birds -- all for one human being. The question is what exactly is so great about man? What is so fantastically meaningful and significant about one man that it was worth creating all of heaven and earth just for him? Using the famous event of Hillels students following him to the bathhouse as a backdrop, we are brought to a new understanding of the significance of Man and what is expected from him a mindset very much missing from Western Thought. 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