Episodes

  • The Shmuz on the Parsha: Vaera: America the Beautiful
    Jan 12 2026

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

    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate
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    59 mins
  • Derech Hashem: The Complaint of the Moon
    Jan 10 2026

    What if everything you see in the physical world is only the surface layer of a much deeper spiritual reality?

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

    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate
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    56 mins
  • The Fight Part 8: WYSIWYG
    Jan 6 2026

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

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

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

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

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

    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate
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    58 mins
  • The Shmuz on the Parsha: Emunah and Bitachon: Understanding the Difference
    Jan 5 2026

    Do you believe in Hashem, but sometimes feel that He’s out to get you? Then you have emunah, but lack bitachon. You see, it’s not enough to simply recognize that Hashem runs the world. As a frum Jew, you are also meant to internalize that Hashem is directly involved in your own life and knows what is best for you.

    Many of our problems with bitachon stem from the fact that we think we know better than G-d. Too often, we assume we know the bigger picture and feel abandoned by our Creator. In this Shmuz, Rabbi Shafier shares some practical ideas on how to make Hashem real. Pick a method that speaks to you, and transform your life into one of genuine trust and menuchas hanefesh.

    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate
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    58 mins
  • Derech Hashem: How Beauty and Misery Co-Exist
    Jan 4 2026

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

    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate
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    56 mins
  • Derech Hashem: The Struggle Within
    Dec 30 2025

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

    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate
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    54 mins
  • The Fight: The Soton Unboxed
    Dec 29 2025

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

    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate
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    57 mins
  • The Shmuz on the Parsha: Parshas Vayechi: A Ben Olam Haba
    Dec 28 2025

    Parshas Vayechi- A Ben Olam HaBa

    Every painful drop of suffering in olam hazeh has the potential to change your everlasting eternity. So why, in this week’s parsha, does Yaakov Avinu long for more tranquility? We know that our Avos wanted nothing more than to serve Hashem in total sincerity- if Yaakov Avinu wanted shalva, it was only to enhance his avodas Hashem. Hashem answers that his appreciation for olam haba was lacking. Does that mean that Yaakov Avinu wasn’t the ultimate ben olam haba?

    Given over with Rabbi Shafier’s trademark lucidity, this Shmuz delivers a contemporary perspective on the purpose of hardships in this world. Listen in to discover:

    -Why you gain from your nisayonos

    - What’s expected of you

    - How Hashem set up this world as a training ground, so you can receive your ultimate reward in the World to Come.

    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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    49 mins