Episodes

  • Derech Hashem: The Hidden System Running the World
    Mar 10 2026

    What if the physical world is only the surface of something much bigger?

    In this powerful Derech Hashem shiur, Rabbi Shafier uncovers the spiritual forces that operate behind the scenes of creation: forces that ancient civilizations understood far better than we do today.

    Why did Pharaoh believe he could fight Hashem?

    And what does that reveal about the hidden power every Jew holds?

    Once you hear this, you’ll never look at the world the same way again.

    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate
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    46 mins
  • Living Through the Makkos: Part One: The Descent into Slavery
    Mar 9 2026

    You know that contemplating the events of Yetzias Mitzrayim is central to your avodas Hashem. Recognizing that this house has a Master is the very purpose of your life in this world. It is therefore your holy obligation to learn as much as you can about Pesach and gain a detailed understanding of the events that transpired.

    In the first session of Living Through the Makos, Rabbi Shafier explains how Klal Yisroel went from being a privileged nation in Egypt to tortured slaves. He discusses the rise of anti-Semitism amongst the Mitzri, and how their hatred of others ultimately led to their hatred of themselves. Packed with valuable life-lessons, this series is guaranteed to give you the ultimate in Pesach preparation and elevate your Sedarim like never before.

    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate
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    56 mins
  • The Shmuz on the Parsha: Men are from Mars
    Mar 8 2026

    In this week’s parsha, we come to the making of the kiyor, fashioned from the mirrors of the Jewish women. Moshe Rabbeinu was initially reluctant to accept this offering, wary that something that was used for female beautification would be inappropriate in the Mishkan. Hashem replies that these mirrors are actually the most beloved. Why did Moshe think Hashem wouldn’t want the mirrors? What does this week’s parsha teach us about the role of female beauty? Listen now to discover the role of attraction in marriage, some fundamental differences between men and women and how to achieve pure love with your spouse.

    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate
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    48 mins
  • Derech Hashem: When a Word Becomes Holy
    Mar 3 2026

    Most mitzvah items like a shofar or tzit tzit are kadosh while you use them, but then get demoted once their time is up. But tefillin, mezuzah, and a Sefer Torah are different for one reason:

    Hashem’s Name is written inside.

    And in Torah, a “name” is an essence. Which raises a wild question: if Hashem is infinite and beyond definition… how can there be “Names” at all?

    This shiur shows why Hashem gave those Names, what they actually activate in the world, and why a simple “Baruch Atah Hashem…” said with awareness can change you more than you think.

    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate
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    53 mins
  • The Shmuz on the Parsha: Ki Sisa: For the Love of Money
    Mar 2 2026

    In today’s society, you are relentlessly bombarded with two fallacies: One, that money equals happiness and two, that your net worth should define your sense of self. The Torah rejects both of these ideas, and yet we see from this week’s parsha that attraction to money is something inherent in the briah. In this uncomfortably relevant Shmuz, Rabbi Shafier encourages you to take a long, hard look at how you judge yourself and others- are your attitudes towards money in line with Torah hashkafa? Or are you constantly pursuing the next best thing, hoping that it will give you the elusive satisfaction for which we all crave?

    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate
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    Not Yet Known
  • The Shmuz Live #304 Purim: The Gift of Desperation
    Feb 27 2026

    Purim is not what you think it is.

    Achashverosh wasn’t the squishy, dumb king you see in your kids megillah. He was a hardened, ruthless anti-Semite who was just as eager as Haman to destroy every Jew. And Esther’s decision to invite Haman to the party? It looked shockingly reckless. In reality, it was a calculated move designed to push Klal Yisrael into absolute desperation… because only then would we finally turn to Hashem with total sincerity.

    And that’s not ancient history. It’s the real test of our lives too — how much do we rely on our effort, and how much do we actually trust Hashem? When rockets are intercepted, enemies implode, and everything looks like brilliant strategy… do we see “systems,” or do we see the hidden Hand?

    This shiur connects Purim, current events, and our daily struggles into one uncomfortable question: Who do you really believe is running the world?

    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • The Shmuz Live #303: Soul Needs
    Feb 23 2026

    Why does “just a little more” never feel like enough? Why do high achievers still feel restless and often collapse under their own success?

    In this hugely powerful shiur, Rabbi Shafier uncovers the hidden drive inside every human being: a hunger for greatness that can either elevate your life or subtly drive you crazy. He reveals why recognition is one of the deepest human needs, why a single compliment can be transformative, and why the most dangerous voice you’ll ever hear might be your own.

    If you’ve ever felt driven, dissatisfied, or ridiculously hard on yourself, this one will hit home.

    This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Derech Hashem: The Most Important Question You’re Not Asking Yourself
    Feb 24 2026

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

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