Before Esther went into Achashverosh, Mordechai commanded the Jewish nation to fast for three days. Rashi tells us that those three days included the first day of Pesach. That means that Mordechai abolished the mitzvos of eating matzah, drinking the four cups, and eating marror that year. Since there were more than eleven months until the decree was to take place, what was the sudden need for action? What was the urgency?

This Shmuz demonstrates just how much you can accomplish when properly motivated and offers some practical recommendations on how to bring the middah of zerizus into your life.

Esther stands at the threshold of the throne room, prepared to forfeit her life in this world and the next. 

Instead, she is assisted by three melachim, achieves ruach hakodesh and is the catalyst for Klal Yisroel’s eventual salvation. 

Aside from the obvious message that Hashem can always flip things around in an instant, there are many other life lessons to be learned. 

Firstly, Esther’s people skills are exemplary. 

Want to ask for a raise? Just follow Esther’s three point plan on how to submit a request. 

Need chizuk in following daas Torah? Use Esther as an example. 

And if we want a clear warning on how not to behave we need look no further than Haman. 

His relentless drive for kavod shows us how if a person doesn’t control his middos, he’s destined to be utterly miserable in this world. 

It’s all here. Genuine, Torah-true hashkafa and timeless messages laid open for you this Purim.

In this week’s parsha, Hashem explains to Moshe how to make Menorah. But the menorah is made miraculously- so why the explanation?

This question underpins one of the fundamental concepts in Torah hashkafa: the delicate balance between bitachon and hishtadlus. 

Whether it’s health, shidduchim or parnassah, how much effort are you expected to invest, and when should you say that you’re leaving it entirely to G-d?

In this clarifying shiur, Rabbi Shafier exposes some crucial misconceptions and brings to light exactly what your attitude should be when it comes to working hard, paying those bills or pursuing your goals.

Reaching thousands people every month, R' Shafier provides life-changing Torah Clarity, Inspiration and enjoyment at http://theshmuz.com. #TheShmuz #Torah #Chizuk

Most people aren't happy. Why not? Even when a person can have all of their physical wants and needs met, they can still feel empty inside. Caveat: We’re not talking mental illness here. We’re discussing the pain a soul feels from ignoring it’s potential. It’s a pain familiar to all of us. Tune into this class understand it better and reach a greater level of fulfillment in your life.

Reaching thousands people every month, R' Shafier provides life-changing Torah Clarity, Inspiration and enjoyment at http://theshmuz.com. #TheShmuz #Torah #Chizuk

Mordechai’s timings were extraordinary. He demanded that Esther risk her life and approach Achashverosh, even though Achasverosh was imminently due to summon her. He refused to delay a national taanis, and instead called for Klal Yisroel to fast from the first day of Pesach, forgoing the zechus and mitzvas aseh of achilas matzah. What was Mordechai’s cheshbon? And what does his reasoning teach us for your own life? In the second class on Megillas Esther, learn why Mordechai’s rebuke is so on point. Grasp the posukim like never before, gain a heightened awareness of the Megillah and prepare to go into Purim with an elevated sense of joy and gratitude.

The Jewish contribution to mankind is astounding. In every industry, in every profession, the Jewish people consistently play a significant role, far surpassing our tiny population. It’s clear that we are the am segula, the messengers for revealed good in the world. Nevertheless, your gan eden isn’t dependent on whether you’re a chess champions or nuclear physicist. The Torah teaches that your olam haba will be built upon how much you choose to connect to the Ribbono shel Olam in this world. 

Your constant, unrelenting challenge of life is that your soul is distracted, pulled by your nefesh habahami to indulge in the here and now. The antidote? Limud HaTorah. Through limud haTorah, you are able to connect with the Eternal and discover the part of you that craves transcendence.

In this week’s podcast, learn how to ignite your neshama through the joy of learning and gain a genuine Torah outlook on what ‘tikkun olam’ really means.

Reaching thousands people every month, R' Shafier provides life-changing Torah Clarity, Inspiration and enjoyment at http://theshmuz.com. #TheShmuz #Torah #Chizuk

Are you a pleasure seeker, but feel kinda guilty about it because enjoying life isn’t a ‘Jewish’ concept? In this class, Rabbi Shafier addresses misconceptions such as this full-on, showing you how to use the pleasures Hashem has created to become a better, more spiritual human being.

Reaching thousands people every month, R' Shafier provides life-changing Torah Clarity, Inspiration and enjoyment at http://theshmuz.com. #TheShmuz #Torah #Chizuk

Megillas Esther Session One: What to do with a Problem Like Vashti?

In the first class on Megillas Esther, Rabbi Shafier explains how the Megillah begins-the history, the context and the background of the story. Learn why Achashverosh was reluctant to kill his queen, the motivations behind Haman’s bizarre marriage advice and how incredible hashgacha pratis was evident from the very beginning. This perek-by-perek series will transform your experience of krias Megillah and give a new depth of knowledge to a familiar tale.

Live your truth. Love is love. You do you. You’re worth it. Just do it.

These are some of the phrases common in today’s culture. The problem is, they are completely at odds with Torah hashkafa.

Lo sachmod beis rayecha. 

Lo sachmod aishes rayecha.

Do not desire your friend’s house. Your friend’s wife. In fact, don’t desire anything that belongs to him. So says the aseres hadibros in this week’s parsha. But why not? Society cries. ‘How can I deny my feelings? Why should I oppress my love for this person? Why can’t I have the house I want, the car I want? Afterall, I can split the payments, put it on the credit card…’

This week's podcast invites you to embrace a complete paradigm shift. The Torah tells you that you can and must control your thinking, your emotions and your actions. You are held accountable to a high standard. How can you train your brain to become more elevated, more holy and simply nicer person? Catch this week’s episode and prepare to be empowered to change your basest desires and become a better version of yourself.

Reaching thousands people every month, R' Shafier provides life-changing Torah Clarity, Inspiration and enjoyment at http://theshmuz.com. #TheShmuz #Torah #Chizuk

In this electrifying shmuz, Rabbi Shafier urges you to look at the world without an agenda, consider the intricacies inherent in creation and acknowledge Hashem’s hand in every aspect of the universe.

Reaching thousands people every month, R' Shafier provides life-changing Torah Clarity, Inspiration and enjoyment at http://theshmuz.com. #TheShmuz #Torah #Chizuk