In this week’s parsha, Rashi explains how the lives of tzadikim, beloved to Hashem, are described in detail in the Torah. This is in contrast to reshaim like Eisav whose lives are not dwelt upon. Rashi compares the reshaim to ‘rocks’, something that is discarded when searching for a gem in the sand. The implication is that a life of evil is as worthless as a rock.
What is the value of a human life? Although the chemical composition of man is worth little more than $980, in the Torah’s eyes, a life is invaluable. But are you living your best life? How can you be sure you’re not ‘living like a rock’, going through the motions of life but not adding anything of lasting value? Your potential in ruchnius is unlimited. You are a neshama with infinite potential. This shmuz will give you the focus you need to ensure your actions are purposeful and your life is one of meaning.  

Hashem is Here

Yaakov walked with Hashem. He achieved an enviable closeness with Ha Kodesh Baruch Hu, understanding that He is present and involved in every aspect of creation. How can you integrate this truth into your own life? How can you speak to Hashem and really feel that He’s listening, that He’s real and right here with you? In this hands-on shmuz, Rabbi Shafier presents you with an irresistible idea on how you can reach incredible heights in your own avodas Hashem. He also gives you three actionable suggestions on how to improve the quality of your davening and provides plenty of chizuk to get you started. 

We learn in this week’s parsha that Yaakov Avinu was saved from Lavan’s murderous intentions in the merit of his hard work. Not because of his unfathomable yiras shamayim, not because of his avodas Hashem, not because he was the son of Yitzchak and the grandson of Avraham. Hard work. Something we can all relate to. Something that occupies many, many hours of our time throughout our lives. Why does Hashem see work as such a zechus? Why weren’t we created with our needs easily met, allowing us to focus purely on mitzvos and limud haTorah?
In the Merit of Work unravels how the everyday challenges of the workplace are no accident. Those late paychecks, irritating colleagues and daily grind are all designed to test us, strengthen us and move us forward in our ruchnius. This week, discover how your workplace can become the perfect place for spiritual prosperity and growth. Your nine to five will never be the same again. 

By the age of fifteen, Eisav had already killed a man, lived with a married woman, denied the Torah and renounced mitzvos, techias hameisim and olam haba. Devoid of morality, it seems puzzling that he was so careful to honor his father Yitzchak. In this captivating Shmuz, Rabbi Shafier tackles the subject of appreciation. Tune in to discover why kibud av was so instinctive to Eisav, how we can get better at it in our own lives and why hakaras hatov is our ticket to a meaningful life.