The Shmuz

Practical and hashkafic tips on gaining control of your finances

Is it enough to be smart in this world?

We are all in danger of going through life just ‘spinning our wheels’, being ever so busy and yet failing in our potential. It’s a scary concept, and one that Rabbi Shafier addresses from a relatable perspective. In the second shiur of the second perek, Rabbi Shafier shows you how to live with more awareness and make the most of your years here. 

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 frum Jews, we are also meant to internalize that Hashem is directly involved in our own lives and knows what is best for us. Too many of our problems in bitachon stem from thinking 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. 

We tend to think that our brain is our best friend- we rely on our thoughts to discern right from wrong, good from bad and truth from falsehood. So what happened with Korach? How could he be driven to stage such a catastrophic rebellion? The answer is that your brain is a handmaiden to your ego. It’s not always your friend. Listen to this Shmuz to protect yourself against making crazy decisions and gain a deeper insight into who you are. 

Tested to the MAX!

The Shmuz on the Parsha is scarily relevant this week:   What to do when your bitachon is tested to the max.

We’ve all got ‘stuff’.

Baggage.

Nisyonos.

Ballistic missiles ist

We all need a Torah perspective to know how to respond to both major world events as well as the everyday traffic of life. Listen now! 

Getting along with people is an essential life skill. Satisfying human relations are key to thriving in the workplace, developing friendships, having a loving marriage and raising happy kids.Because people skills are so fundamental, this week's Shmuz offers something unique: a mini-course in social relations. With these basics under your belt, you’ll become more than just well-liked; you’ll be more effective in achieving your goals. 

You know that you’re meant to serve Hashem out of joy and love. How can you do this if you don’t really feel it? What should you do when you know you should be grateful, but your life is plagued with difficulties and it’s hard to feel Hashem’s love?

Join Rabbi Shafier as he tackles this question head-on in an incredibly encouraging and inspiring Shmuz.
 

How fragile is your ego? 

We are all familiar with people that have a hard time admitting they could be wrong. No matter the misdemeanor, never mind the evidence in front of them, they refuse to acknowledge the facts and stick to their story as if their very lives depend on it. Unfortunately, this quirk is not just limited to hardened criminals and pathological narcissists. Within all of us is the overwhelming desire to protect our ego and soothe our sense of self. It’s very unpleasant to admit we could be wrong. Unpleasant and humbling. Ultimately, our very purpose on this planet is to work on our middos and become the very best version of ourselves. And that version includes being truthful. It includes courageously learning humility. And it includes developing the psychological fortitude to be ok with being wrong. 

The Chovos HaLevovos (Shaar HaBitachon) explains that one of the basics of our belief system is, “You can’t harm me; you can’t help me.” Everything is decreed by HASHEM. Every ounce of suffering, every event that is to befall a person is all decided, defined and directed by HASHEM Himself. No human being can inflict damage to me that wasn’t already decided by HASHEM.

With this cognition comes a deep understanding: the doctor isn’t the determinant of whether I live or die, the threat isn’t the failing economy, and the danger isn’t man. All humans are powerless to affect my destiny. And all along, I am always safe and sound, guarded and protected.