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 our own lives? 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.
 

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. Do not desire 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 shouldn’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 Shmuz on the Parsha invites you to embrace a complete paradigm shift. The Torah tells us we can and must control our thinking, our emotions and our actions. We are held accountable to a high standard. How can we train our brain to become more elevated, more holy and simply nicer people? Catch this week’s shmuz and prepare to become a better version… of yourself. 

This may be Judaism 101, but how often do we stop to think about it, and allow it to impact who we really are? Catch the full Shmuz on the Parsha here: https://vimeo.com/390295113 

If everything is determined by Hashem, can I take credit for my hard work? This question bothers many of us. Listen now to hear Rabbi Shafier’s response. 

Are you a hedonist? A pleasure seeker? A foodie? Know how to ‘enjoy the good things in life?’

Rabbi Shafier has a little mussar drasha for you…
 

Wondering how to increase your bitachon? Cut down on your angry outbursts? Stop feeling so jealous? Have more happiness in your life? There is a simple formula that can shape you into how you want to be.
For more, check out the full video on this week’s parsha here: https://vimeo.com/390295113 

This powerful dvar Torah is sure to elevate your Shabbos table. Want to hear the entire Shmuz? Click here: https://vimeo.com/388858703 

Secular culture wants you to believe that everything is random. They’re dead wrong. 

How is it that someone can study the complexities of creation and not be blown away by the greatness of Hashem? The answer? I’m not married to the facts.

This clip is taken from The Shmuz on the Parsha. Watch the full Shmuz on Parshas Beshalach here: https://vimeo.com/388858703