The Shmuz

In this compelling and eye-opening shiur, Rabbi Shafier uncovers the hidden forces shaping our decisions, revealing how even the greatest minds — like Moshe Rabbeinu — can be subtly influenced by something as small as a trace of laziness. Through vivid examples, sharp insights, and practical guidance, he shows how our thoughts are not passive but actively shape who we become, and how the “voice in our head” can either elevate us or subtly lead us off course. If you’ve ever wondered why you make certain choices, how to trust your inner voice, or how to take control of your growth, this shiur will fundamentally change the way you understand yourself. 

The makos begin. The mitzrim are toyed with, antagonized and finally punished-exactly measure for measure. The world is shown that not only is there a Creator, there is also a Melech Hamishpat, a King who forgets nothing, and who punishes accordingly. In part three of Living Through the Makos, Rabbi Shafier draws on the Rishonim, Gemorah, Midrash Rabbah and Midrash Tanchumah to bring the eser makos into glorious high definition.Learn why Hashem chose such specific plagues, and what they symbolize. Visualize with astonishing detail what it was like to be in Mitzrayim during that time. Go beyond tradition. Immerse yourself in Living Through the Makos and start making the Ribbono Shel Olam a genuine reality in your life. 

This class uncovers the deeper meaning of leaving Mitzrayim: breaking out of the mental and spiritual patterns that keep us trapped. If you want to understand what it really means to leave your personal exile, this shiur will change the way you see the world around you. 

The word ‘vayikra’ is written in a sefer Torah with a small aleph. Moshe Rabbeinu was uncomfortable with the Torah recording that Hashem called out to him, and begged Hashem to alter the wording of the posuk. When Hashem refused, Moshe Rabbeinu wrote ‘vayikra’ with a small aleph instead. The Baal HaTurim comments that this is a sign of Moshe’s incredible level of humility. Yet, it begs the obvious question: a humble person listens to their Creator and obeys their commands. Against this backdrop, Rabbi Shafier guides you through the often misunderstood middah of anavah, and discusses what it means for your own sense of self and emotional well-being. We are all gifted with incredible talents and abilities - how can we utilize our inherent potential while remaining grounded in humility and gratitude?

What if the people who frustrate you the most are actually messages from Hashem?

In this thought-provoking shiur, Rabbi Shafier explores the deep struggle between Yaakov and Esav and reveals a powerful perspective on criticism, conflict, and difficult relationships. Instead of seeing these moments as random or unfair, he shows how they may be carefully orchestrated opportunities for growth.

If you want to learn how to hear the messages Hashem is sending through the challenges and people in your life — and transform frustration into real spiritual growth — this shiur will change the way you see every interaction.

Living Through the Makos continues with a detailed explanation on how Moshe ended up in Midian, his meeting with Tzipporah and his first encounter with the Ribbono Shel Olam at the Sneh. Rabbi Shafier gives a clear and articulate delivery of the events that subsequently unfold, shedding light on how Shevet Levi managed to be excluded from the shibud. He also gives some poignant moments to contemplate, such as Moshe’s reticence to communicate with Hashem, Paroh’s absolute belief that he really was a god, and Dosan and Aviram’s persistent malice.

Living Through the Makos dramatically brings to life the ancient story of our people. This Nissan, be mekabal the mitzvah of sippur Yetzias Mitzrayim with a refreshed perspective and step into your seder with a reaffirmed sense of wonder and hakaras hatov. 

In this remarkable Derech Hashem shiur, Rabbi Shafier explores not only the hidden mechanics of nevuah, ruach hakodesh, and how Hashem reveals knowledge to man, but also the staggering inner world of Moshe Rabbeinu and Aharon HaKohen. What emerges is a portrait of greatness that is almost hard to comprehend: leaders so pure, so selfless, and so elevated that even the offer of ultimate spiritual access could be turned down rather than cause another Jew pain. Listen to this shiur to deepen your understanding of nevuah, sharpen your appreciation for Chazal and the gedolei Yisrael, and walk away with a far bigger vision of what true greatness looks like. 

Most people think one clear miracle would change everything. Rabbi Shafier shows why that’s not true.

In this powerful shiur, he takes you back into Mitzrayim and asks a haunting question: how did the Egyptians watch open miracles, month after month, and still refuse to believe? The answer opens up something deeply uncomfortable about human nature, free will, and the stories people choose to tell themselves. 

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. 

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.