Mitzvah to blow the Shofar on Yovel

Parshas Bahar

Mitzvah to blow the Shofar on Yovel

On Yom Kippur, at the start of the Yovel year, we are commanded to publicly blow the Shofar. This marks the culmination of the calendar cycle. When we are on our own land, we are commanded to keep every seventh year as the Shmittah year, and then at the completion of seven Shmittos, to add an additional Shmittah year – the Yovel. Not only does the land lay fallow during Yovel, homesteads return to their original owners, and all Jewish slaves are freed.

Why we blow the Shofar on Yovel

The Sefer HaChinuch explains that the reason the Torah commands us to blow the Shofar on Yovel is that freeing a slave is a very difficult mitzvah and the slave owners need chizuk. It may well be that a master had a slave for many years and became dependent upon him. He would find it hard to part with his servant. By sounding the Shofar, we are publicly proclaiming that it is Yovel, and all Jews will be freeing their slaves. The master will then recognize that throughout the Land of Israel, everyone is freeing their slaves, and so it will be easier for him to free his own slave.

read more Shiure Torah

Rebuke - The malpractice of a Mitzvah

ספר ויקרא פרק יט
(יז) לא תשנא את אחיך בלבבך הוכח תוכיח את עמיתך ולא תשא עליו חטא:
Do not hate your brother in your heart, rebuke your nation, and do not carry his sin
תרגום אונקלוס על ויקרא פרק יט פסוק יז
(יז) לא תשני ית אחוך בלבך אוכחא תוכח ית חברך ולא תקבל על דליה חובא:
Do not hate your brother in your heart, rebuke your friend, and do not receive a punishment for his sin. (See the Ramban on this posuk.)

Why should I be punished for your sin
When the Torah mentions the obligation to rebuke a fellow Jew, it ends with the words, “and do not carry his sin.” The Targum translates this as, “And do not receive a punishment for his sin.”
According to the Targum, it appears that if Reuvain ate a ham sandwich and I didn’t rebuke him, I would be punished for his sin. Why should this be? At most, you might argue that if I was capable of rebuking him and didn’t, I would be responsible for the sin of not rebuking him. But how do I become responsible for the sin that he perpetrated? He transgressed it; I didn’t.
One nation, one people
The answer to this question is based on understanding the connection that one Jew has to another.
The Kli Yakir brings a Moshol. Imagine a man on an ocean voyage. He hears a strange rattling sound in the cabin next to him. As the noise continues, he becomes more and more curious, until finally, he knocks on his neighbor’s door. When the door opens, he sees that his neighbor is drilling a hole in the side of the boat.

“What are you doing?” the man cries.

“Oh, I am drilling,” the neighbor answers simply.

“Drilling?”

“Yes, I’m drilling a hole in my side of the boat.”

“Stop that,” the man will say.

“But why?” asks the neighbor. “This is my cabin. I paid for it, and I can do what I want here.”

“No, you can’t,” the man replies. “If you cut a hole in your side, the entire boat will go down.”

The nimshol is that the Jewish people is one entity. For a Jew to say “What I do is my business and doesn’t affect anyone else,” is categorically false. My actions affect you, and your actions affect me — we are one unit. It is as if I have co-signed on your loan. If you default on your payments, the bank will come after me. I didn’t borrow the money — but I am responsible. So too, when we accepted the Torah together on Har Sinai, we became one unit, functioning as one people. If you default on your obligations, they come to me and demand payment. We are teammates, and I am responsible for your performance.
The Targum is teaching us the extent of that connection. What Reuvain does directly affects me — not because I am nosy or a busybody, but because we are one entity — so much so that I am liable for what he does. If he sins and I could have prevented it, that comes back to me. A member of my team transgressed, and I could have stopped it from happening. If I did all that I could have to help him grow and shield him from falling, I have met my obligation and will not be punished. If, however, I could have been more concerned for his betterment and more involved in helping to protect him from harm and didn’t, then I am held accountable for his sin.
Don’t rebuke others– it doesn’t work
This perspective is central to understanding why rebuke doesn’t work.
When Revain goes over to Shimon and “gives it to him good”, really shows just what he has done wrong, the only thing accomplished is that now Shimon also hates Reuvain.
To properly fulfill the mitzvah of Tochacha there are two absolute requirements. The first is in regards to attitude, and the second relates to method.
What is my intention?
When I go over to my friend to chastise him, the first question I must ask myself is, “What is my intention?”
If my intention is to set him straight and stop him from doing a terrible sin, then I will almost certainly fail. The only intention that fits the role of a successful mochiah is: “This is my friend; I am concerned for his good.”
If I am looking out for Kavod Shmayaim, or if I am a do-gooder concerned for the betterment of the world, then my words will accomplish the exact opposite of their intended purpose. I won’t succeed in separating my friend from the sin; I will only succeed in separating him from me. The first requirement for the proper fulfillment of Tochacha is that it must be out of love and concern for my friend.
Do you shout when you put on tefillin?
The Chofetz Chaim was once approached by a certain community leader who complained that no matter how much he reproached the people of his town, they didn’t listen. The Chofetz Chaim asked this person to describe how he went about rebuking his townspeople. The man described his method of yelling fiery words at them. The Chofetz Chaim asked him, “Tell me, when you put on Tefillin, do you shout and carry on?” “Then why do you feel the obligation to do so when you do this mitzvah?”
One of the most basic concepts of human relations is that people hate criticism. We hate it worse than poison, and we avoid it like the plague. When you criticize me, I am hypersensitive. If you whisper, I hear it as loud speech, and when you speak quietly, I hear it as if you are shouting in my ears. Being ever aware of this is critical in choosing the method, tone, and words with which I approach my friend. The mitzvah of Tochacha is to help my friend improve. Without a strategy that is sensitive to human nature, even the best of intentions will backfire. To succeed in this mitzvah, I need to choose my words very carefully, making sure that they are as soft and non-offensive possible. This is the second requirement of the Mitzvah.
Out of concern and love
The reality is that this is a very difficult mitzvah to perform correctly. Typically, we find ourselves either not wanting to get involved or saying things that cause more harm than good. If the driving force in doing this mitzvah is concern for the good of our friends, and we carefully study human nature and choose our words guardedly, HASHEM will help us to perform this Mitzvah properly.

For more on this topic please listen to Shmuz #53 – I’m Never Wrong

A Leopard can’t change its spots - but a man can…

Parshas Shmini

ספר ויקרא פרק יב
ב) דבר אל בני ישראל לאמר אשה כי תזריע וילדה זכר וטמאה שבעת ימים כימי נדת דותה תטמא:
ג) וביום השמיני ימול בשר ערלתו:
3) And on the eighth day you shall circumcise the flesh of the Arlah
ספר החינוך - מצוה ב
משרשי מצוה זו, לפי שרצה השם יתברך לקבוע בעם אשר הבדיל להיות נקרא על שמו אות קבוע בגופם, להבדילם משאר העמים בצורת גופם כמו שהם מובדלים מהם בצורת נפשותם,
, ורצה להיות ההשלמה על ידי האדם, ולא בראו שלם מבטן, לרמוז אליו כי כאשר תשלום צורת גופו על ידו, כן בידו להשלים צורת נפשו בהכשר פעולותיו:

Sefer Ha’Chinuch– Mitzvah of Milah
The root of this mitzvah is because HASHEM wanted to permanently place in this nation a sign in their body that would separate them and show them that they belong to HASHEM. Just as their body is distinct from the other nations, so too, is their soul.
HASHEM wanted this completion of the person to be done by a man, and that he not be born that way. This is a sign that just like the body can be perfected by man, so too he is able to perfect his soul.


The Jew has a distinct role amongst the nations
The Sefer HaChinuch explains that HASHEM separated the Jewish people from all the nations. We were given a distinct role in this world. Our lives and everything we do should be different than any other people.

To remind us of this, HASHEM gave us a sign, a permanent reminder of our uniqueness – the Mitzvah of Milah. A change in our bodies shows that just as the body of the Jew is different than that of a Gentile, so too is our soul.


To read and listen visit Theshmuz Jewish Shiure Torah ...FREE Video and Audio

I would like to thank R’ Daniel Goldstein for his help with this Shmuz.


For more on this topic please listen to Shmuz #143-145 The Stages of Change

Purim -- I’ve got Yichus

ספר אסתר פרק א

א) ויהי בימי אחשורוש הוא אחשורוש המלך מהדו ועד כוש שבע ועשרים ומאה מדינה:

And it was in the days of Achasverosh, he was Achashverosh who ruled from Hodu to Kush, over 127 states.

מדרש רבה אסתר פרשה א פסקה ח

מה זכתה אסתר למלוך על שבע ועשרים ומאה מדינה אלא כך אמר הקב"ה תבא אסתר בתה של שרה שחיתה שבע ועשרים ומאה שנה ותמלוך על שבע ועשרים ומאה מדינה

Why did Esther merit ruling over 127 countries? HASHEM said, “Since Sarah lived 127 years, let Esther, the daughter of Sarah, come and rule over 127 countries.”

To read and listen visit Theshmuz Jewish Shiure Torah ...FREE Video and Audio

When HASHEM took the Jewish People--Torah Shiur

Parshas Zachor

HASHEM’s People

When HASHEM took the Jewish People out of Mitzraim, He did it in a highly visible manner. The word quickly spread throughout the world that these were HASHEM’s people, under His direct guidance and protection, and the world stood in awe of the Klal Yisroel. Shortly after this point, Amalek attacked and were severely beaten, their powerful warriors dismembered and laid helpless in front of the victorious Jews.



To read and listen visit Theshmuz Online Shiur Torah Leasons

Torah Online--Columbus Discovered America –HASHEM Invented it

Parshas Pikudei

It wasn’t Moshe’s action- It was a Miracle

When all of the various parts of the Mishkan had been fashioned, they were brought to Moshe, who actually stood the walls up and erected the Mishkan. Rashi explains that because of the massive weight of the materials, none of the people involved in forming the Mishkan were able to erect it, so they brought the materials to Moshe. Moshe was also unable to lift up the heavy walls, so HASHEM said to him, “Go through the motions as if you are lifting them, and they will be lifted on their own.”


To read and listen visit Theshmuz Online Torah Leasons

Torah Shiur -- The Power of Speech

We know that the Torah is very exacting in regards to Loshon Horah: there are 17 negative and 14 positive commandments concerning disparaging speech. In fact, the Rambam paskens like the Gemara, that the sin of Loshon Horah is worse than the sins of Idol worship; illicit relations, and bloodshed. The question is why? Of all of our activities why does the Torah see fit that this one should be dealt with so severely? What is so egregious, so horrific? After all its only words.. ..
This Shmuz deals with the Torah's view of the power of the spoken word, and its effect on human relationships.

Listen to this Shmuz Limudei Torah!

Learn Torah Onlie--The Potential & The Present

"Considering where I come from and what I've been through, I'm doing pretty well..."

While this may be a comforting position to take, the question a person must ask themselves is: is this really all that I can be? What if I were to stop making excuses? What if I was to truly hold myself accountable to live up to my potential? What if I was to go full blast - how great could I be?

This question is essential for growth, but it is also one of our greatest pitfalls. If we don't clearly see how much we are capable of, we cannot chart the course toward our potential. However, with a realistic view of where we are now and a clear understanding of what we could become might lead to depression.

This Shmuz focuses us on maintaining a balance between the two views needed for steady growth: a clear understanding of where we are now and a vivid image of what we can be, even if we won't reach those levels for many, many years.

Listen TO Shmuz #138 Here, then come back to comment!

Study Torah --- Being Sensitive

Almost all of the people that we deal with are reasonable, well intentioned individuals. And so too, am I. Yet, in the course of life, there is conflict, hurtful words, vengeful acts. And, in that rare moment of self honesty, I realize that everything that happens isn't the "other guys fault". I too, am to blame. There have been situations where I acted in a manner that was cold and callous. There have been times when I acted with cruelty and malice. The question is why? It's not that I am not a nice guy, I know I am. Yet there are times when that's not the way I act. The question is why would a nice, caring individual act in a manner very inconsistent with that image? And more significantly what can I do about it?

This Shmuz focuses us on one of the keys to growing in all human relationships: learning to focus on the Inner Condition – how people actually feel, and learning to ignore the Outer Condition – the show that people put on to hide what is actually going on in their heart.

Listen To Shmuz #137 Here, then come back to comment!

I'm Never Wrong -- Shiur Torah

There is much truth in the adage: There are three sides to every story, your side, my side and the truth. And, even though I fully understand that you might be making a valid point, as soon as we get into an argument, I can no longer even see your side because, of course, I'm right.

Why is that? We all make mistakes. That is part of being human. And while I certainly can accept that you make mistakes, it becomes very difficult to accept that I may be wrong. In theory I accept that as a human I err, but when it comes down to real life situations, I just seem never to be wrong.

This Shmuz focuses on why it is that we humans have a blind spot when it comes to seeing our own faults, and helps us with some techniques to change that natural propensity.

Listen To Shmuz #136 Here, then come back to comment!

Torah Online --- Imagination: The Devil's Playground

Eleanor Roosevelt has been credited with saying, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." The reality is that most of the battles that we fight are based on complex constructions -- created by us. Whether they be issues of misunderstanding other's motives, or our fight with passions and desire, or understanding our place in the universe - our fights and battles are very real to us.

Yet, when you try to explain them to others we often find, many people can't even identify with the challenge nor understand the temptation.

This Shmuz focuses on the fight of our generation, and the very powerful psychological forces that help create the fever- pitched battle that it is.

Listen To Shmuz #135 Here, then come back to comment!

PURIM: Being Human--The Torah

One of the most difficult character traits to work on is humility. Not only is it considered the most pervasive of the all of the middos, it is the most misunderstood. On one hand, we are obligated to appreciate the greatness of the human, yet on the other, we must remain humble.

One technique to help identify the trait and its pathology is to see it in its extreme. Using the story of Megillas Esther as a backdrop, and particularly some of foibles of Haman, we are able to witness arrogance in its extreme, and thereby find its cure: the understanding that I am a human.

This is a highly recommended Shmuz for working on the trait of humility, as well as a good preparation for Purim.

Listen To Shmuz #132 Here and come back to comment!

Torah and Parenting 103: Setting Limits

If you were to poll our community, the average parent would admit “we probably give our children too much.” And while this sentiment may not be clearly spoken out by young parents, once children hit the teen age years, most parents upon reflection would say : “ I wish we had been more firm with them when they were younger”; “We’ve probably spoiled them”; “They would have been better off, had they not be given quite so much”

We live in permissive times, and parents seem almost afraid to say the word “no” to their children. Yet intuitively, we understand that we are injuring our children by not being firm, by not setting limits, and following through with consequences when they go past those limits. The challenge for parents is to find the balance between letting our children know that we love them unconditionally and setting limits and educating them in our expectations.

Using the backdrop of some of the most famous personalities in all of history for reference, the Medrash presents to us some of the foundations of effective parenting.

Listen To Shmuz #134 Here, and then come back to comment!

ReJEWvinate -- Jewish Torah Shiurim

One of the tools of a highly successful person is the ability to stay focused and motivated over long periods of time. Whether in sports, academics or business the effort and consistency needed to accomplish long term goals, requires a high level of motivation and the ability to rejuvenate excitement and enthusiasm. Often times the difference between one who actually reach great heights and one who doesn't, is their self awareness and their ability to marshal the inner resources to stay on top of their game. In religion as well, the same skill set is needed to maintain a high level of enthusiasm and focus on growth to prevent our daily actions from becoming merely robotic.

In this Shmuz we are focused on one of the Torah's techniques for staying motivated-- ReJewvinating.

Listen To Shmuz #133 Here, and come back here to comment!

Working For A Living -- Torah Lesson

We know that we were put on this planet for a few short years, to shape ourselves into who we will be for eternity. HASHEM has created this world specifically to give us the chance to mold our inner essence. We also know that the Torah and its mitzvahs are the greatest vehicles of self perfection. If so, one of the questions that a thinking person must ask themselves is, why do we need work? HASHEM is quite capable of creating a world where all of man's needs are met. Yet, not only do we labor, it seems that majority of our life is spent earning a living. Why would HASHEM want that to be? If the entire purpose of life is to allow us to grow in spirituality, wouldn't those goals have been better met by putting us in a world where all of our physical needs were met, and then we would have the time and energy to focus on perfecting ourselves?

This Shmuz addresses one of the most basic questions a Jew must ask himself: Why does HASHEM want us to work for a living?

LISTEN TO SHMUZ #131 HERE & COME BACK TO BLOG!

Living With Bitachon -- Online Shiur Torah

We know that everything is from HASHEM. We also know that we must do our part-- our Hishtadlus. In theory it is easy to find the balance-- I must act in the way of the world, yet knowing all the while that HASHEM runs everything. One of the great challenges of life is actually personifying that tightrope walk between Bitachon and proper Hishtadlus.

How hard should I be working? How seriously should I take the medical reports and new findings? When is it appropriate for me to say, "I have done my part, now it is in HASHEM's hands"?

Drawing on some very inspiring examples of perfect Bitachon, this Shmuz helps us put our belief system into practice.

Click Here to Stream, Download, or Podcast Shmuz #130 & come back to blog!

HaKaras HaTov – Recognizing the Good --- Torah Jewish Life

Shmuz Info Coming Soon...

Click Here to Stream, Download, or Podcast Shmuz #129 & come back to blog!

DAVENING - Making It Real -- The Torah Bible

Unfortunately, there was no Shmuz this week.
Please enjoy this classic Shmuz on Davening.

Of course we daven. Three times a day. Everyday. The question is how real is our davening, and to whom are we davening. It often seems that our davening is more talking to the walls than talking to Hashem. This Shmuz helps us focus on some of the most basic principles in Judaism, things we always knew, yet take for granted, and are so critical for our growth as religious Jews and thinking people.

Click Here to Stream, Download, or Podcast Shmuz #20 & come back to blog!

"Kiruv - The Message and the Medium" Jewish Life

In 1996 Gordon and Horowitz published a study entitled Will your grandchildren be Jewish? Their conclusion: if one were to view the Jewish Nation as a totality, based on ever decreasing birth rates and skyrocketing intermarriage rates, the odds of any Jews being left by the end of the 21 st century are slim to none.

However, one category stands out in stark relief -- the Orthodox. Based on their average birth rate of between 4-6 children per family, and their intermarriage rate of less than 3%, they are burgeoning and ever increasing. We should expect that by the end of this century the Jewish Nation will be alive and vibrant, however strictly Orthodox. The only question that remains is of those Jews alive today: How many will make it themselves, and how many of their grandchildren will be Jewish.

Listen To Shmuz #128 Here!

Breaking The Forces of Habits -- The Jewish Torah

We are creatures of habit -- we act by habit, we react by habit and, to a large extent, we even think by habit. And, in truth, it has to be that way. If we didn't act based on previously established patterns of behavior, life would be unmanageable. If every time we turned a corner we would have to think through the actions involved, our entire mind's focus would be on navigating the basics of living, with no upper brain room left for thinking. For that reason, HASHEM gave us this ability to put things on auto pilot, doing many activities without even giving them a second thought, thereby leaving us the ability to free our mind for more important things.

While this reality is a fact of life, it also brings us face to face with one of the core realities of growth: our habits determine who we are and what we become. Assuming that some of my habits are in my best interest and some aren't, the question then becomes, "How do I change"?
This Shmuz helps us identify those habits that affect us, and then defines the strategies necessary to change them.

In this Shmuz we are introduced to the vital obligation upon every Jew to be involved in Kiruv, and some practical understandings as to how easy it for everyone, not just the Kiruv professional, to have a profound effect on the people around us.

STREAM, DOWNLOAD, WATCH THE SHMUZ #127 HERE!

Congratulations! The Shmuz is awarded "Best of the Best in Jewish Outreach"

At the recent AJOP Convention,
The Shmuz was chosen to receive the coveted award of the
"Best of the Best in Jewish Outreach."

(see Pictures Here)

At the recent AJOP convention, The Shmuz was chosen to receive the coveted award of the "Best of the Best in Jewish Outreach." The Shmuz was selected to receive this award for outstanding work in producing, marketing and running effective outreach programming.

In attendance at the three day convention, were over 500 Kiruv professionals from around the world. The Shmuz was showcased as an example of effective, innovative teaching and marketing strategies. Rabbi Shafier and Yechiel manned a booth that highlighted some of the Shmuz marketing materials including the graphic flyers, car magnets, key chains, Shmuz pods, in addition a full screen projection showed TheShmuz.com in operation. It is clear that the Shmuz has created a “buzz” in the Kiruv world, based on the sheer number of professionals from around the globe who made comments akin to “Yeah, I heard about the Shmuz.”

The last day of the convention Rabbi Shafier made a presentation about the work of TBT, and the focus of the Shmuz and TheShmuz.com

In addition to showing others organizations what the Shmuz has accomplished, Rabbi Shafier got a chance to meet with many other professionals to gain insight and advise for new initiatives and strategies for both the Shmuz as well as TBT’s future growth.

Shiur Torah-- Dignity of Man

While there is much talk today about the importance of self esteem and its effect on a person's attitudes and accomplishments, there is a corollary benefit of understanding the greatness of man -- If I am obligated to respect myself because I was created in the image of HASHEM, then so too, I must respect you, because you also were created in that same image. In fact, Ben Azzai teaches us that if a person wants to improve his interpersonal relationships, a concept that will help him even more than Loving one's neighbor as oneself, is this understanding that All men are created in the image of HASHEM.

This Shmuz focuses us on the Torah's view of the true dignity of man, and the profound effect that this concept has on our lives.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM, DOWNLOAD, PODCAST or WATCH TO SHMUZ #126

Business Ethics-- The Torah Online

HASHEM created man with an innate sense of morality and an inborn need to do what is right and proper. One of the difficulties of acting ethically is that in the slippery slope of life that sense of right and wrong becomes dulled. It seems that in the business world this is more clearly felt, where the lines between what is considered honest and moral, and what isn't, quickly get blurred.

In the post Enron era, when much of the business community is checking its moral compass, isn't it time for us, The Chosen Nation, to make sure that we are living our lives in accordance with the Torah's standards?

In this Shmuz we are introduced to an overview of what the Torah considers the ethical approach for business dealings, and how to conduct our day to day affairs.

Click here to Watch, Stream, Download or Podcast Shmuz #125 and come back here to comment!

Life is Like a Box of Chocolates -- Torah Lesson

This is the latest of Shmuzin given by Rabbi Shafier...Go to Shmuz #124 to Stream, Download, Podcast or Watch Free and come back here to comment!