Podcasts about Shem Mishmuel

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 68 - 5786 Shlach 06-04-26 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 67 - 5786 Behaalotkha 05-28-26 by Shapell's Rabbeim

The Mishnah in Pirkei Avot tells us to be very careful in the performance of even the smallest mitzvot because we do not know the true reward of any mitzvah. The Shem MiShmuel explains that when it comes to reward, Hashem does not only consider the actual deed itself. He also takes into account all of the ripple effects that result from that mitzvah. A person may do something that seems very small, but the effects of that deed can continue spreading for years. A simple smile and a cheerful "good morning" may appear insignificant. But imagine someone was feeling down, discouraged, and burdened. Then he receives a warm greeting and suddenly feels uplifted. His mood changes. His attitude changes. Perhaps he goes home happier and treats his family differently. The ripple effects of one smile could be endless. Or imagine someone donates one sefer to a shul library because that sefer once inspired him. Years later, somebody opens it, reads it, and receives tremendous chizuk. That person changes his avodat Hashem because of it. Who can imagine how many rewards continue flowing from that one deed? And there is another dimension that makes mitzvot even greater. Not only do we not know their ripple effects—we also do not know how much greater hidden deeds can become. The Gemara in Baba Batra tells us that if someone gives tzedakah in private, in certain aspects he is considered greater than even Moshe Rabbenu. Such an astonishing statement teaches us how precious hidden mitzvot are. When a person does something and nobody knows, when there is no honor, no recognition, and no praise, then the deed becomes purely for Hashem. In a book about the life of the Chafetz Chaim, it says that on one occasion his son, Reb Leib, asked him whether people who learned the Mishnah Berurah would ever truly understand how much effort he invested into every single line, making sure everything was perfectly correct according to halachah. The Chafetz Chaim replied, "What difference does it make if people know how much effort I put in? My sole intention is to bring honor to the name of Hashem, and He is the only One Who needs to know." That was the greatness of the Chafetz Chaim. He was not seeking recognition. He only cared about pleasing Hashem. We cannot imagine how much Hashem appreciates every small deed that we do. We may not receive a pat on the back in this world, but that does not mean Hashem does not notice. Every ounce of effort is seen. Every struggle is counted. Every hidden act is treasured. And every deed will be fully repaid in the next world. Sometimes, however, Hashem gives us a glimpse even here of how much He appreciates our efforts. Recently, a woman in Eretz Yisrael passed away. For forty years, every single day, she took upon herself to go to the kever of Shmuel HaNavi and make sure it was clean and properly maintained. She personally cared for it and, while there, would pray each day as well. Amazingly, she passed away on כ״ח אייר —the yahrtzeit of Shmuel HaNavi himself. Not only that, her address was 86 Shmuel HaNavi Street, and she passed away at the age of 86. Every effort she invested in honoring the kever of that great tzaddik was appreciated. Every hidden act mattered. She did not publicize what she did. Only her close family knew. We can never underestimate the value of any mitzvah, because every one is precious, every one creates ripple effects, and every one carries rewards beyond comprehension.

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 66 - 5786 Bamidbar 05-14-26 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 65 - 5786 BeHar 05-07-26 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 64 - 5786 Emor 04-30-26 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 63 - 5786 Acharei Mos 04-23-26 by Shapell's Rabbeim

The reason of the Rambam and the Shem Mishmuel. Source Sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J24RJa-BWHYNp3mXIAJOQ0tLg3ItdWQP/view?usp=share_link

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 62 - 5786 Pesach 03-12-26 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 61 - 5786 Ki Tisa 03-05-26 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 60 - 5786 Tetzave 02-26-26 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 59 - 5786 Teruma 02-19-26 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 57 - 5786 Vaera 01-15-26 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 56 - 5786 Shemos 01-08-26 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 55 - 5786 VaYechi 01-01-26 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 53 - 5786 VaYeishev 12-11-25 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 52 - 5786 VaYishlach 12-04-25 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 51 - 5786 VaYeitzei 11-27-25 by Shapell's Rabbeim

The beautiful idea of the Shem Mishmuel.Source Sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rtFRbJikmiBXsA6DErjWOwVZ9NKzv12V/view?usp=share_link

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 49 - 5786 Chayei Sarah 11-13-25 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 48 - 5786 Vayera 11-06-25 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 46 - 5785 Nitzavim 9-18-25 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 45 - 5785 Ki Tavo 9-11-25 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 44 - 5785 Ki Tetze 9-04-25 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 43 - 5785 Shoftim 8-28-25 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 42 - 5785 Devarim 2 7-31-25 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 41 - 5785 Matot Masei 7-24-25 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 40 - 5785 Pinchas 7-17-25 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 39 - 5785 Chukat 7-03-25 by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 27 - Vayikra by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 26 - Pikudei by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 25 - Tetzave by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 24 - Mishpatim by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 23 - Yisro by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 22 - BeShalach by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 21 (Bo) - Pesach and Mila by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 20 - Shemos by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 19 (Vayetzei) - The Fear Of Yaakov by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 17 (Chayei Sarah) - The Greatness Of Sarah Eimeinu by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 18 (Toldot) - The B'airot by Shapell's Rabbeim

Finding a shidduch is compared to Kriyat Yam Suf. Many explanations have been offered to clarify this connection. The road leading to finding the right match can be exceedingly difficult, but when that day finally comes, the feeling is exhilarating. It seems that the Torah's depiction of the shidduch process unfolded very smoothly . Avraham sent Eliezer to find a girl for Yitzchak. Eliezer prayed to Hashem. He was answered immediately. Rivka returned with him and married Yitzchak. Yet we see from Chazal that it was not simple at all. Lavan and Betuel did not want the shidduch to happen and they were not going to allow Rivka to go. Eliezer had to make dozens of changes in describing to them the details of what actually happened when he met Rivka. Even after all of that, Betuel still objected to Rivka going, until Hashem Himself had to remove him from the picture. Avraham Avinu, the father of the chatan, was considered a prince in the eyes of the world. He was extremely wealthy. The chatan himself was the best shidduch in the entire world at that time, yet it was still so difficult to bring the shidduch to fruition. This is because getting married and establishing a family of shomrei Torah and Mitzvot is an enormous zechut, especially in this instance in which it was going to be the home that began the entire Klal Yisrael. The negative forces in Shamayim will do everything possible to stop such Kedusha from entering the world. How does one overcome these negative forces? The Shem MiShmuel shares a beautiful insight into how it happened here and how perhaps we could accomplish the same with our own Shidduchim. We know Eliezer was the one charged with the mission of finding a wife for Yitzchak. Chazal tell us Eliezer himself had a daughter of marriageable age. Eliezer was Avraham's top student who helped him bring back thousands of people to Hashem. He was hoping that Avraham would let Yitzchak marry his own daughter, but when he offered it, he was rejected. Not only that, he was then asked to be the one to go find a wife for the same person he wanted for his daughter. He could have easily given up after encountering his first obstacle, thinking to himself, maybe if this doesn't work out Avraham will reconsider. Yet he did everything in his power to bring the girl that Avraham wanted. He understood he was doing the will of Hashem and did it to the best of his ability. He even prayed for it to happen and thanked Hashem when he saw it was going to happen. This was a tremendous act of self-sacrifice He surrendered his own desires to fulfill the will of Hashem . The Gemara says that the previous generations merited miracles because of their mesirut nefesh in sacrificing their own will to do the will of Hashem. The Shem MiShmuel continued and asked why did Hashem orchestrate that Eliezer had a daughter of marriageable age exactly when he was asked to do this job? Why did Hashem present him with such a difficult test? He answered that in order to bring the shidduch to fruition, they needed to bypass all the negative forces in Shamayim trying to stop it. Only a heroic act of mesirut nefesh had the power to overcome them. The zechut of mesirut nefesh can overcome any obstacle. It was specifically Eliezer that was going to be able to get this job done because he would be doing it with mesirut nefesh. The same can be said, b'ezrat Hashem, in all marriages. If there are a lot of roadblocks along the way, it could be because the marriage is going to be so holy, and the kelipot in Shamayim are trying to stop it. An act of mesirut nefesh can overcome them. This, perhaps, is another explanation of how shidduchim are likened to Kriyat Yam Suf. When the Jewish people stood with the water up to their noses, and the midat hadin would not allow the waters to split, it was the great act of mesirut nefesh of Nachshon ben Aminadav that overcame that midat hadin and brought about the wondrous miracle of Kriyat Yam Suf. May we merit to see all those trying to establish a home of Kedusha fulfill their goal very soon.

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 16 (Vayeira) - Bnos Lot And Their Husbands by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 15 (Lekh Lekha) - Torah VeKorbanos by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 14 (Sukkot): דירת ארעי דירת קבע by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 13 (Yom Kippur): Kapparot by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 12 (Nitzavim - Vayeilech): The Torah Written On The Heart by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 11 (Ki Tavo): Elul Absorbtion Bikurim Amaleik by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Schoonmaker - Shem MiShmuel 10: Achdus & Milchama by Shapell's Rabbeim

Rabbi Menashe Reisman asked, "How could it be that the Jewish people sang the אז ישיר after Kiryat Yam Suf with so much joy, being that the Chazal told us that 80% of the Jews died out during מכת חושך ?" That means so many of their relatives and loved ones had just passed away. There were so many orphans and widows, and so many of them lost children when the Mitzriyim threw their babies in the Nile. Yet, we say every day that they sang בשמחה רבה with great jubilation! How do we understand such a thing? It was the first Shabbat after the Belzer rebbe was freed from the nightmares of the Holocaust. He was in Haifa, and he said, "How could we possibly sing and praise HaShem when our families and friends have all perished?" When Miriam brought out the instruments for the ladies to sing with, they could have easily said to Miriam, "Now is not the time to sing. We lost so many of our family members." Yet, they too, sang with great jubilation. How is that possible? The Rabbi brought from the Shem MiShmuel as well as others who expounded upon a fundamental taught by the Zohar Hakadosh that the ים (sea)is a mashal for something being hidden. The world as we know it, with so many things that we don't understand, is also called the ים . When HaShem split the sea, it was not just a physical sea that He split. He also split open the covering of the world, which prevents us from fully understanding His ways. Every single person who passed through the Yam Suf was able to see with such clarity, the secrets of the world. When it says the maidservants saw more than the prophets of the later generations, it doesn't mean the maidservants were on a higher level than them. It means they were able to see things in a light that even the greatest Nevi'im were not זוכה to see. They did not only understand the present, they were able to see the past and the future as well. They understood at that moment why they had to be in Mitzrayim for so many years. They understood how every brick was coming to make a tikkun for דור הפלגה that sinned with bricks. They understood why the babies had to be thrown in the Ye'or as a tikkun for what took place during the generation of the mabul( השׁחית כּל בּשׂר את דרכּו ). And when they looked into the future, they were able to understand the tikkun that the people who died in Makkat Choshech needed to make. The Maharshak said, at the end of days, all those people who died in Choshech are going to come back and live again, and we believe we are living in the final generation. They saw their loved ones sitting at a seder table telling over the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim. They saw them celebrating and greeting the mashiach, and they had no questions. They were able to sing with the greatest joy because they had so much clarity. The Ramban explains that shirah applies to past, present, and future. The midrash says, from the day the world was created, nobody ever sang shirah to Hashem until the Jewish people at Yam Suf. Although many people thanked and praised Hashem throughout the generations, no one was able to sing shirah because they did not have the full understanding of everything that was taking place in their lives. When Hashem reveals himself in the future, we are going to sing the greatest shirah of all because then the entire plan of the world will be understood, even the persecutions of the Jews throughout the generations, including the Holocaust, and Lo aleinu, the massacre that we have witnessed. We anticipate that glorious day when we will all sing the greatest shirah and we hope it will come bekarov .

Rabbi Dunner dissects T'ruah's letter to President Biden, expressing his strong disapproval of their call for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. He argues that T'ruah's stance, while seemingly rooted in humanitarian concerns, overlooks the complex realities on the ground and the strategic necessity of Israel's war against Hamas. He invokes the Shem Mishmuel's commentary on Vayikra, in which the purity of words is underscored in the context of Moses' contribution to the Mishkan.