Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier of the Shmuz joined 250 couples, proud parents of families affected by disability, sharing a joint Shabbos together March 24-25 weekend at the Sheraton Crown Plaza Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut. It was a Shabbos of inspiration that fortified the parents with the strength to carry on daily with caring physically and spiritually for their loved ones—and themselves.
Rabbi Shafier invoked inspiration from his shmuz titled “Understanding Life Settings” which focused on some of the big picture issues of life, helping to understand “life settings” as they apply to each person. Why is there autism in the world? Why Down Syndrome? If in fact G-d is just, why not mete out talents and abilities in an equal manner to all people? Why are some people blessed with success and others not? Is there a reason for suffering in the world? What about pain? What about death? Rabbi Shafier addressed this using the backdrop of a famous event brought in the Talmud.
On Motzei Shabbos there was a beautiful Melava Malka which went on close to dawn. The highlight of the Melava Malka was its panel discussion, a feature returning for the third consecutive year. Rabbi Shafier was one of the four panelists that responded to the anonymous written questions sent by the parents on actual daily scenarios encountered in the regular course of special-needs parenting.
The four panelists responded to the questions, each with their own take and perspective, shedding fresh light and providing most-welcome clarity and direction. Guests went home from the weekend invigorated for themselves and their families.
The Shmuz is a Torah lecture that offers a worldview on major life issues ranging from working on our middos to learning to be a better spouse, from understanding the meaning of our davening to what our purpose is in this world. Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier is direct, daring, and downright funny, providing audiences with essential Torah principles packaged in an enticing, enjoyable way. The Shmuz is expanding its reach by launching a new Shmuz website. Originally designed for post-yeshiva working guys, The Shmuz now influences thousands of Jewish people around the world through Rabbi Shafier’s online videos, articles and live webinars. The new website can be found at www.TheShmuz.com.
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