This Week in Torah by Charlie Harary

And here's how! What can you do today to turn your candle into a torch? Wishing you a happy Channukah!

WHAT ABOUT HARD TIMES?When you believe your life is purposeful..When you believe G-d is guiding you constantly in your life..When you believe challenge is given to you by the Divine for your benefit…Then your life is filled with purpose.That purpose makes the challenge less sour, and gives you the strength to overcome and succeed.Join us in building a spiritual brigade.Sign Up Today ketores.netToday's video sponsored by: The Daily Aliyah by Rabbi Shlomo ResslerThis golden book presents Torah insight for every aliyah in the weekly Torah portion, corresponding to the seven days of the week.Get yours at https://bit.ly/DailyAliyah

Jews worldwide respond to everything- good times, challenges, monumental events, opportunities- by saying Tehillim. (Psalms) Why? What power does it have? Listen to this story to understand the power! So please, take a moment to say one chapter of Tehillim today. The impact is beyond your imagination!

Did you ever think you'd live through a time of blatant antisemetism? Where have we seen this before? In this week's Torah portion, Lavan shows up on the screen. And he seems to be a good guy. Why is he said to be worse than Paroh? In this episode, Charlie dives into the life and actions of Lavan, father of Rachel and Leah. From Lavan we learn there are two kinds of antisemitism. The ones who are out to get the Jews, and the ones who seem to be fine with the Jews, until they show signs of independence. While you're subservient, you're fine. But once you show your strength, it's over. Lavan won't allow Jews to be free. He wants to be in charge. So how do we combat this? Yaakov reconnected to his own path. He got up and left. No arguments, no fights, just get back into your own lane and come home to your own path. Strengthen your path. And come back to it strong. Where is my Judaism? Where is my Jewish path? Where is my connection to G-d and Torah? How do I strengthen myself? When you do that, you see angels everywhere you turn.

How to Make Our Prayers More Powerful How do we make our prayers more powerful? How do we become experts at communicating with G-d? We can all relate to the parent in this episode, juggling so many responsibilities and being present for his kids. How can he tell when he's really needed? Prayer isn't just about words; it's about the emotions we convey. When we pray with sincerity and emotion, our prayers become more impactful. In this episode, Charlie explains what we can do differently and how. This heartfelt approach can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our prayers.

Antisemitism. The kind we only heard about from history. What is our response? How do we move past fear or despair? The Jewish people have a secret response. The only one that works. The one we've used for generations. Share this with one person today and let's fill the world with light. Charlieharary.com

G-d appears to Avraham in the beginning of this week's parsha, and teaches us a profound lesson. The Torah doesn't say “He appeared to Avraham,” rather “He appeared to him.” Why?It's not just the Avraham's in the world He's speaking to. It's every one of us. Sometimes G-d puts challenges in front of us that we feel are too much. We just want G-d to come and tell us “this is what I want from you.”He does. G-d is speaking to you every moment. The circumstances that are put in front of you. The thoughts that are within you. The inspiration that you feel from within you. Those are divine sparks. Those are divine communications. God wouldn't give it to you if he couldn't get you through it. God wouldn't inspire you if he wasn't speaking to you.G-d doesn't speak in English, maybe. He speaks in circumstance. He speaks in feelings. He speaks in other people's advice. But he's constantly guiding you and talking to you.God would not give you a circumstance or a scenario that he didn't want you to do or go through. God wouldn't hand you things that weren't designed for you. When you live your life this way, you live in the middle of a conversation with the divine.That's how Avraham lived. And we're his children. That's how each of us can live every day as well.

In this episode of Timeless Lessons, Charlie explores the question of whether we are living in the time of Mashiach. He references the story of Yitzchak as a symbol of future exile and redemption using the 400-year prophecy given to Avraham. These 400 years ultimately manifested as only 210 years in Egypt. Throughout history, there have been potential moments to activate the redemption, depending on human actions and prayers. The recent global events could very well be possible checkpoints for us to step up and bring about the Geula, or redemption. Charlie encourages us to take these moments seriously, to level up in our spirituality, kindness, and connection to God, and to seize the opportunity to be part of bringing about a world of truth, justice, and peace.Are you in?Make sure you're part of our insiders: charlieharary.com/insidersFollow Charlie @charlieharary

In this discussion of the Torah Portiom of Lech Lecha, we delve into the profound meaning behind the first commandment God gave to our forefather Abraham - Lech Lecha, translated as 'Go for yourself.' We question the necessity of the word 'l'cha,' meaning 'for you.' Why didn't God simply say 'lech,' or 'go?' We discuss an insightful explanation, suggesting that 'lech l'cha' means 'go to you.' This prompts us to reflect on those moments in our lives where we feel lost or disconnected from our path, questioning our choices and the direction in which we are headed. In these moments of doubt and frustration, God's commandment serves as a reminder of our unique missions in life. According to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, God is telling us to go outside of our comfort zones, to embrace the circumstances, people, and challenges He puts in our paths, understanding that these are all integral parts of our spiritual journeys. When we feel like we are veering off course, it is crucial to remember that God is guiding us towards our true essence, our missions, and ultimately, towards ourselves. Just like Avraham, we are all on our own unique journeys, full of unexpected twists and turns. But as we navigate through life's challenges and opportunities, let's remember that everything we encounter is for us, helping us to grow, learn, and fulfill our purposes in this world. So, embrace the journey, trust the process, and remember - it's all for you, coordinated by G-d.

The tragic recent events, world opinion, open animosity- how can we possibly get through it? It seems impossible. But doing the impossible is our secret. Watch the video till the end, it will completely change how you see everything! And make sure to share with someone today. @charlieharary

Doing the Impossible: G-d Sends Miracles G-d gave Noach an impossible task- to build a ship the size of a football field and a half. And put all the animals in it. Why did G-d have to make it so impossible? Because God is teaching us a lesson. “I'm going to put impossible in front of you.” It's impossible to survive in exile for 2000 years. It's impossible to rebuild the state. It is impossible to rebuild a world after the Holocaust. It's impossible to deal with this tragedy. It's naturally impossible. G-d wants only one thing. Put in your full effort. “You're under the bench. I'm putting more weight than you can handle. I need you to push it as hard as you can with every bit of your strength. And I'll do the rest through a hidden miracle or through a revealed miracle.” God is giving us the recipe of how we survive in this world. If you look at the miracle of the Jewish people, it's not God splitting seas in front of us. It's God operating through us. And whatever each of us is going through, if it seems impossible, that's normal. Just engage in it. Push yourself to the max. Try your hardest. And if it's supposed to be, God will fill it in with a miracle. Become an insider today: charlieharary.com/insiders

In times of uncertainty and crisis, words often fail to capture our emotions. Today we discuss the depths of empathy and faith during trying moments. Discover the wisdom of the Torah as it teaches us how to deal with difficult challenges and the significance of caring for others, not just sympathizing but truly empathizing. With the current situation in Israel, our response should be rooted in empathy for those affected. Regardless of your location, you can find a meaningful role to play in these challenging times, whether through spiritual growth, acts of kindness, prayer, or support. Our faith in guiding us through adversity. It's faith, not just physical strength, that leads to victory. Join us for a conversation on how to find purpose in difficult moments and face challenges with empathy and unwavering faith. Together, we can work towards healing, blessings, and comfort for all those in need.

Join Charlie Harary as he shares a profound perspective on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Discover the transformative power of reconnecting with your spiritual self and the importance of cleansing your soul. Tune in for an inspiring episode that will change the way you approach this sacred day.

In this thought-provoking episode, Charlie delves into the essence of blessings and how our perspectives can either attract abundance or hinder it. Join Charlie on a journey of self-discovery as he explains the profound impact of our thoughts and actions on the blessings we receive. Drawing on powerful stories and teachings, he reveals the key to unlocking blessings in our lives. Learn why judgment and envy can block the flow of divine benevolence and how embracing a positive outlook can bring unlimited blessings. Tune in to this transformative episode and start manifesting abundance in your life. Instagram Caption:

Is every success good for us?

You know those people who turn their personal hurt into national problems? So how do we handle the difficulties that come our way instead of making them everyone else's problems? Korach, a prestigious and honorable man, met his downfall by turning his unresolved issues into a national crusade. Tune into today's Timeless Lessons to find out how great people handle their difficulties, and how to avoid self destruction.

Excuse us, Canada, can you please keep your smoke to yourself? That's not how it works though, is it? We think what we feel and how we react is our business. But how does it affect those around us? Tune into the Unlocking Greatness Podcast for this important lesson, and share with someone who needs to hear this message.

The Princes Gift

Rockets fall in Israel as we go about our day as if nothing happened. What is the message? How are we supposed to act? Let's do this together.

In part 4 of the Lag Ba'Omer flash series, Charlie uncovers the life changing secret we learn from Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. When Rabbi Shimon comes out of the cave he doesn't see what ppl look like superficially. He sees infinite value, a piece of G-d, their essence, their character. He teaches us real respect. To respect someone means “I don't know why you're saying what you're saying and maybe we're different, but your essence is infinite. There's a piece of G-d in your soul!” That's the story of lag baomer- seeing beyond the physical. That's what he gave us in Kabbalah- the path to redemption. Lag baomer isn't the conclusion of the mourning. It's the beginning of the future! It's the new way forward. Today we have everything- strong army, Torah, money, knowledge stronger than ever. How come we don't have the temple? Maybe we haven't learned the lessons. Maybe we don't know how to balance “I don't agree with your views” with “your soul is beautiful, we're in essence one.” Today, take a moment and light a candle for rabbi shimon and ask him for help seeing the greatness in each other. ______ Thanks for listening, sharing, tagging, and reviewing! Share your comments with us on our social platforms- we love hearing your feedback. To join our Insider's Community, go to charlieharary.com/insiders To get this full series all in one place, go to YouTube Please make sure you're subscribed to our two podcasts, Unlocking Greatness and Timeless Lessons. Join our WhatsApp groups here

Lag Ba'Omer marks the passing of the Torah Giant, and student of Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai revealed the Kabbalah (the deep secrets of the Torah) to the Jewish people.  After 12 years of hiding out from the Romans and learning all of the hidden secrets of the Torah, Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai emerged from the cave with his so. But everything he looked at got burnt from the intense holiness in his eyes! He returned to the cave for another year in order to integrate what he'd learned, and emerged again with the beautiful ability to see the good in others who are different from him! After a life of teaching, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai shared everything he had learned with his students on the day of his death, and those teachings make up the Zohar. The day of his passing was Lag Ba'Omer. What does this story also have to do with the end of the mourning time for the deaths of the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva and their attempt to take back the temple? Rabbi Akiva's students could not bring themselves to respect someone with different views than they had. They learned from Rabbi Akiva to “love your neighbor like yourself,” but they interpreted this to mean “you have to be like me in order for me to love you!” They couldn't respect anyone who wasn't like them! They couldn't differentiate between having respect for someone who chose to live differently from them vs. looking down and judging them. That nuance caused their destruction and the destruction of the efforts to rebuild the Holy Temple. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai changed this. His ability to respect someone different than him made all the difference.  But there is one more secret which this holiday is all about! ______ Thanks for listening, sharing, tagging, and reviewing! Share your comments with us on our social platforms- we love hearing your feedback. To join our Insider's Community, go to charlieharary.com/insiders To get this full series all in one place, go to  Please make sure you're subscribed to our two podcasts, Unlocking Greatness and Timeless Lessons. Join our WhatsApp groups here 

Why do the Jewish people still mourn the deaths of students we know nothing about thousands of years later?What is it about Rabbi Akiva's 24,000 students that warrant a time of national mourning? Who were they and what was the time period like they were living in? Listen in as Charlie Harary brings to life the story of the Jewish people's fight against the Romans that ultimately is the reason why we are still exile. You'll be surprised to hear how close we were to the Third Temple, yet a crack in our spiritual armor caused all of our efforts to fail. This time of national mourning is for redemption that was right in the palm of our hand, and yet the problem is still not solved. What exactly went wrong?Join us tomorrow to find out!______Thanks for listening, sharing, tagging, and reviewing! Share your comments with us on our social platforms- we love hearing your feedback.To join our Insider's Community, go to charlieharary.com/insidersTo get this full series all in one place, go to youtubePlease make sure you're subscribed to our two podcasts, Unlocking Greatness and Timeless Lessons.

In this new 4 part flash series on Lag Baomer, Charlie poses a question we may not have considered:Why celebrate Lag Ba'omer?!?It's not a holiday in the traditional sense, yet it's a day of celebration, a day which ends the mourning restrictions during the Sefira time period. We rarely have such extended times of national mourning, and here we are mourning for Rabbi Akiva's students we never knew! And yet, the yahrzeit of a renowned scholar, Rav Shimon ben Yochai, ends this time of mourning and has us celebrating on his day of death. What a seeming paradox!Tune into this 4-part series to learn more about this day, its importance, and what we can learn as we return to normalcy after a time of mourning. ______Thanks for listening, sharing, tagging, and reviewing! Share your comments with us on our social platforms- we love hearing your feedback.To join our Insider's Community, go to charlieharary.com/insidersTo get this full series all in one place, go to youtubePlease make sure you're subscribed to our two podcasts, Unlocking Greatness and Timeless Lessons.

Starting to think about Passover, beyond cooking for the Seder-what is it all about and why is it still relevant to me in my life? What is the message G-d is giving me today, in 2023? To hear the full episode, go to https://youtu.be/0iZfYnKpf_g Thanks for sharing with someone who enjoy this message today. Next week, we have something special coming, see you then!

What an incredibly inspiring lessons we learn this week about how to tap in our true potential. What if we don't have the skills and knowledge to do what we want to do in the world? Why is it that some people do incredible things and others sit on the sidelines wishing they were doing it? What do we do with our limitations? This will blow your mind! Please share with someone who could use this message and comment below with an emoji if you've ever found yourself doing something you never thought you could do. Good Shabbos!

The treat of great leaders

It's so hard to bear the rising anti semitism… last week's day of hate… our modern minds can't comprehend that someone would hate just because of our religion. We tell ourselves- they must be hateful because of something- something we've done, some characteristic… But the truth about antisemitism is so uncomfortable- we can't explain something so irrational because it is irrational! As we read about Amalek this week, what should we be thinking and focusing on? This week's episode discusses the shocking antisemitism in our modern evolved world. And the only thing that can save us. The only antidote. And it's a powerful one. Is this something you've been concerned about recently?

Gods Track Record

The Heel; Excellence in small things