This Week in Torah by Charlie Harary

This lecture explores the spiritual weight of Purim, urging a move from simple celebration to deep connection with Jewish identity. 

The Sin of Shushan: Analyzing how seeking acceptance from host cultures over loyalty to Hashem led to the decree of annihilation.

The Legacy of Mordechai: Learning from Mordechai’s refusal to bow to anyone but the King of Kings, demonstrating fearless pride in Jewish identity.

Combatting Anti-Semitism: The speaker argues that doubling down on Torah commitment and Jewish pride is the most effective defense against anti-Semitism.

The Higher Purpose of Purim: Understanding why Purim is spiritually greater than Yom Kippur and how to utilize the day for meaningful prayer and teshuvah.

Even if we have heard of Shovevim before, we may have turned away from learning about it because of the negative perception we have of the concept. 

Shovevim is widely misunderstood. 

Shovevim is here to make SURE you get maximum pleasure and joy, not to stifle it!

There are two kinds of pleasures. One is easy to get, but cheap and fake. It leaves you feeling sick after. 

The other requires some work- you have to tap in. It's not easy to grab, but when you get it, you get unlimited joy and pleasure!

By detoxing from the fake pleasure, we can start enjoying real, lasting, satisfying pleasure. 

Have you heard of Shovevim? Shovevim is a topic most of us know very little about, and understand even less. In this new series, Charlie uncovers a completely new and breathtaking approach based on the Biyam Darkecha. We're in a period of time that has a specific spiritual power that we can tap into, and today we'll uncover the incredible potential of Shovevim. 

Today

In Episode 9, Charlie introduces the first of three powerful tools to help you overcome jealousy and unlock the blessings meant for you. By transforming jealousy into prayer, you can break the cycle of comparison and competition. Rooted in his Rabbi’s wisdom and supported by modern neuroscience, this episode offers a practical, step-by-step approach to dealing with jealousy by praying for the success of others. Learn how this practice not only frees you from negative emotions but also opens the channels for your own growth and blessings.

In this episode, Charlie introduces the second tool for overcoming jealousy—gratitude for life’s challenges. Drawing from Rabbi Arush’s teachings, Charlie explains how thanking Hashem for what you don’t have yet can transform your perspective, build faith, and open you up to new blessings. This practice shifts the focus from scarcity and comparison to trust in Hashem’s divine plan. Learn how to thank Hashem for both the good and the difficult parts of life, and watch how it changes your mindset and your life.

In Episode 8, Charlie delves into the profound relationship between jealousy and faith. He explains how jealousy often creeps into our lives when we compare ourselves to others, thinking their success somehow diminishes our own. Drawing from personal experiences and Torah wisdom, Charlie shows how jealousy serves as a litmus test for our faith in God’s plan. He discusses the dangerous mindset of chasing what others have and how it can block the blessings meant specifically for us. Instead of competing, the episode encourages us to strengthen our faith and trust that God knows what we need, when we need it.

And here’s how!

What can you do today to turn your candle into a torch?

Wishing you a happy Channukah!