What does it really mean to love Hashem?

In this episode of Dialing Bnei Brak, Charlie Harary and Rabbi Moshe Levi explore a powerful idea: the truest measure of Ahavas Hashem is how deeply you care about another Jew's success.

Through stories, Torah sources, and practical examples, they discuss why real love means helping others reach their full potential, overcoming jealousy, and sharing the good Hashem has given you. They also reveal how this perspective can transform the way we approach teshuvah, Elul, and our relationships with the people around us.

Something as simple as saying, 'I heard this from...' doesn't seem like it could change the world.

Yet Chazal teach that one who quotes a teaching in the name of the person who said it brings redemption to the world.

Why?

In this episode, Charlie Harary sits down with Rabbi Moshe Levi to uncover one of the most overlooked ideas in Torah. Together they explore why the Gemara is so meticulous about preserving names, how Torah is passed through an unbroken chain from Moshe Rabbeinu, and why humility is the key that allows the light of Torah to flow into the world.

They discuss:

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  Why the Gemara constantly records who said every teaching.
  
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  How quoting someone by name strengthens the chain of Mesorah.
  
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  What Chazal mean when they say a person's lips continue moving in the grave.
  
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  Why giving credit is about far more than good manners.
  
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  How this simple practice brings more Shechinah into the world.
  
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  What Moshe Rabbeinu teaches us about humility and receiving Torah.
  
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  How to know whether the Torah you're hearing is truly part of the Mesorah.
  
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  A practical way every Jew can help bring the Geulah closer.
  

Sometimes the smallest mitzvos carry the greatest spiritual weight. This conversation will change the way you learn Torah, share Torah, and think about the responsibility of passing it on faithfully.

As Tisha B'Av approaches, Rabbi Moshe Levi shares a powerful perspective on the connection between the sin of the Meraglim, sinas chinam, and the path to Geulah. Charlie and Rabbi Levi explore a surprising idea: perhaps emunah doesn't create great middos—perhaps great middos create real emunah.

The conversation explains why jealousy, arrogance, and self-centeredness leave less room for the Shechinah, while humility, kindness, and genuine concern for others allow Hashem's presence to fill our lives. Through practical examples—from honoring parents to overcoming envy—the episode reveals how everyday character development becomes the foundation for deeper faith.

Rather than waiting for Geulah to arrive, Rabbi Levi challenges each of us to bring more Shechinah into our own lives by becoming just one percent better every day.

• Why the Meraglim and sinas chinam share the same spiritual root
• The surprising relationship between middos and emunah
• How gaavah pushes the Shechinah out of our lives
• Why loving Hashem begins with loving His children
• The deeper meaning of Tisha B'Av and the Nine Days
• Practical ways to increase middos and strengthen your connection with Hashem
• How personal growth brings the world one step closer to Geulah

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone preparing for Tisha B'Av.

Sponsored by Zichron Naftali.

Charlie Harary dials Rabbi Moshe Levi to explore one of the most surprising teachings in the Gemara: Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai's final blessing to his students—'May your fear of Heaven be like your fear of people.' Rather than lowering the standard of fearing Hashem, Rabbi Levi reveals that this blessing provides a practical blueprint for spiritual growth.

The discussion challenges listeners to look honestly at their own lives. The discipline they show for work, the sacrifices they make for success, the patience they display in public, and the effort they invest to earn the approval of others all reveal a deeper truth: they are already capable of far more than they often believe. Those moments become evidence of what they can achieve in their Avodas Hashem.

Rabbi Levi explains why honest self-inspection is one of the greatest tools for growth, why accepting that we're 'not there yet' is a source of strength rather than shame, and why a true Rav challenges us instead of simply making us feel good. The conversation also reframes the yetzer hara, personal weaknesses, and even spiritual struggles as opportunities to uncover the potential Hashem has already placed within us.

00:00 Welcome to Dialing Bnei Brak
00:17 Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai's Final Blessing
02:09 Why We Fear People More Than Hashem
03:36 Using Social Pressure as a Spiritual Tool
05:34 What Your Daily Habits Reveal About Your Potential
07:28 Become an Inspector of Your Own Actions
10:00 Why Constructive Mussar Is So Difficult to Accept
11:47 The Role of a Rav Who Truly Knows You
12:57 'Not There Yet'—A New Definition of Growth
17:13 Redirecting Your Strength Toward Hashem
19:15 The Hidden Meaning Behind a Deathbed Teaching
20:18 The Humility of the Greatest Torah Leaders
21:25 Learning to Fear Heaven Through Human Nature
22:10 Turning the Yetzer Hara Into a Growth Tool
23:30 Self-Worth Without Self-Deception
25:01 How Weaknesses Become Sources of Strength
27:34 What Work, Family, and Relationships Reveal About You
28:23 What Made the Tannaim Truly Great
32:34 Honest Effort vs. Excuses
34:15 The Torah's Perspective on 'Fake It Till You Make It'
34:50 Final Takeaways and Sponsor

Growth doesn't always begin with inspiration. Sometimes it begins with action.

During the Three Weeks, we're given a unique opportunity to become closer to Hashem—but many of us feel stuck. We want to grow, yet our emotions don't always cooperate.

In this episode, Charlie shares a powerful teaching from the Ramchal and Rabbi Levi about the Torah's version of 'fake it until you make it.' When your actions move before your feelings, you're not being a hypocrite—you’re building the person you want to become.

Discover:

Why 'fake it until you make it' is rooted in Torah

The difference between pretending for people and changing for Hashem

How outward actions reshape your inner world

Why humility—not perfection—is the key to spiritual growth

A practical mindset to help you grow during the Three Weeks and beyond

You don't have to wait until you feel ready. Sometimes the first step toward becoming someone new is acting like that person today.