In a summer post-Shavuot reflection, the speaker recounts a call with Rabbi Levy about personal growth rooted in recognizing one’s Tzelem Elokim, which can become “numb” through aveirot, middot like gaavah, or simple unawareness. They contrast a Western “zero-to-one” identity—where worth depends on achievement and failure means being a failure—with a Torah paradigm of “infinity,” where success is following Hashem and being judged by clean, heartfelt effort (ratzon), not results, which belong to Hashem (“yaagata u’matzata”). Rabbi Levi teaches that making Hashem happy is linked to our happiness, that sincere striving is credited as action and creates “malachim” that help further mitzvot, and even mere existence can be a tikkun. The episode ends with homework: nightly rate one’s daily effort 1–100 and aim for 1% better tomorrow.

What is Shavuot really about?

In this episode, Charlie Harary shares a powerful conversation with Rabbi Levy in Bnei Brak exploring why Leil Shavuot may be the most important night of the year.

More than just learning Torah, Shavuot is about devekus, becoming attached to Hashem through Torah. The episode dives into why Shavuot is considered the “Rosh Hashanah” for Torah, how Torah impacts every area of life, and why effort and preparation matter more than perfection.

Topics include:

• Torah as connection, not just information

• How Shavuot affects parnassah, shidduchim, refuah, and spiritual growth

• The deeper meaning behind staying up all night

• Why preparation itself creates connection

• Practical guidance for men, women, and families

In a generation with more comfort, opportunity, wealth, and connection than ever before, why do so many people still feel insecure?

This episode explores a surprising and deeply uncomfortable idea: insecurity may not actually be the opposite of gaavah. It may be a subtle form of it.

Drawing from a conversation with Rabbi Levi in Bnei Brak, we unpack the difference between old school gaavah, the loud arrogance we all recognize, and the quieter version many of us struggle with today: building our identity around external validation.

Careers. Status. Money. Appearance. Intelligence. Even ruchnius.

Using the mashal of Jenga blocks, the episode explores what happens when we slowly replace our true identity, our neshama and connection to Hashem, with the fragile “paper towels” of social approval and comparison.

Topics discussed include:
• Why modern life can increase insecurity
• The connection between self esteem and gaavah
• How society teaches us to measure ourselves externally
• The difference between purpose and identity
• Why comparison quietly disconnects us from Hashem
• Recognizing subtle forms of gaavah during Sefirat HaOmer
• Rebuilding identity around the soul instead of validation

This is not an episode about feeling smaller.
It’s about remembering how much bigger we really are.

Every year we count 49 days — but are we actually tapping into the power of the Omer? And do we know what that power is?

In this powerful conversation, Charlie Harary sits down with his Rav, Rabbi Moshe Levy, to explore what Sefiras HaOmer is really asking of us. The period between Pesach and Shavuos is a workshop for the soul. Hashem gives us a 'magnifying glass' during the Omer: a rare window to see the inner midos driving our everyday choices, reactions, and patterns.

Follow along this eye opening episode for a new Omer experience that brings you towards receiving the Torah.

The splitting of the sea, where the Jews received tremendous salvation and an answer to years of prayers, happened on the 7th day of Pesach. Now, as then, the 7th day holds a special power for our personal and collective redemption.

Listen in as Charlie interviews Rabbi Moshe Levy about what the the end of Pesach is about and how we can access its power.

With a unique blend of Jewish wisdom, modern psychology, neuroscience and business experience, Charlie Harary has inspired and empowered thousands from all walks of life.

Charlie is the EVP, Chief Organization Officer, and Chief People Officer at RXR, a multi billion dollar real estate company. Charlie also sits on the board of many non profit organizations and provides mentorship and consulting to assist with restructuring, operational excellence, AI incorporation, and expansion.

Charlie is a highly sought after lecturer and author, speaking to audiences around the world. Charlie is the author of the best selling book “Unlocking Greatness: The Unexpected Journey From The Life You Have To The Life You Want” which offers practical tools and strategies for achieving success and fulfillment in all areas of life. He is the host of the popular podcasts Let’s Unpack This, The Daily Boost, Timeless Lessons, Crossing the Chasm, and Founder’s Dilemmas.

With a unique blend of Jewish wisdom, modern psychology, neuroscience and business experience, Charlie Harary has inspired and empowered thousands from all walks of life.

Charlie is the EVP, Chief Organization Officer, and Chief People Officer at RXR, a multi billion dollar real estate company. Charlie also sits on the board of many non profit organizations and provides mentorship and consulting to assist with restructuring, operational excellence, AI incorporation, and expansion.

Charlie is a highly sought after lecturer and author, speaking to audiences around the world. Charlie is the author of the best selling book “Unlocking Greatness: The Unexpected Journey From The Life You Have To The Life You Want” which offers practical tools and strategies for achieving success and fulfillment in all areas of life. He is the host of the popular podcasts Let’s Unpack This, The Daily Boost, Timeless Lessons, Crossing the Chasm, and Founder’s Dilemmas.

With a unique blend of Jewish wisdom, modern psychology, neuroscience and business experience, Charlie Harary has inspired and empowered thousands from all walks of life.

Charlie is the EVP, Chief Organization Officer, and Chief People Officer at RXR, a multi billion dollar real estate company. Charlie also sits on the board of many non profit organizations and provides mentorship and consulting to assist with restructuring, operational excellence, AI incorporation, and expansion.

Charlie is a highly sought after lecturer and author, speaking to audiences around the world. Charlie is the author of the best selling book “Unlocking Greatness: The Unexpected Journey From The Life You Have To The Life You Want” which offers practical tools and strategies for achieving success and fulfillment in all areas of life. He is the host of the popular podcasts Let’s Unpack This, The Daily Boost, Timeless Lessons, Crossing the Chasm, and Founder’s Dilemmas.