What is the secret to leadership, accomplishment, and growth? Why do some people achieve great things while other driven, well-meaning people do not?

Sefer B’reishis introduces us to some of our greatest heroes, most notably the Avos and the Sh’vatim. We also meet villains like Nimrod, Pharaoh, Eisav, and Lavan. But there are also personalities we encounter who are more complex, and it is not as clear where they stand.

One of those in the latter group is Haran. Haran, the brother of Avraham Avinu, was impressed with Avraham’s unyielding faith in one G-d, but he was somewhat on the fence and not fully invested. When Avraham was cast into the furnace by Nimrod for preaching belief in monotheism, Haran was asked where his allegiance lay. Haran reasoned that if Avraham would be saved, he, too, would profess belief in monotheism. But if Avraham was consumed by the fire, he would assert his belief in polytheism.

When Avraham emerged miraculously from the fire, Haran announced that he, too, was a believer in one G-d, and he was likewise cast into the fire. But unlike Avraham, Haran was instantly consumed by the intense flames.

Chazal explain that because Haran aligned himself with Avraham only on the expectation of a miracle, no miracle occurred for him.

The Chasam Sofer writes that Haran was a very righteous person, though not on the level of Avraham. Haran had two daughters: Yiskah – who Chazal say was Sarah – and Milkah, the mother of Rivkah. Lavan, the brother of Rivkah and grandson of Milkah, was the father of Leah and Rachel. That means our Matriarchs were all direct descendants of Haran. In addition, though unwittingly, Haran died sanctifying the Name of Hashem.

There is an important lesson to be learned from Haran’s legacy. Ultimately, the difference between Avraham and Haran was only in their inner faith – something no one could see. Avraham believed without expectations, while Haran’s faith was contingent on what would occur.

With this in mind, it is notable that many individuals in recent years have created incredible programs and initiatives that have positively impacted thousands. I would like to highlight a few that I have personally interacted with and benefited from.

When I was an associate rabbi almost two decades ago, I delivered a weekly shiur about t’fllah. At the time, there was a fledgling organization called TorahAnytime, whose slogan was, “G-d’s reason for the Internet.” One of the attendees of my shiur reached out to TorahAnytime and suggested that the class be recorded and posted. From that week onward, a representative of TorahAnytime recorded the shiur on a weekly basis.

TorahAnytime was founded by Shimon and Rubin Kolyaakov with the goal of being a free Torah resource for the masses. Before then, virtually all Torah lectures had to be purchased. Today, TorahAnytime hosts tens of thousands of shiurim, maintains a team of employees, and is constantly upgrading and expanding. Millions of hours of Torah have been learned because of this incredible platform.

When a young man named Nachi Gordon saw that people were seeking inspiration to fuel their spiritual fire, he began posting a one-minute clip from different lectures each day. Within a very short time, “Meaningful Minute” went viral. Today, it has become an inspiration movement, including its own app and a podcast.

A few years ago, I was speaking with Dr. Jonathan Donath about a family matter. At the end of the conversation, he mentioned that he had just launched a program called Daily Giving. He explained that each month, donors’ credit cards are charged $1 per day. Every day, all the $1 donations are pooled and given to a different organization. Donors receive a daily email informing them of the recipient and the total amount donated. I thought it was a fabulous idea and signed up. Since then, the program has been extremely well received. To date, Daily Giving has disseminated over $27 million since 2019 to many worthy tz’dakah organizations.

Five years ago, I received a phone call from Elad Danino, whom I did not yet know. He explained that he was initiating a program to encourage and assist people to learn the parshah – Sh’nayim Mikra V’Echad Targum – each week. For each parshah, he recorded a different rabbi delivering a two-to-three-minute introduction to each aliyah of the week’s parshah. Every day, he posts one video, and on Friday, a bonus d’var Torah. I have been privileged to serve as a presenter for several parshiyos.

Today, thousands have joined the program. The recent kickoff event in Brooklyn for the new cycle drew a crowd of 1,700 people. In addition, ArtScroll just published a new sefer based on the program.

Undoubtedly, one of our greatest challenges today is maintaining k’dushah. The Vayimaen program was a bold initiative to offer ongoing daily chizuk in this ever-present struggle. The under-five-minute daily videos are professionally produced and feature well-known speakers. Every video is positive, warm, and encouraging. What is perhaps most remarkable is that the founder and financial backer of the program remains completely anonymous.

I must add that writing about the amazing work of Chasdei Lev in expressing gratitude for our educators would require – and, im yirtzeh Hashem, one day will merit — its own column.

These are only a small sampling of the many remarkable programs and initiatives flourishing in our community. There are numerous others dedicated to promoting emunah, chizuk in t’filah, support for older singles, parenting guidance, shalom bayis, and more.

The common denominator among the founders of these initiatives is that none began with expectations of mass success or personal acclaim. They recognized a need and devoted themselves selflessly. They began humbly and remained consistent.

Haran was a great man, but his faith was contingent on miracles. Avraham, on the other hand, set out without expectations of grandeur or success.

Although Haran is our ancestor, we do not view ourselves as his spiritual heirs. Our mission is to forge ahead with the perspective of Avraham Avinu: to spread the Name of Hashem in this world and fulfill the mission He has given us.

Rabbi Dani Staum, LMSW, is a popular speaker, columnist, and author. He is a rebbe at Heichal HaTorah in Teaneck, NJ. and principal of Mesivta Orchos Yosher in Spring Valley, NY. Rabbi Staum is also a member of the administration of Camp Dora Golding. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and at www.strivinghigher.com.