Can shame lift you—or destroy you? It depends on what you believe about yourself.

Everyone feels busha. It’s one of the defining traits of a Jew. But not all embarrassment is created equal. Some forms of shame tear a person down, convincing them they’re worthless and hopeless. Other forms awaken something deeper—reminding you that you’re too valuable to live beneath your greatness. In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Rabbi Klapper explores the difference between toxic guilt and uplifting embarrassment. Why do we sometimes feel like giving up after a fall? And what would change if we believed we were too holy to fall, not too dirty to rise?

Drawing on Torah sources, psychological insight, and the sefer From Boys to Men by Dr. Shloime Zimmerman, this shiur brings clarity to the inner chaos many experience when struggling with taivah and self-worth. You’ll discover why your Yetzer Hara often disguises himself as your biggest cheerleader, how social norms distort your self-image, and most importantly—how to remember that you're a Ben Melech, no matter how far you've fallen. If you've ever felt crushed by failure or unsure of your value, this episode will help you rebuild your inner world from the foundation of truth: you are already worthy. Now act like it.

Hosted by Rabbi Ari Klapper and produced by Eli Podcast Productions, this episode is part of the Real Judaism series, available on RealJudaism.org. Don't forget to subscribe and share to stay connected with our daily lessons and timeless Torah insights!

What if your deepest struggles don’t define you—but reveal who you really are?
When it comes to Shemiras Einayim and controlling our thoughts, many people believe that the battle itself is a sign of failure. But Rabbi Klapper offers a powerful truth: the fight doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’re alive. Hashem designed this world with challenges so that we could grow through them. That includes the taiva itself. It’s not inherently evil—it’s meant to become holy. So instead of asking, “Why do I have this?” the real question is, “What am I meant to do with it?”
In this episode, we dive into the root of the Yetzer Hara, why Hashem gave us this powerful drive, and how holding it back doesn’t weaken it—it strengthens its potential. Why didn’t Hashem just make us without temptation? And how can understanding our mahus—our essence—help us fight back without losing ourselves in shame or guilt? With stories from the Gemara, insights from the Chazal, and examples from everyday life, Rabbi Klapper shows how embracing who you really are gives you the strength to stand tall, even when you fall.
Hosted by Rabbi Ari Klapper and produced by Eli Podcast Productions, this episode is part of the Real Judaism series, available on RealJudaism.org. Don't forget to subscribe and share to stay connected with our daily lessons and timeless Torah insights!

What if your biggest fall isn’t the sin—but what you believe about yourself afterward?
So many people striving for growth fall into a dangerous trap—not because of their Yetzer Hara, but because of how they respond to it. One misstep, and suddenly, it feels like all their progress has vanished. But Rabbi Klapper offers a radically honest and comforting truth: You are not your failure. You are normal. And falling doesn’t make you broken—it makes you human. The true test isn’t whether you fall, but whether you get back up.
In this deeply affirming episode, we explore the power of healthy busha, how to tell the difference between shame that destroys and shame that uplifts, and why your essence—your mahut—is never defined by your mistakes. Why does the Yetzer Hara push perfection so hard? How does focusing on small, winnable battles reshape your identity? And why is just showing up to keep trying the greatest victory of all? With stories, insights, and practical tools, Rabbi Klapper gives you permission to stop being perfect—and start being real.
Hosted by Rabbi Ari Klapper and produced by Eli Podcast Productions, this episode is part of the Real Judaism series, available on RealJudaism.org. Don't forget to subscribe and share to stay connected with our daily lessons and timeless Torah insights!