What if the best way to fight the Yetzer Hara is not to fight it at all?

When we imagine spiritual growth, we often picture intense battles—resisting temptation, wrestling with taivos, fighting off distractions. But the Torah offers a surprising strategy: stay too busy for the Yetzer Hara to catch up. In this episode, Rabbi Klapper explores the concept of misiach daas—not by ignoring the battle, but by turning your focus elsewhere. When your time is filled with purpose, you leave no space for the Yetzer Hara to sneak in. Through a deep look at Paro’s strategy in Mitzrayim and its reversal in avodas Hashem, we uncover how keeping our minds occupied is more than a distraction tactic—it’s a spiritual weapon.

From building Torah learning habits one small step at a time, to finding hobbies, jobs, or friends that keep us energized and grounded, this shiur guides you toward a life of intentional action. Why does boredom open the door to aveiros? How can your free time become a tool for growth instead of a trap for failure? And what does it mean to “walk like a businessman” in your daily life? With clarity and warmth, Rabbi Klapper offers a new lens on time management—not as a productivity hack, but as the foundation of kedusha.

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 the hardest part of teshuva isn’t change, but admitting you need to?

Teshuva doesn't begin with dramatic resolutions or perfect results. It begins with a moment of clarity—a quiet but powerful realization: Something’s not right. I want more. That simple decision to face ourselves honestly is already a massive step forward. Yet for many, this first step is the most frightening. It means confronting our habits, our history, and the stories we tell ourselves to stay comfortable.

In this episode, we uncover the building blocks of real teshuva—what it means to separate recognition from action, how to avoid getting stuck in guilt, and why even a single decision to change shifts your entire direction in life. Drawing from Torah sources and personal experience, Rabbi Klapper offers a step-by-step path to teshuva that’s honest, practical, and sustainable. Whether you’re just beginning or returning again after a fall, this journey starts with one choice: to stop hiding and start growing.

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 the Torah itself is the key to breaking free from the Yetzer Hara?

Many people assume that learning Torah and personal struggles exist in separate worlds. But Chazal teach us that Torah is not just wisdom—it is the ultimate weapon against the Yetzer Hara. The moment we hold onto it, even if we aren’t perfect, we give ourselves a fighting chance. Letting go, on the other hand, almost guarantees failure.

In this episode, we explore why learning—even in the midst of struggle—is the single greatest strategy for overcoming challenges. Why do people give up when they feel like they’re living a double life? How does the Yetzer Hara convince us that failure is final? And why does Hashem say, Just keep holding on? Through real-world stories, deep Torah insights, and practical eitzos, this shiur will give you the tools to stay strong, keep learning, and find the strength to overcome.

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 the key to self-mastery isn’t winning every battle, but learning how to keep fighting?

So many people struggle with Shemiras Einayim and personal growth because they expect perfection. The moment they stumble, they assume they’ve failed. But what if failure isn’t falling—only staying down? The Yetzer Hara tricks us into thinking that if we can’t do everything, we might as well do nothing. But the truth is, every small step forward rewires our Bechira, making the next victory easier.

This episode uncovers the Torah’s approach to growth—how making even the smallest improvements builds momentum. What happens when you push yourself just one minute past your limit? Why does Hashem care more about effort than immediate results? And how can we take control of our struggles instead of being controlled by them? If you’ve ever felt stuck in an endless cycle of setbacks, this conversation will give you the tools to break free, rebuild, and keep climbing.

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!

Is the world offering you real happiness, or just an illusion?

We live in a world filled with distractions, desires, and an ever-growing culture that glorifies indulgence. But is what we see and chase after truly satisfying, or is it just a mirage? The Torah teaches us that pleasure isn’t inherently bad—Hashem created it for a purpose. The challenge is directing it towards real, lasting fulfillment rather than fleeting illusions.

We explore the core struggle of Shmiras Einayim—not just as a battle of self-control, but as a deeper question of identity, values, and choosing what kind of life we truly want to live. Why do we feel drawn toward things that we know aren’t good for us? How does the Yetzer Hara manipulate our minds into thinking we have no choice? And most importantly—how do we reclaim control and start living in a way that leads to true satisfaction?

Through Torah insights, powerful metaphors, and real-world examples, this shiur offers a roadmap to overcoming challenges, resisting the fake, and embracing a life of deeper meaning and true pleasure. If you’ve ever struggled with the pull of the world around you, this episode will give you the tools and perspective to fight back.

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!

Do you really have free will, or are you just following the path laid out for you? Many people feel trapped by their habits, their struggles, and the world around them, believing that real change is impossible. But Chazal teach us a profound truth: the Yetzer Hara is an illusion. It appears like an overwhelming force, but when you examine it closely, you realize—it has no legs to stand on.

In this episode, Rabbi Klapper unpacks the deceptiveness of the Yetzer Hara, showing how recognizing its tricks is the first step to overcoming it. Using deep Torah insights—from Yaakov’s battle with the Sar shel Esav to the Gemara’s depiction of the Yetzer Hara as both a mountain and a hair—he builds a step-by-step approach to reclaiming control over your life. How can small, intentional choices reshape your reality? What does it mean to actively shift your focus rather than fight forbidden thoughts head-on? And most importantly, how can you set yourself on a path where you encounter fewer tests to begin with?

This episode is a guide to practical strategies for mastering your choices, overcoming challenges, and building the life you truly want—one step at a time.

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!

COMING SOON: The battle for your eyes is real. The power to choose is yours.

https://realjudaism.org/ShemirasEinayim

Shemiras Einayim with Rabbi Ari Klapper returns for Series 2 – diving deeper than ever into the raw challenges of guarding your eyes in today's digital age. No apologetics. No judgment. Just honest, practical wisdom for real-life struggles.

From smartphones to street encounters. From internal battles to external pressures. We're tackling the questions you're afraid to ask and the daily tests you face. Rabbi Klapper brings clarity, understanding, and practical tools to help you navigate these challenges while maintaining your dignity and spiritual growth.

This isn't just another mussar series. This is your guide to building real strength and finding true fulfillment in a world of constant visual temptation.

New episodes drop every two weeks starting 29th Feb 2025.

Real struggles. Real solutions. Real growth. Real Judaism.

Shemiras Einayim Series 2 – Because your battle matters.

Find the Episodes wherever you get your podcasts

https://open.spotify.com/show/548Vqsw1GzzAGKjmKYi0yc?si=c5e51bbe2d964c3a

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shmiras-einayim/id1784634481

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiZU2rL9HnBW2qVNZRClAes4STqsKB4qS

What’s the key to lasting success in the face of failure?

When setbacks feel overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals. But the Torah teaches us that even the smallest victories matter deeply to Hashem. How can we hold onto our focus, even when progress feels impossible? And what happens when failure makes us question our ability to keep trying?

In this season finale, Rabbi Klapper explores the power of defining clear, meaningful goals in Avodas Hashem. Through moving stories and halachic insights, he explains why every effort—no matter how small—builds towards something eternal. Discover how to balance ambition with realism, maintain a positive perspective in the toughest moments, and align your daily actions with your ultimate spiritual goals. With Torah as your anchor, even the hardest struggles become stepping stones to a life of kedusha and connection. Tune in to learn how to stay grounded, keep growing, and never lose sight of your true purpose.

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!