Ep. 7 - Knowing Your Essence

Shmiras Einayim

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!