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!

What should you do after you’ve fallen?

It’s easy to feel defeated after making a mistake, thinking, “What’s the point of trying again?” But the Torah teaches us that failure is not the end—it’s the beginning of a new opportunity. The Yetzer Hara thrives on our despair, convincing us to stop fighting. How can we overcome this trap and find the strength to start again?

In this episode, Rabbi Klapper explains the Torah’s approach to resilience. Through timeless wisdom and relatable examples, he reveals how even a single act of stopping a negative behavior—even after repeated failures—brings immense nachas to Hashem. With practical tools to combat despair and strategies to focus on small victories, this discussion offers a roadmap for turning every fall into a step toward greatness. Discover how Hashem values effort above perfection and why starting again, no matter where you are, is the ultimate key to spiritual growth.

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!

Can we undo the damage of the past?

Every action leaves a mark, but what about the things we see? The Torah teaches that our eyes are gateways to the soul, making Shemiras Einayim not just a mitzvah but a safeguard for our spiritual essence. But what happens when the damage is already done? Is it too late to repair?

In this episode, Rabbi Klapper offers profound insights into the power of Teshuva and Tikkun for what our eyes have absorbed. Drawing from the Ben Ish Chai, Rabbeinu Yonah, and other Torah giants, he explains how specific actions—like looking at letters in a Sefer Torah or reflecting on Hashem’s name—can cleanse the soul and restore inner purity. This episode combines deep Torah wisdom with practical advice, reminding listeners that no matter how far we’ve gone, the journey back is always possible. Discover how to rebuild the sanctity of your vision and reconnect with Hashem through small yet transformative steps.

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!