Transform your Shabbos from routine observance to divine encounter. Rabbi Ari Klapper explores mystical and philosophical teachings about Shabbos as the weekly manifestation of Hashem's kingship. Deep dive into Gemora analysis, Kabbalistic concepts, and practical spirituality. Learn what Shabbos is supposed to be and how to truly feel the Shechina. Graduate-level spiritual development for serious practitioners seeking authentic connection.
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Rabbi Ari Klapper Podcasts
Master the intricate halachic rules of proper speech with a comprehensive study of the Chofetz Chaim's foundational work. Rabbi Ari Klapper provides a detailed analysis of when speech about others is forbidden vs. permitted, covering workplace gossip, family dynamics, and community situations. Transform your relationships and spiritual growth through mindful speech. One of the most thorough English-language resources on Jewish speech ethics.
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Join Rabbi Ari Klapper as we explore the timeless struggle of guarding your eyes in a modern world. Through Torah wisdom, practical strategies, and uplifting chizuk, this podcast empowers listeners to navigate challenges, achieve spiritual growth, and embrace the sanctity of vision. Each episode provides insights and tools to strengthen self-control, deepen your connection to Hashem, and illuminate the path to holiness in everyday life.
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The Truthful Exception An Ish Emes—a person known for integrity—need not speak before three when rebuking l’toeles. His proven honesty carries its own credibility within halachic boundaries. 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 forge…
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What would it feel like to see Hashem with absolute clarity — not just believe, but know? Rabbi Klapper reveals that Shabbos isn’t a day of rest from confusion; it’s a day when confusion itself disappears. The Torah hints to this when it never says “and it was evening and it was morning” for the seventh day — because Shabbos has no darkness. It’s p…
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When Silence Is Safer If speaking l’toeles could provoke revenge from a powerful wrongdoer, one may speak privately to the right authority instead of publicly before three. Halacha values safety and wisdom. Hosted by Rabbi Ari Klapper and produced by Eli Podcast Productions, this episode is part of the Real Judaism series, available on RealJudaism.…
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Listening Without Accepting Even if words seem true, never believe Lashon Hara outright. Listen only to investigate and help—never to judge or internalize. Objective restraint protects truth and peace. Hosted by Rabbi Ari Klapper and produced by Eli Podcast Productions, this episode is part of the Real Judaism series, available on RealJudaism.org. …
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Speaking Before Three When giving tochacha won’t help, Lashon Hara l’toeles must be said publicly—before three people—to show honesty, not slander. Truth and transparency guard against hidden motives. Hosted by Rabbi Ari Klapper and produced by Eli Podcast Productions, this episode is part of the Real Judaism series, available on RealJudaism.org. D…
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If Hashem’s blessing is perfect, why do some fruits of life turn bitter? Continuing his journey through the stages of Shabbos, Rabbi Klapper explores the imagery of the “field of holy fruit.” Every Shabbos we become the field where Divine shefa is planted—but the week that follows reveals what kind of fruit we’ve grown. When emunah is pure, Hashem’…
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Preempting the Baal Lashon Hara When silencing a habitual gossip protects others from harm, it may be a mitzvah—even if the victim doesn’t yet know. Intent and method define whether it’s truly toeles. Hosted by Rabbi Ari Klapper and produced by Eli Podcast Productions, this episode is part of the Real Judaism series, available on RealJudaism.org. D…
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Preemptive Lashon Hara? You may warn others about a habitual speaker—if the victim already knows. Otherwise, you risk causing rechilus by revealing 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 connec…
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What truly happens the instant Shabbos enters the world? Rabbi Klapper opens a new section of the sefer to uncover the mystical structure of Shabbos time. Friday night isn’t merely “the beginning of rest”—it’s a spiritual shockwave, a sudden leap from Olam HaZeh to Olam HaBa. Through Rabbi Pinkus’s Kabbalistic lens, we discover how Hashem’s Shechin…
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Don't Let Emotion Skew Halacha Lashon Hara spoken out of personal rage—even for a relative—violates the rules of toeles. Closeness requires more caution, not less. 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…
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Not Everyone Needs to Know If the victim doesn’t yet know what happened, revealing it may be rechilus. Also, don’t speak to those who won’t care to change. 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 co…
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Protecting Others Is Also Toeles Even if you can’t undo past damage, warning others—so they avoid harm or bad influences—is valid toeles, if all other rules are kept. 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…
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How can we train our instincts to choose holiness under pressure? Building on the previous discussion, Rabbi Klapper shows that the tests of Shabbos aren’t only about rules—they’re about reflexes. When the unexpected happens—a light left on, a guest arriving, a fire that cannot be put out—the Yeitzer Hara argues for “just this once.” The Ramban, Ch…
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Even if you act with permission now, becoming guilty of the same aveira later reveals your motives weren’t truly l’shem Shamayim. 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 les…
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No Room for Hypocrisy You may not speak toeles if you’re guilty of the same aveira. Fix yourself first—then you can care about someone else’s 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 connecte…
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Don’t Destroy More Than You Fix The seventh rule warns: if your words will cause greater damage than the Beis Din would, it’s not toeles—it’s harm, and it’s assur. 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…
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What does real mesiras nefesh look like when no one’s watching? This episode explores the quiet tests that define true Shabbos devotion—not martyrdom under persecution, but the split-second choices in embarrassment, comfort, or convenience. From the Chazon Ish’s story of the man who added oil to his lamp out of shame before an honored guest, we see…
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Only If There’s No Other Way If you can fix the issue another way, don’t speak Lashon Hara. The sixth rule of toeles requires minimizing harm wherever possible. 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 st…
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Stick to the Facts You may not exaggerate. The fourth and fifth rules require accuracy and sincere kavana l’toeles—not revenge, drama, or self-righteousness. 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 …
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First, Talk to Them The third rule of toeles: try giving tochacha first. Lashon Hara isn’t permitted if direct, caring conversation can correct the problem. 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 c…
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How can giving up become the deepest way to receive? We begin with the Midrash of Moshe’s neshama and the “kiss” of death—nishikas peh—revealing mesiras nefesh as a mutual act of love, not coercion. Only Am Yisrael, bound by a bris of ahavah, are commanded to sanctify Hashem’s Name this way. Then we link that love to Shabbos Mincha—“va’al menuchasa…
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Looks Can Be Deceiving Even eyewitness accounts can mislead. The second rule of toeles reminds us: interpret with care before assuming an aveira occurred. 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 con…
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Don’t Act on Rumors The first rule of toeles requires firsthand knowledge. Lashon Hara is only permitted if you saw it yourself or fully verified its truth. 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 c…
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When Lashon Hara Helps If speaking will help a victim recover stolen money or damages, it may be l’toeles. But halacha requires strict conditions—good intent alone isn’t enough. 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 subscrib…
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You’re catering the King’s banquet—so who pays? With a vivid Baron Rothschild mashal, we learn that the Shabbos suda is called by Hashem’s Name and funded by His shefa. Our job is to honor the Palace: abundance with dignity, joy without hefkerus. Then we open the Mishnah Berurah’s guardrails—three teachings that balance “go all out” with “don’t bor…
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Secrets Deserve Silence Even without the words “don’t tell,” private matters must remain private. Repeating secrets—harmless or not—is a violation of trust and halacha. 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 sha…
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Teach Children Early Children copy what they see. If parents reject Lashon Hara clearly and consistently, kids absorb that as the norm—and carry it for life. 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 …
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Trapped? Don’t Be Mekabel If you can’t speak up or leave, protect yourself: block out the Lashon Hara or focus elsewhere. But never accept it in your heart. 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 c…
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Ep. 61 – Hashem Wants to Give Us Everything
27:51
27:51
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27:51If Hashem longs to shower us with endless good, why does life have limits? We open with the father–child mashal: true love sometimes holds back so the child can grow. From there, we uncover the Midah of Emes—Hashem’s deepest ratzon to give boundlessly—and why Shabbos uniquely reveals that Emes by letting shefa flow without harm. That’s the secret o…
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Speak Up or Walk Away If rebuke fails, distance yourself from those who harm with words. And when stuck in Lashon Hara situations, steer the conversation away—subtly but firmly. 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 subscrib…
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Avoid Lashon Hara Zones Living near or sitting beside habitual speakers of Lashon Hara is assur. Protect your soul—your spiritual health must come first. 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 conn…
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Praise Can Attract Trouble Highlighting someone’s generosity can lead to unfair pressure, jealousy, or harm. Even praise, when misunderstood, may turn into Avak Lashon Hara. 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 an…
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What if the taste of cholent is actually a taste of Olam HaBa? We probe how Shabbos lifts the world above teva so that eating isn’t a detour from kedusha—it’s a doorway into it. Drawing on imagery of “crowns on their heads” and delighting in the Divine, we show why the Shabbos table can turn lives around: zemiros, kavod, and the quiet glow of menuc…
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Public Praise Needs Caution Praising someone in front of a crowd is risky—unless he’s universally respected or unknown to the audience. Otherwise, criticism often follows. 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 …
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Too Much Praise Is Dangerous Even sincere compliments can invite criticism. Avoid excessive praise in public—people may feel the need to “balance” the conversation with damaging words. 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 s…
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When Praise Becomes Harm Implying something negative or praising someone in front of enemies often triggers Lashon Hara. If there's any risk of backlash, don’t say it—even if it sounds positive. 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 f…
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If Shabbos is holier than Yom Kippur, why are we told to eat more—not less? This episode opens with that paradox and then walks through the Torah logic behind oneg Shabbos. We explore how Yom Kippur brings holiness into a weekday by stripping away the physical, while Shabbos is entering Hashem’s “palace” itself—where physical delight, done l’shem S…
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The Subtle Danger of Avak Avak Lashon Hara—the “dust” of gossip—can seem harmless but causes real damage. It’s subtle, common, and easily overlooked. Awareness is the first defense. 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 subs…
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Rebuke with Respect Even adult children must show kavod when correcting parents. Suggest gently, avoid confrontation, and model values quietly when necessary. 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…
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Teach By Example Parents must model that Lashon Hara is unacceptable. Even when choshesh, never accept harmful words as truth—and speak up gently when necessary. 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 s…
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