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!