Can shame lift you—or destroy you? It depends on what you believe about yourself.

Everyone feels busha. It’s one of the defining traits of a Jew. But not all embarrassment is created equal. Some forms of shame tear a person down, convincing them they’re worthless and hopeless. Other forms awaken something deeper—reminding you that you’re too valuable to live beneath your greatness. In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Rabbi Klapper explores the difference between toxic guilt and uplifting embarrassment. Why do we sometimes feel like giving up after a fall? And what would change if we believed we were too holy to fall, not too dirty to rise?

Drawing on Torah sources, psychological insight, and the sefer From Boys to Men by Dr. Shloime Zimmerman, this shiur brings clarity to the inner chaos many experience when struggling with taivah and self-worth. You’ll discover why your Yetzer Hara often disguises himself as your biggest cheerleader, how social norms distort your self-image, and most importantly—how to remember that you're a Ben Melech, no matter how far you've fallen. If you've ever felt crushed by failure or unsure of your value, this episode will help you rebuild your inner world from the foundation of truth: you are already worthy. Now act like 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 connected with our daily lessons and timeless Torah insights!