The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism

15:14

The Mourning of Tisha B'Av | July 23, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/23

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores the opening verse of Eicha for Tisha B’Av, the halachot of Tisha B’Av, and a teaching from the Talmud about mourning Jerusalem as the path to redemption.Focusing on Eicha’s description of Jerusalem as “like a widow,” Rabbi Rubenstein explains Rashi’s teaching that God’s absence is temporary rather than permanent. Even in exile and destruction, the verse contains hope that the relationship between God and the

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16:30

The Destruction of Falsehood | July 22, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/22

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Devarim, Hilchot Tefillah, and a teaching from Shaarei Teshuvah about the importance of sincere repentance and remembering past mistakes.Drawing on Ibn Ezra, Rabbi Rubenstein explains that the prohibition against making images of God protects the truth of the Sinai revelation, where no physical form was seen. Creating false images distances a person from reality and ultimately harms both faith and

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23:51

Don't Forget! | July 21, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/21

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Va’etchanan, Hilchot Tefillah, and a teaching from Shaarei Teshuvah about sincere repentance and spiritual responsibility.The parashah centers on the command not to forget the revelation at Sinai. Rabbi Rubenstein contrasts Rashi’s emphasis on carefully reviewing and observing every detail of Torah law with Ramban’s focus on remembering that the Torah is God’s divine revelation. Together, these

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23:38

Leading From The Front | July 20, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/20

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Devarim, Hilchot Tefillah, and a teaching from Shaarei Teshuvah about the urgency of repentance.Focusing on God's command for Joshua to lead the people, Rabbi Rubenstein explains that true leadership requires being fully engaged rather than remaining distant. Joshua's absence during the battle of Ai symbolizes the dangers of overconfidence and the importance of leaders guiding by example and

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20:17

Free Gifts | July 19, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/19

See here for today's text!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Va’etchanan, Hilchot Kriat Shema, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the transformative power of repentance.The parashah focuses on Moshe’s heartfelt plea to enter the Land of Israel despite God’s earlier refusal. Drawing on Rashi, Rabbi Rubenstein explains that Moshe asks not because he deserves the gift, but out of trust in God’s renewed compassion, teaching that sincere prayer should

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6:47

Listener Announcement!

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/17

Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein brings some important listener updates to you!

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22:03

Do Not Become Broken | July 17, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/17

See here for today's text!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Devarim, Hilchot Kriyat Shema, and a teaching from Shaarei Teshuvah about the enduring gift of repentance.Reflecting on Moshe’s rebuke after the episode of the spies, Rabbi Rubenstein explains that the Torah’s command not to fear means more than avoiding fear—it means not allowing life’s hardships to erode one’s identity. With God as a partner, Jews are called to remain spiritually strong despite

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21:08

What Happens Under the Covers | July 16, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/16

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Devarim, Hilchot Kriat Shema, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about faith, divine justice, and the aftermath of Sennacherib’s invasion.Revisiting the story of the spies, Rabbi Rubenstein explains that the people's request to scout the Land reflected a lack of trust in God’s promise. Moshe’s recollection emphasizes how fear magnified obstacles, turned the nation into a chaotic mob, and led to rebellion, reminding

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26:17

The Qualities of Judges & the Judged | July 15, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/15

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Devarim, Hilchot the customs of the Nine Days, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the spiritual protection that comes through Torah study.The Parashah discussion examines Moshe’s description of the burden of judging the Jewish people and the need to appoint qualified judges. Drawing on Rashi and other commentators, Rabbi Rubenstein explains the dangers of endless litigation, cynicism toward leaders, and dishonest

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23:41

If Only | July 14, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/14

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Devarim, Hilchot Kriyat Shema, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the spiritual protection that comes from faithfulness to Torah.Rabbi Rubenstein explains that the generation leaving Sinai could have entered the Land of Israel peacefully had they fully trusted God instead of sending the spies. He also discusses Moses’ appointment of additional judges, emphasizing that the burden was not his ability but the immense

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28:06

Always Begin With A Joke | July 13, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/13

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Devarim, Hilchot Kriat Shema, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about repentance through suffering and Jewish unity.The parashah recounts Moses’ review of Israel’s recent victories over Sihon and Og before beginning his final explanation of the Torah. Rabbi Rubenstein explains that these victories proved Israel’s failures stemmed from spiritual shortcomings rather than military weakness and highlights the importance of

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23:00

What is Moshe Saying? | July 12, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/12

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Devarim, Hilchot Kriat Shema, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the purpose of exile and suffering.The parashah examines the opening verses of Devarim, highlighting differing medieval interpretations of Moses’ introductory words and the listed place names. Rabbi Rubenstein explains that they either recount Israel’s past failures as ethical rebuke or identify geographical locations, emphasizing reflection,

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21:47

Apportioning the Plunder | July 10, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/10

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Matot-Masei, Hilchot Kriat Shema, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about suffering, exile, and spiritual atonement.The parashah examines how the spoils of the war against Midian were divided between the soldiers and the rest of Israel, with portions also given to the Kohanim and Levites. Rabbi Rubenstein explains that this distribution honors those who fought while emphasizing that the campaign restored holiness after

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25:30

Aftermath of the Midianite War | July 9, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/09

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Matot-Masei, Hilchot Kriat Shema, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the spiritual value of disciplined suffering.The Parashah discusses the Israelites’ return from the battle against Midian and Moshe’s response to their handling of the captives. Rabbi Rubenstein examines the laws of ritual purification after battle, the kashering of captured vessels, and the lesson that anger can cause even great leaders to

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25:07

The War With Midian | July 8, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/08

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Matot-Masei, Hilchot Kriat Shema, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the role of disciplined suffering in developing righteousness.Rabbi Rubenstein examines the opening of the war against Midian, emphasizing Moshe’s eagerness to fulfill God’s command despite knowing it would precede his death. He also highlights why Midian, but not Moab, was punished, the importance of completing a mitzvah one begins, and Bilam’s

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20:24

Focusing on the Good People | July 7, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/07

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Matot-Masei, Hilchot Kriat Shema, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the importance of the righteous in creation.Continuing the discussion of vows, Rabbi Rubenstein explains that a husband may annul only vows that cause his wife suffering or affect their relationship, and only before sunset or before affirming the vow. He also highlights the responsibility of anyone who causes another person to sin.The Rambam

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22:14

Is Hebrew Holy? | July 6, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/06

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Matot-Masei, Hilchot Kriyat Shema, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about humanity’s purpose as the righteous pinnacle of creation.The parashah examines vows made by widows and divorced women, explaining that they remain binding unless previously annulled by a husband. Rabbi Rubenstein also explores Ibn Ezra’s understanding that although God forgives an annulled vow, it still reflects the seriousness of making

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26:14

Vows on Us | July 5, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/05

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Matot, Hilchot Kriyat Shema, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the Torah’s role as the foundation of creation.The parashah discussion examines the Torah’s laws of vows, explaining the distinction between a neder, which prohibits an object, and a shevuah, which obligates the person. Rabbi Rubenstein also discusses the Torah’s provisions for annulling certain vows and the rabbinic institution of hatarat nedarim.The

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16:44

Cozbi & Zimri | July 3, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/03

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Pinchas, Hilchot Kriyat Shema, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the unique mission and preciousness of the Jewish people.The Me’am Loez examines the identities of Zimri and Kozbi, emphasizing that both were prominent leaders whose actions led Israel into sin. Rabbi Rubenstein reflects on the dangers of zealotry, noting that while it can serve justice, it can also become destructive when misused.Rambam teaches when

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24:19

The Fast of Shiva Asar B'Tammuz | July 2, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/07/02

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Pinchas, Hilchot Fasts from Rambam, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the purpose of Jewish communal suffering.The Me’am Loez explains that Pinchas earned an eternal covenant because his zeal restored the covenant and brought atonement to Israel. Rabbi Rubenstein emphasizes that Judaism requires principled courage guided by justice and faith, especially as reflected during the Three Weeks.Rambam teaches that fast

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