The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism

23:18

To Begin Again | October 5th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/10/05

See today's text here:In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Bereshit, Hilchot Shabbat, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about divine justice and measure for measure.The Parashah section examines the creation of humanity and Rashi’s interpretation of the two yuds in the word describing Adam’s formation. This teaching suggests that human beings contain both a physical nature suited to this world and a spiritual dimension connected to the world of

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24:04

The Joy of the Water Drawing | Ocotber 2nd, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/10/02

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Kohelet, Hilchot Shofar, Sukkah, and Lulav, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the meaning of Shemini Atzeret.The final verse of Kohelet emphasizes revering God, observing the mitzvot, and directing one’s heart toward God. Rashi and Ibn Ezra understand the verse as a conclusion that brings people back to their spiritual purpose despite the many questions and disagreements explored throughout the

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19:01

The Kosher Lulav | October 1st, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/10/01

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Kohelet, Hilchot Sukkah and Lulav, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about finding joy and beauty in mitzvot.Kohelet 9:10 teaches that we should act on what is within our power rather than delay. Rabbi Rubenstein compares Rashi’s focus on performing mitzvot with Ibn Ezra’s broader emphasis on permitted enjoyment, suggesting that both perspectives have value.The Rambam discusses the requirements that

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18:44

The Willow Ceremony | September 30th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/30

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Kohelet, Hilchot Sukkot, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the spiritual meaning of the number ten.Kohelet 7:14 teaches that we should enjoy times of good fortune while using difficult times for reflection and growth. Rashi and the Midrash offer additional perspectives, emphasizing opportunities to do good and the importance of supporting others in both joy and hardship.The Rambam discusses the willow

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25:27

Beyond the 9th Sphere | September 29th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/29

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Kohelet, Hilchot Sukkah uLulav, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.Kohelet teaches that because God has a broader perspective than human beings, we should be cautious about speaking rashly or judging what happens in the world from our limited viewpoint. The commentators emphasize trusting God’s wisdom while focusing on living responsibly and

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22:32

Concealment in the Heart | September 28th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/28

See today's text here!Here’s a 4-paragraph summary following your exact structure and staying within 120–150 words:In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Kohelet, Hilchot Lulav, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about recognizing God’s presence and blessings in our lives.Kohelet teaches that God brings events about at their proper time while concealing knowledge of the future. Rashi explains that this hiddenness encourages people to depend on one another and to live

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14:10

Sevens | September 25th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/25

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores the first day of Sukkot, Hilchot Shofar, Sukkah, and Lulav, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the significance of seven.The Parashah section examines the four species of Sukkot and Rashi’s explanations for the Torah’s unusual descriptions of the etrog, lulav, myrtle, and willow. The discussion highlights how the etrog remains attached to its tree and how the myrtle’s leaves resemble intertwined

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25:02

The Lulav Trophy | September 24th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/24

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores the first Torah reading for the first day of Sukkot, Hilchot Sukkah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about righteousness and transmitting Torah.The Parashah section examines the shofar’s connection to Rosh Hashanah, noting that the Torah describes a sounding without explicitly naming the shofar. Rabbi Rubenstein explains how the rabbis connected it to the Jubilee year, where the shofar proclaimed freedom,

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21:45

Clouds of Glory | September 23rd, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/23

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores the first-day Sukkot reading, Hilchot Sukkah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about God’s protection in the wilderness.The Parashah section examines the counting of the Omer and the Torah’s reference to beginning the count after Shabbat. Rabbi Rubenstein explains the disagreement between the Sadducees and Pharisees over how to interpret this phrase and why the rabbinic interpretation begins the counting on

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24:39

The Nature of Skach | September 22nd, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/22

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores the first day of Sukkot Torah reading, Hilchot Sukkah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about trusting in God.The Parashah section examines the laws of Passover, Chol HaMoed, the Omer offering, and the distinction between hadash and yishan grain. It also discusses Rashi’s understanding of the Passover sacrifice, offerings on Chol HaMoed, and the waving of the Omer.The Rambam section focuses on the laws of

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19:53

Onto Sukkot | September 20th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/20

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores the Sukkot Torah reading, Hilchot Sukkah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about finding joy in serving God.The Sukkot reading begins with laws governing sacrifices, including restrictions on young animals, sacrificing a mother and offspring on the same day, and consuming sacrificial meat within its proper time. These laws demonstrate that an offering’s acceptability involves more than its physical

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16:37

Each Word is Holy | September 18th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/18

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parshat HaZinu, Hilchot Yom Kippur, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about repentance, holiness, and freedom.The HaZinu section concludes with Moses preparing to die without entering the land. Rabbi Rubenstein focuses on the Torah being one’s very life, emphasizing that every word and detail of Torah contains meaning and lessons for living and growing closer to God.The Rambam discusses Yom Kippur

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16:28

The Prohibition of YK Washing | September 17th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/17

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parshat Haazinu, Hilchot Yom Kippur, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about replacing Temple sacrifice with prayer and study.In Parshat Haazinu, Rabbi Rubenstein examines the unusual word “afahem” and Rashi’s interpretation connecting it to peah, the corners of a field reserved for those in need. This offers a hopeful reading of a harsh passage: being placed at society’s margins can become an opportunity to

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16:26

The Hiding of God's Presence | September 16th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/16

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Haazinu, Hilchot Shevitat Asor, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about repentance and the meaning of Yom Kippur.In Haazinu, Rabbi Rubenstein focuses on the verse describing God hiding the divine presence from Israel. Drawing on Nachmanides, he explains that experiencing life without God’s presence can reveal the consequences of spiritual disconnection and inspire a return to Torah.In the Rambam’s

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18:47

The Mitzvah of Jewish History | September 15th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/15

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parshat HaAzinu, Hilchot Sh’vitat Asor, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about repentance, restraint, and preparing for Yom Kippur.The Parashah section focuses on remembering Jewish history and God’s relationship with previous generations. Rabbi Rubenstein emphasizes that understanding the past helps Jews remain conscious of the covenant, while considering the future and divine accountability can also

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18:30

Becoming Angels | September 14th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/14

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Ha’azinu, Hilchot Yom Kippur, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about Yom Kippur as a day of purification and atonement.The episode begins with Tzom Gedalia and then turns to Ha’azinu, focusing on the heavens and earth as witnesses to Israel’s covenant with God. Their constant presence means they can witness Israel’s actions and respond when the covenant is violated.The Rambam explains that Yom

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16:27

The Shofar Tunnel | September 11th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/11

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores the second day Rosh Hashanah Torah reading, Hilchot Shofar, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about repentance and spiritual renewal.The Akedah concludes with God promising Abraham that his descendants will endure, overcome their enemies, and ultimately experience redemption. Ramban explains that this promise assures that although the Jewish people may suffer destruction and hardship, they will never be

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17:32

Crying and or Sighing | September 10th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/10

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores the Akedah, Hilchot Shofar, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the meaning and symbolism of the shofar.The Parashah section examines the binding of Isaac and Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice him. Rabbi Rubenstein focuses on Rashi and Midrashic interpretations that seek to distance God from commanding the actual sacrifice, emphasizing the rabbis’ discomfort with that reading of the Torah.The Rambam

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20:25

The Satan Speaks to God | September 9th, 2026

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/09

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Vayera and the Akedah, Hilchot Shofar, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about repentance, self-sacrifice, and awakening the soul.The Akedah is examined through rabbinic interpretations of why God tested Abraham. One view emphasizes Abraham’s devotion to God beyond his love for Isaac, while another highlights Isaac’s willingness to sacrifice himself, showing that religious life should center on

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17:28

The Well of Seven Ewes | September 8th, 2028

The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism ·

2026/09/08

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores the first day of Rosh Hashanah Torah reading, Hilchot Shofar, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the call of the shofar to responsibility and repentance.The Parashah section examines Abraham’s pact with Avimelech over the well at Beersheba. Sforno highlights how trust, justice, and Abraham’s relationship with God shape the encounter, while Abraham’s tamarisk represents both establishing his place and

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