Healing the Rift | June 28, 2026

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

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 business practices, while highlighting the seven qualities that make an ideal judge. The Rambam section pauses the study of Hilchot Kriat Shema to review the Ashkenazi customs of the Nine Days, including refraining from meat, wine, and recreational bathing, while noting that individual circumstances should be discussed with a rabbi. The Menorat HaMaor teaches that King Hezekiah’s devotion to Torah protected Judah from Assyria. It emphasizes that strengthening Torah learning and remaining faithful to the covenant are enduring sources of spiritual resilience. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech [http://exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech] and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here [https://www.templeofaaron.org/about-5-1].

If Only | July 14, 2026

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 responsibility of rendering just decisions. The Rambam teaches that one may not recite the Shema while naked, even alone. Proper separation between the heart and one’s nakedness preserves the reverence required for prayer. The Menorat HaMaor contrasts the downfall of the Northern Kingdom with Judah’s survival under King Hezekiah. It teaches that devotion to Torah and the covenant strengthens the Jewish people and invites God’s protection. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech [http://exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech] and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here [https://www.templeofaaron.org/about-5-1].

Always Begin With A Joke | July 13, 2026

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 renewing Torah before entering the Land of Israel. The Rambam teaches that Kriat Shema may not be recited in the presence of nakedness, requiring one to avert one’s gaze because the prohibition depends on seeing, not physical distance. Menorat HaMaor teaches that communal suffering and exile can lead to redemption even when repentance begins under pressure. The discussion emphasizes that hardship can foster Jewish unity and ultimately draw the nation closer to God.

What is Moshe Saying? | July 12, 2026

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, repentance, and the renewed teaching of Torah before entering the Land of Israel. The Rambam teaches that one must distance oneself from foul odors before reciting Kriat Shema and avoid praying near places designated for waste, even when no odor is present. Menorat HaMaor explains that exile and physical suffering are preferable to spiritual punishment, teaching that temporary hardship refines the Jewish people and prepares them for ultimate redemption and the World to Come. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech [http://exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech] and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here [https://www.templeofaaron.org/about-5-1].

Apportioning the Plunder | July 10, 2026

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 the sin of Baal Peor, culminating in the officers' voluntary donation to the Mishkan. The Rambam discusses reciting Kriat Shema when excrement is covered or only residue remains, stressing that prayer should ideally take place in a clean environment. Menorat HaMaor teaches that Abraham accepted exile for his descendants rather than harsher spiritual punishment, framing Jewish suffering as an opportunity for repentance and renewed closeness to God. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech [http://exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech] and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here [https://www.templeofaaron.org/about-5-1].