The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism

Exploring Judaism
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Judaism

The Daily Derech is an opportunity for anyone to gain insight into the weekly Torah portion, learn Jewish law, and deepen their spiritual practice. A project of ExploringJudaism.org and Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein (Temple of Aaron)

  1. 18h ago

    Finding the Appropriate Teacher | June 5, 2026

    In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Beha’alotcha, Hilchot Talmud Torah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about balancing personal spirituality with compassion for others. In the Me’am Loez section, Rabbi Rubenstein examines why Levites are counted from age 25 in one passage and age 30 in another. The rabbis explain that five years were devoted to preparation and study before active service began. He also discusses the Levites’ retirement at age 50, noting that while they stepped back from physically demanding work, they continued contributing through appropriate roles, highlighting the value of lifelong communal involvement. In the Rambam section, he reviews laws of education, emphasizing that children should be matched with teachers suited to their abilities and that their safety and well-being take priority. He also stresses that Torah education should not be hindered by competition or neighborhood objections. In Menorat HaMaor, stories of Rabbi Hanina ben Dosa show him performing miracles to help others rather than himself. The lesson is that spiritual dedication should lead to greater kindness and sensitivity, not judgment of those who live differently. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

    21 min

  2. 1d ago

    The Challah of R. Chanina | June 4, 2026

    In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Beha’alotcha, Hilchot Talmud Torah from Rambam, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about dignity, poverty, and spiritual priorities. The Torah section concludes the consecration of the Levites for divine service. Rabbi Rubenstein explains that when the Israelites placed their hands on the Levites, it symbolized that the Levites were acting on behalf of the entire nation and, in a sense, becoming a communal offering dedicated to God. He connects this to the idea that the Levites were chosen in place of the firstborn Israelites who were spared during the plague in Egypt, emphasizing that divine rescue carries a responsibility of dedication and service. The Rambam teaches that teachers must take their role seriously, be God-fearing, and devote proper attention to their students. He also sets limits on class size, requiring additional assistants or teachers when the number of students becomes too large. The story of Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa describes how a miracle prevented his wife from being embarrassed by their poverty. Later, when they requested wealth through another miracle, Rabbi Chanina learned that material gain can come at the expense of spiritual reward, highlighting the importance of humility, trust in God, and sensitivity to the dignity of others. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

    20 min

  3. 3d ago

    The Prayer of R. Chanina | June 3, 2026

    In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Beha’alotcha, Hilchot Talmud Torah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about spiritual greatness, humility, and devotion to God despite material poverty. The Me’am Loez section discusses the consecration of the Levi’im for service in the Mishkan. Rabbi Rubenstein explains the purification rituals, including shaving and sacrifices, and reflects on their role in preparing the Levites for sacred service. He also examines the Midrashic teaching that Aaron physically “waved” the Levites before God, suggesting this symbolized their transformation into vessels dedicated to divine service. The Rambam section addresses children’s Torah education. Children should begin formal study around age six or seven, according to their readiness, and their learning should be treated as a central communal priority. The Menorat HaMaor section focuses on Rabbi Hanina ben Dosa, whose righteousness sustained the world despite his poverty. Through stories about his prayers and miracles, the lesson emphasizes that spiritual stature depends not on wealth or status, but on devotion to God and concern for the welfare of others. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

    19 min

  4. 4d ago

    Shining Light for Others | June 2, 2026

    In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Beha’alotcha, Hilchot Talmud Torah from Rambam, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the value and breadth of Torah learning. The parashah section examines the symbolism of the menorah and asks why God would command its lighting if God does not need light. Through a parable of a sighted man and a blind man, Rabbi Rubenstein explains that the menorah represents God’s desire to grant honor and dignity to the Jewish people. The lesson is that relationships should be built on mutual respect and efforts to preserve the dignity of others. The Rambam section teaches that every Jewish community must establish permanent teachers for children. Rabbi Rubenstein emphasizes that Torah education is a defining responsibility of a Jewish community and essential to its continued existence. The Menorat HaMaor section explains the many forms of Torah knowledge attributed to Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai and contrasts them with the extraordinary spiritual stature of Rabbi Yonatan ben Uziel. The teaching highlights both the vast scope of Torah wisdom and its power to elevate the world. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

    16 min

  5. 5d ago

    The Great Students of Hillel | June 1, 2026

    In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Beha’alotcha, Hilchot Talmud Torah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the transformative power of Torah learning. The parashah section focuses on the construction of the menorah from a single piece of gold. Rabbi Rubenstein recounts the Midrash that Moses struggled to understand how to make the menorah even after God showed him its design, and that Bezalel ultimately completed the task. The lesson is that fulfilling mitzvot can be difficult and often requires the talents and expertise of others. The Rambam section discusses women and Torah study. Rabbi Rubenstein examines Rambam’s view that women were not obligated in Torah study and critiques his exclusion of women from advanced learning, arguing that such views reflect historical assumptions rather than enduring Jewish values. The Menorat HaMaor section highlights the greatness of Hillel’s students, especially Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai and Rabbi Yonatan ben Uziel. Their examples teach that Torah learning involves both mastery of knowledge and the ability to spiritually influence and elevate the world around us. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

    19 min

  6. 6d ago

    Being Right but Mean | May 31, 2026

    In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Beha’alotcha, Hilchot Talmud Torah from the Rambam, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about compassion, humility, and dedication in Torah leadership. The Me’am Loez section examines Aaron’s distress when the tribe of Levi was excluded from bringing inauguration offerings for the Mishkan. Rabbi Rubenstein explains that Aaron wrongly interpreted this as punishment for the golden calf, while God had actually reserved a greater honor for the Levites through lighting the menorah. The discussion highlights how guilt can distort perception and why sincere repentance allows a person to move forward. The Rambam section outlines the obligation to divide Torah study into three areas: written Torah, practical law, and deeper analytical study. The episode explains that advanced scholars increasingly focus on Gemara and legal reasoning. The Menorat HaMaor section continues the story of Hillel, who forgot a halachic ruling after speaking harshly to the people. The teaching emphasizes that Torah wisdom depends not only on scholarship, but also on compassion and respect for others. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

    20 min

  7. May 29

    Confession for Confessing | May 29, 2026

    In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Naso, Hilchot Talmud Torah from the Mishneh Torah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about dedication to Torah learning and sincere repentance. The Me’am Loez section focuses on confession and repentance, emphasizing that reciting the Vidui without genuine inner change is itself a transgression. Rabbi Rubenstein explains the idea of prosecuting and defending angels, teaching that sincere confession removes the need for divine punishment because a person already recognizes and regrets their wrongdoing. The discussion highlights daily self-examination and honest repentance as paths to growth. In the Rambam section, the episode explains that Torah study must continue throughout a person’s life because knowledge is forgotten without constant review. Continuous learning reflects the belief that people can always improve and change. The Menorat HaMaor section recounts how Hillel the Elder answered a forgotten halachic question about the Pesach sacrifice overriding Shabbat. His dedication to Torah study led the sages to appoint him as their leader, demonstrating the value of perseverance and deep commitment to learning. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

    17 min

  8. May 28

    The Temptations of Joseph | May 28, 2026

    In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Naso, Hilchot Talmud Torah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about overcoming excuses that prevent Torah study. The Me’am Loez section continues discussing teshuvah and the mitzvah of confession. Rabbi Rubenstein explains that true repentance requires abandoning sin, feeling genuine regret, and only then verbally confessing. He emphasizes that reciting prayers mechanically without sincere inner change can itself become spiritually harmful. In the Rambam section, Rabbi Rubenstein discusses the obligation for every Jew to establish fixed times for Torah study, regardless of wealth, poverty, health, or personal hardship. He explains that even small daily amounts of learning connect a person to the chain of Torah transmission from Moses onward. The Menorat HaMaor section focuses on Joseph resisting the wife of Potiphar despite constant temptation. The teaching presents Joseph, along with Hillel and Rabbi Elazar ben Charsom, as proof that no circumstance excuses neglecting Torah study or righteous living. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

    20 min
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5
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16 Ratings

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The Daily Derech is an opportunity for anyone to gain insight into the weekly Torah portion, learn Jewish law, and deepen their spiritual practice. A project of ExploringJudaism.org and Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein (Temple of Aaron)

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