The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism

Exploring Judaism
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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)

Season 1

  1. EPISODE 1

    Introduction Part 1 - What is this project?

    In this introductory episode, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein introduces The Daily Derech. The Daily Derech is a 15-minute podcast released Sunday through Friday, structured into three five-minute segments: parashah study, practical Jewish law, and character development. The goal is to make daily Torah learning accessible, clear, and realistic for Jews who want to learn but struggle with time or knowing where to begin. Content will be drawn from Me’am Loez, Mishneh Torah, and Menorat HaMaor, presenting rabbinic Judaism in a format designed for the modern Jew. In this episode, RabbI Rubenstein lays out the structure, purpose, and heart of the project. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech Reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

    5 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Introduction Part 2 - What are we learning?

    In this introductory episode, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explains the three foundational works that will shape The Daily Derech. For parashah study, we're learning from the Me’am Loez, the 18th-century Ladino commentary that weaves Talmud, Midrash, halakhah, and ethical teaching into a flowing, story-like presentation designed for the broader community. For practical Jewish law, we're learning from Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah, the comprehensive 12th-century code written to present clear, organized halakhah without requiring navigation of complex Talmudic debates. For character development, we're learning from the Menorat HaMaor, the medieval ethical work of Rabbeinu Yitzhak Abuhav, which gathers classical rabbinic sources into an accessible framework focused on middot, mitzvot, prayer, repentance, and communal life. In this episode, Rabbi Rubenstein outlines why these texts were chosen and how they together create a stable, normative, and accessible framework for daily Torah learning. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

    10 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    When Failure is Redirected | Mar 4, 2026

    In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Ki Tisa, Hilchot Chametz uMatzah, and preparation for Pesach. From Me’am Loez, he teaches the principle of ein mukdam umuchar baTorah, explaining that the Mishkan was commanded after the sin of the Golden Calf, reframing failure as misdirected spiritual energy that can be redirected toward serving God. In Rambam’s Hilchot Chametz uMatzah, he outlines the severity of eating a kezayit of chametz on Pesach, the concept of karet, and the prohibitions against eating, benefiting from, or owning chametz. From Menorat HaMaor, he highlights the rabbinic practice of reviewing the laws of Pesach thirty days in advance, emphasizing preparation before entering sacred time. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

    17 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Counted Even After the Calf | Mar 5, 2026

    In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Ki Tisa, Hilchot Chametz uMatzah, and the brit bein habetarim. From Me’am Loez, he explains why God commands a census after the Golden Calf, framing it as a message that each person still counts even after transgression. In Hilchot Chametz uMatzah, he outlines the laws of chametz sheavar alav Pesach and the difference between full chametz and mixtures after the holiday. From Menorat HaMaor, he reflects on Avraham’s covenant and the promise that suffering will ultimately lead to redemption. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

    17 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

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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