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.