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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 completely destroyed and will ultimately rise again.

Rambam explains the placement of the shofar blasts within the Rosh Hashanah Musaf service. The three blessings of Malchuyot, Zichronot, and Shofarot each include verses reflecting their themes, followed by their corresponding series of shofar blasts.

Menorat HaMaor teaches that the shofar is intended to awaken us to repentance and improve our deeds. Through this spiritual renewal, the shofar symbolizes God moving from judgment toward mercy and compassion.

Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lE_aIqCZfyqmjCb1ZP3saMCLO2WSHw8N/view?usp=sharing

Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

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 section explains the required shofar blasts for Rosh Hashanah. Because of uncertainty about the precise meaning of teruah, the halachic practice incorporates tekiah, shevarim, and teruah, resulting in a minimum of thirty blasts.

Menorat HaMaor presents the shofar as a reminder of the Day of Judgment and a spiritual wake-up call. It also symbolizes the future ingathering of the Jewish people and the resurrection of the dead.

Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YL6RQKDLl-DwtwPgZlqF1O6XzdPFOwph/view?usp=sharing

Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

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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 serving God rather than personal reward.

The Rambam explains that when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, the shofar is generally not sounded because of the rabbinic concern that someone might carry it in the public domain. Exceptions existed when the Temple or properly ordained courts were present.

Menorat HaMaor presents the shofar as a reminder of the Akedah and God’s compassion, while its broken sound awakens awe and repentance. The shofar calls us to examine our deeds, humble ourselves, and place God at the center of our lives.

Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1APu2NdZekuv3x3hdJrXaE_lP2FPOH5XJ/view?usp=sharing

Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

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 creating a welcoming space.

The Rambam discusses laws concerning the shofar’s length and condition, emphasizing that varied sounds remain valid. He also explains that listeners must hear the shofar rather than merely an echo, and both blower and listener need intention for the mitzvah.

Menorat HaMaor presents two reasons for sounding the shofar: remembering the prophets’ warnings and remembering the Temple’s destruction. The shofar calls people to heed warnings, take responsibility, repent, and pray for protection and redemption.

Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v4JR2hyAcvhiJRK3pj0pdn6J3XTaB0eH/view?usp=sharing

Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

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In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores the Rosh Hashanah Torah readings, Hilchot Shofar, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about repentance and returning to God.

The Parashah section examines Hagar and Ishmael being sent into the wilderness and saved after God hears the boy’s cry. Through Rashi’s interpretation, Rabbi Rubenstein emphasizes that Ishmael was judged according to who he was in that moment, highlighting the importance of sincere repentance and our present actions.

The Rambam section explains the Torah obligation to hear the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, why a ram’s horn is used, and requirements concerning its size, cracks, holes, additions, and sound.

Menorat HaMaor presents the shofar as a warning and opportunity to repent, like a king announcing a final opportunity for pardon. It also recalls the shofar at Mount Sinai, reminding us to return to Torah and mitzvot.

Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lEAcLxrYhNLHLPDMxrgDdaFLOQQzUkrv/view?usp=sharing

Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

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In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores the Rosh Hashanah readings from Genesis, Hilchot Tefillah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the meaning of the shofar and God’s kingship.

The Me’am Loez section examines Isaac’s birth and Sarah’s demand that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. Rashi’s interpretations of Ishmael’s behavior suggest that what begins as play or joy can quickly become idolatry, immorality, or violence, emphasizing the importance of recognizing limits.

The Rambam discusses the qualifications for serving as the shaliach tzibbur, emphasizing wisdom, good character, trustworthiness, and accurate pronunciation. Rabbi Rubenstein also explains how some requirements, such as having a full beard, reflect the standards and customs of the society in which the halacha developed.

Menorat HaMaor presents the mitzvot as sources of benefit for both body and soul. The shofar on Rosh Hashanah serves as a coronation ceremony, proclaiming God’s sovereignty as humanity chooses to serve Him.

Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vkuTTSb6Ep5hyG7CI5i8awXSFWpPoaW7/view?usp=sharing

Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

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In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Nitzavim Vayeilech, Hilchot Tefillah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the discipline of teshuvah.

The Me’am Loez section examines the phrase “lo bashamayim hi,” emphasizing that Torah cannot be approached only through our own intellect or prior assumptions. Rabbi Rubenstein highlights the teaching that humility and openness are necessary to truly receive Torah as revelation and allow it to teach us something new.

The Rambam section discusses when a person can fulfill the obligation of prayer by listening to the repetition of the Shaliach Tzibbur and answering Amen. Generally, this applies to those unable to pray themselves, while on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur of the Jubilee year, even those who know the prayers may rely on the leader.

Menorat HaMaor presents David as establishing the path and discipline of teshuvah. His repentance ultimately enabled Solomon’s prayers to open the Temple gates, demonstrating the transformative power of repentance.

Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q01JVIhyX_DhbJVA86X-qhrRhmFdvT3X/view?usp=sharing

Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

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In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Nitzavim, Hilchot Tefillah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about repentance and looking upward toward God.

Parashat Nitzavim focuses on the promise that God will gather the Jewish people from wherever they have been scattered and circumcise their hearts. Ramban explains this as a future time when people will naturally desire goodness, while teshuvah in the present allows us to reconnect with that inner goodness.

The Rambam discusses the requirements for a prayer quorum, explaining that the ten members and prayer leader must be considered to be in one place. Different arrangements between large and small courtyards can still constitute one group, but the halacha does not by itself resolve modern questions such as Zoom prayer.

Menorat HaMaor teaches that the sons of Korach were saved because they looked upward rather than following their father. The teaching emphasizes that everyone can turn toward God through repentance and ultimately separate themselves from sin.

Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BIi3fuljdCPzDw_CzwnfePGwINrGeyMB/view?usp=sharing

Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

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In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Nitzavim-Va’eilech, Hilchot Tefillah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about repentance, wisdom, and good deeds.

The Parashah section examines Deuteronomy 30:1–3 and the promise that God will gather Israel after they return to the covenant. Focusing on the Hebrew wording, Rabbi Rubenstein highlights the Talmudic teaching that God’s Divine Presence accompanies the Jewish people through exile and redemption, emphasizing the deep relationship between God and Israel.

The Rambam discusses when communal recitation of the Shema’s blessings, Kaddish, and the priestly blessing requires a quorum of ten. He also explains that if a minyan begins a sacred matter and some people leave, the remaining participants may complete it.

Menorat HaMaor continues its teaching that true wisdom leads to repentance and good deeds. Rabbi Rubenstein emphasizes that knowledge becomes genuine wisdom when it produces righteous action and is pursued for the sake of heaven.

Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YhiUyEuttg3uuuxTH5NZjZKj4dxONTsS/view?usp=sharing

Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.

See today's text here!

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Nitzavim, Hilchot communal prayer from Rambam, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about repentance and strengthening the good inclination.

Rabbi Rubenstein examines why Israel is brought into a renewed covenant with consequences for violating the Torah. Drawing on Rashi, he explains that exposure to other nations and their attractive values can tempt Jews away from their covenant, making commitment to Torah and its real consequences especially important.

Rambam defines communal prayer as one person praying aloud while the congregation listens, requiring a quorum of ten. Even those who have already fulfilled their prayer obligation may help complete the minyan, provided most still have the obligation.

Menorat HaMaor teaches that the body is like a besieged city, threatened by the evil inclination. Repentance and good deeds strengthen the good inclination, helping a person resist temptation and grow spiritually.

Today's episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oE0ZG5Wn_rpeIxmJmEF2IAEliB0kQT1Y/view?usp=sharing

Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.