The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism

In this episode of The Daily Derech , Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein continues exploring Parashat Vayakhel, Hilchot Chametz uMatzah, and the symbolism of the Temples in Menorat HaMaor. From Me’am Loez, he explains how the 39 categories of labor forbidden on Shabbat come from the work used to build the Mishkan. The same activities that build God’s dwelling during the week are precisely what must stop on S...

In this episode of The Daily Derech , Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Vayakhel–Pekudei, Hilchot Chametz uMatzah, and the symbolism of the sacrifices in the brit bein habetarim. From Me’am Loez, he explains why the Torah reminds the people about Shabbat just before the work of building the Mishkan. Even the sacred task of building a dwelling place for God does not override the need to sto...

In this episode of The Daily Derech , Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Vayakhel, Hilchot Chametz uMatzah, and the deeper lessons of the brit bein habetarim. From Me’am Loez, he reflects on the word vayakhel and the power of kehilah . After the sin of the Golden Calf and the forgiveness of Yom Kippur, Moshe gathers the people together, teaching that the first step after failure is rebuildi...

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Parah, the laws of Erev Pesach, and the deeper meaning of exile and redemption. From Me’am Loez, he reflects on the mitzvah of the Parah Adumah, the red heifer, and the mystery of purification from contact with death as preparation for Pesach. In Hilchot Chametz uMatzah, he outlines when chametz becomes prohibited on Er...

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 b...

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 Hilch...

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...

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 w...