Episode Details

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 stop, rest, and recognize that the world ultimately belongs to God.

In Hilchot Chametz uMatzah, he discusses the practical laws of bedikat chametz, including the use of a candle for searching, where one is required to look for chametz, and when it is acceptable to rely on bitul.

From Menorat HaMaor, he continues the midrash on the brit bein habetarim, exploring how the goat and the ram symbolize later periods of Jewish history, the challenges of the Second Temple era, and the hope for redemption in the future.

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