Episode Details

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 Shabbat, reminding us that worship includes both sacred work and sacred rest.

In Hilchot Chametz uMatzah, he examines the rabbinic obligation of bedikat chametz, the search for chametz before Pesach, and discusses when chametz must be removed and when nullification is sufficient.

From Menorat HaMaor, he explores the wells dug by Yitzchak and how their names symbolize the three Temples: struggle around the first, opposition during the second, and the hope for a future era of spiritual expansiveness.

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