Episode Details

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Achrei Mot–Kedoshim, Hilchot martyrdom and sanctification of God’s name from the Rambam, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the balance between halacha and aggadah.

The Me’am Loez describes the Yom Kippur service, focusing on the scapegoat sent to Azazel after the Kohen Gadol confesses the people’s sins. The goat’s death symbolizes the removal of sin, while the High Priest’s public Torah reading and blessings highlight the communal and spiritual culmination of the day.

The Rambam outlines when one must sacrifice their life rather than transgress, identifying idolatry, sexual sins, and murder as exceptions, and adding that public coercion to violate mitzvot requires martyrdom to preserve faith.

The Menorat HaMaor shares a story contrasting halachic teaching with aggadic storytelling, showing that while stories inspire more easily, rigorous law is ultimately more essential, and both are necessary for a complete religious life.

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