Episode Details

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Bahar, Hilchot the sanctity of divine names from Rambam, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about overcoming jealousy, desire, and the pursuit of honor.

The Parashah section focuses on the mitzvah of Shemitah, the sabbatical year when the land rests every seventh year. Rabbi Rubenstein explains that this rest is not primarily agricultural, but a spiritual act acknowledging that the land ultimately belongs to God. He also discusses how the Torah limits ordinary ownership during Shemitah and how the rabbis restricted certain naturally growing crops to prevent abuse of the law.

In the Rambam section, the episode examines the prohibition against erasing God’s names. Rabbi Rubenstein reviews the seven sacred names and explains how careful treatment of them cultivates reverence and awareness of God’s presence.

The Menorat HaMaor section analyzes a teaching from Pirkei Avot about jealousy, desire, and honor removing a person from the world. Rabbi Rubenstein explains that allowing these impulses to guide one’s life distances a person from their true spiritual purpose.

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