Episode Details

See today's text here!

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parshat Shoftim, Hilchot Tefillah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about God’s creation of the world.

The Parashah section examines the command not to deviate from the ruling of judges, even when their decision appears incorrect. Rabbi Rubenstein emphasizes that Judaism is fundamentally communal and sometimes requires accepting communal authority rather than relying solely on personal judgment.

The Rambam section discusses the ideal direction for prayer. Those outside Israel should face Israel, those in Israel should face Jerusalem, and those in Jerusalem should face the Temple; when unable to determine direction, one should direct the heart toward God. In synagogue, facing the Ark can take precedence.

The Menorat HaMaor teaching presents a debate about whether God created the raw materials of the universe. The discussion emphasizes that God created even chaos, darkness, water, wind, and the depths, while acknowledging mysteries surrounding creation.

Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WYV_aLFxe0U8Uxgs7HA61LvwuHqNuZER/view?usp=sharing

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