The Present Moment | September 7th, 2026

See today's text here!

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores the Rosh Hashanah Torah readings, Hilchot Shofar, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about repentance and returning to God.

The Parashah section examines Hagar and Ishmael being sent into the wilderness and saved after God hears the boy’s cry. Through Rashi’s interpretation, Rabbi Rubenstein emphasizes that Ishmael was judged according to who he was in that moment, highlighting the importance of sincere repentance and our present actions.

The Rambam section explains the Torah obligation to hear the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, why a ram’s horn is used, and requirements concerning its size, cracks, holes, additions, and sound.

Menorat HaMaor presents the shofar as a warning and opportunity to repent, like a king announcing a final opportunity for pardon. It also recalls the shofar at Mount Sinai, reminding us to return to Torah and mitzvot.

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

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