The Shofar Tunnel | September 11th, 2026

See today's text here!

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores the second day Rosh Hashanah Torah reading, Hilchot Shofar, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about repentance and spiritual renewal.

The Akedah concludes with God promising Abraham that his descendants will endure, overcome their enemies, and ultimately experience redemption. Ramban explains that this promise assures that although the Jewish people may suffer destruction and hardship, they will never be completely destroyed and will ultimately rise again.

Rambam explains the placement of the shofar blasts within the Rosh Hashanah Musaf service. The three blessings of Malchuyot, Zichronot, and Shofarot each include verses reflecting their themes, followed by their corresponding series of shofar blasts.

Menorat HaMaor teaches that the shofar is intended to awaken us to repentance and improve our deeds. Through this spiritual renewal, the shofar symbolizes God moving from judgment toward mercy and compassion.

Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lE_aIqCZfyqmjCb1ZP3saMCLO2WSHw8N/view?usp=sharing

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