Deathly Despair | October 9th, 2026

See today's text here!In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Bereshit, Hilchot Shabbat, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about divine judgment and respecting the sacred.The Me’am Loez section examines Cain and Abel’s offerings, explaining that Abel brought the choicest animals while Cain offered inferior produce. Through Rashi and Ibn Ezra, Rabbi Rubenstein highlights God’s message that wrongdoing can be overcome through repentance and self-improvement rather than despair.The Rambam section discusses the role of intention in Shabbat violations. A person is not liable for a prohibited labor different from the one intended, even when the unintended action violates Shabbat.The Menorat HaMaor section explores measure-for-measure judgment through the sons of Eli, who corrupted the Temple service, and Yissachar of Kfar Barkai, who dishonored sacred offerings by wrapping his hands in silk. Their stories emphasize the importance of respecting holiness and those who serve it.Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-npb4fyS2yEuw2Xm9o3sQoURGuGbKpEc/view?usp=sharingLearn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.