In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Matot, Hilchot Kriyat Shema, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the Torah’s role as the foundation of creation.

The parashah discussion examines the Torah’s laws of vows, explaining the distinction between a neder, which prohibits an object, and a shevuah, which obligates the person. Rabbi Rubenstein also discusses the Torah’s provisions for annulling certain vows and the rabbinic institution of hatarat nedarim.

The Rambam teaches that one should ensure clean hands before reciting Shema and avoid reciting it in places lacking proper sanctity, such as bathrooms or cemeteries. If Shema is recited in an improper location, it must be repeated.

The Menorat HaMaor explains that the world exists through the merit of Torah and those who embody it. Moses ...