In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Korach, Hilchot Kriyat Shema, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about jealousy, moral courage, and defending sacred values.

The Me’am Loez examines the origins of Korach’s rebellion through a Midrash about Korach and his wife. After learning the mitzvah of tzitzit, Korach is persuaded to view the Torah’s commandments as illogical and Moses as self-interested. Rabbi Rubenstein explains that Korach’s mistake was allowing doubt about a commandment he did not understand to undermine his faith in the Torah and its divine source.

In the Rambam section, Rabbi Rubenstein discusses the blessings recited before and after the Shema. He explains how these blessings emphasize God’s roles in creation, revelation through Torah, and redemption.

The Menorat HaMaor di ...