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In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Eikev, Hilchot Tefillah on voluntary prayer and the Amidah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about how repeated sin reshapes a person's moral awareness.

Reflecting on Deuteronomy 7:12–16, Rabbi Rubenstein wrestles with the Torah's promises of material blessing for obedience. Drawing on the Netziv's Ha'amek Davar, he presents a more spiritual reading, explaining that the blessings describe inner growth, meaningful contribution, and responsible living rather than guaranteed physical rewards.

The Rambam teaches that voluntary Amidah prayers are permitted only for indiv ...