Inescapabable Theodicy | July 26, 2026

See today's text here! 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 individuals, not communities, and never on Shabbat or festivals. He also explains how the nineteenth blessing was added to the Amidah to address the threat of heresy. Menorat HaMaor explains that delaying repentance makes sin seem permissible through repetition. The episode emphasizes that sincere repentance prevents harmful habits from taking root and preserves moral sensitivity. Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tcc3SVUwTwnAYc8-1U5tNSrczvr2GGYa/view?usp=sharing Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.