Potty Before Prayer | August 7, 2026

See today's text here!

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Re’ei, Hilchot Tefilah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about the dangers of speech.

In the final aliyah of Re’ei, Rabbi Rubenstein examines why blood may not be consumed, drawing on the Bechor Shor’s explanation that blood is designated for the altar as an essential part of atonement. The discussion connects this ancient practice to the laws governing the preparation of meat today.

The Rambam teaches that a person should relieve themselves before praying so physical discomfort does not interfere with concentration. If someone must relieve themselves within the time it takes to walk a parsah, the prayer must be repeated.

Menorat HaMaor warns about turning the tongue into a weapon through harmful or forbidden speech. The tongue is protected by the mouth and teeth, reminding us to restrain our words and use speech responsibly.

Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CIYeA1wvKEbgzHd45UEfFjZ-T_cRh_YO/view?usp=sharing

Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here