Tu B'Av & The Torah Definition of Love | July 29, 2026

See today's text here! In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Ekev, Hilchot Tefillah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about Tu B’Av as a celebration of reconciliation and unity. The Parashah section examines Deuteronomy 8:1–3 through Sforno’s interpretation of the wilderness experience. Rather than teaching that mitzvot become easier when life is comfortable, the generation sustained by miraculous provisions demonstrates that commitment depends on personal resolve, not ideal circumstances. The Rambam teaches that the verses recited before and after the Amidah frame prayer with humility, reminding us that our words come from God and should ultimately align with the Divine will. The Menorat HaMaor section focuses on Tu B’Av, explaining its six historical reasons for celebration. Together they highlight forgiveness, national reconciliation, and choosing unity over division as the foundation of authentic Jewish love. Today's text: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13-M-ZYpTttLAfZ-qPLd5IyhzKewdPnDh/view?usp=sharing Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.