The Temptations of Joseph | May 28, 2026

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Naso, Hilchot Talmud Torah, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about overcoming excuses that prevent Torah study.The Me’am Loez section continues discussing teshuvah and the mitzvah of confession. Rabbi Rubenstein explains that true repentance requires abandoning sin, feeling genuine regret, and only then verbally confessing. He emphasizes that reciting prayers mechanically without sincere inner change can itself become spiritually harmful.In the Rambam section, Rabbi Rubenstein discusses the obligation for every Jew to establish fixed times for Torah study, regardless of wealth, poverty, health, or personal hardship. He explains that even small daily amounts of learning connect a person to the chain of Torah transmission from Moses onward.The Menorat HaMaor section focuses on Joseph resisting the wife of Potiphar despite constant temptation. The teaching presents Joseph, along with Hillel and Rabbi Elazar ben Charsom, as proof that no circumstance excuses neglecting Torah study or righteous living.Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.