# Turning from Evil, Doing the Good, Pursuing Peace | May 1, 2026 Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-daily-derech-from-exploring-judaism-7726833/turning-from-evil-doing-the-good-pursuing-peace-may-1-2026 Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-daily-derech-from-exploring-judaism-7726833/turning-from-evil-doing-the-good-pursuing-peace-may-1-2026.md Podcast: [The Daily Derech from Exploring Judaism](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-daily-derech-from-exploring-judaism-7726833) Published: 2026-05-01T09:00:00+00:00 Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/thedailyderech-ej/2782104 Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/375185/2782104/thedailyderech-ej/2026_04_30_18_17_42_3bb8b63a-68f3-4f6e-a2c5-b5c27a56c2d0.mp3 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-daily-derech-from-exploring-judaism-7726833/episodes/turning-from-evil-doing-the-good-pursuing-peace-may-1-2026 Duration seconds: 1303 ## Resource In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Emor, Hilchot Kiddush Hashem and Chilul Hashem from the Rambam, and a teaching from Menorat HaMaor about building a life centered on holiness, ethical behavior, and peace. The Parashah section examines the Torah’s restrictions on Kohanim with physical blemishes serving in the Beit HaMikdash. Rabbi Rubenstein acknowledges the difficulty of these verses through a modern lens, while explaining that the Torah’s focus is on the mission of inspiring awe and reverence for God. He emphasizes that these laws are not punishments, since the Kohen still retains dignity and the right to partake in sacrificial offerings. The Rambam section discusses sanctifying or desecrating God’s name through public behavior. Performing mitzvot and acting with integrity elevates God’s reputation, while careless or unethical conduct can create a chilul Hashem. The Menorat HaMaor section outlines a spiritual framework built on avoiding harmful desires and speech, performing mitzvot, studying Torah, pursuing repentance, and seeking peace. Rabbi Rubenstein highlights humility and respectful relationships as essential foundations of authentic Jewish life. Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here . ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-daily-derech-from-exploring-judaism-7726833/episodes/turning-from-evil-doing-the-good-pursuing-peace-may-1-2026/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-daily-derech-from-exploring-judaism-7726833/turning-from-evil-doing-the-good-pursuing-peace-may-1-2026.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.