Mining The Riches Of The Parsha

This morning we unpack the dense and beautiful Kinnah, B'Tzeisi, which contrasts the experience of joyously leaving Egypt with the horror and trauma of being exiled from Jerusalem. We learn, via the Passover Seder plate, the intrinsic connection between the two. And we share how the Kinnah ends with hope, as does Tisha B'Av. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Q...

This morning we analyze the prayer for Tisha B'Av, Nacheim, and we point out that the words do not accord with the reality. We provide one solution and two reinterpretations. Plus this year in particular, the words are tragically applicable, in many ways. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. AD...

This evening we discuss Tisha B'Av and the Holocaust, based on a lecture by Rabbi JJ Schacter. I share a story about the Ayalon Institute secret bullet factory, and a story of an Ethiopian Jewish family learning for the first time of the destruction of the Bet HaMikdash. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Fa...

This morning we analyze the prayer Nacheim, which is added to our prayers on Tisha B'Av afternoon. Based on the insights of the Rav, Rabbi Yosef Soloveitchik, we uncover why the mourning practices of Tisha B'Av lesson in the afternoon, and why we fast on the 9th of Av instead of the 10th. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at Mc...

This morning we discuss an article by Rabbi Yaakov Feitman explaining the constructive spiritual purpose of the mourning we feel during these days culminating this Sunday on Tisha B'Av. Where it is supposed to lead us and where to do we see the response we seek for it? Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Facu...

This morning we discuss the juxtaposition of two verses, which, according to Baal HaTurim, teach us the single act that was Moshe's greatest merit, to encourage and lift the spirits of another person. It's so easy to do, and the impact is inestimable. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH...

This morning we review the details of Shabbat ending as Tisha B'Av begins. this is an opportunity to use the holiness of Shabbat to infuse the meaningfulness of Tisha B'Av. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judais...

This morning we discuss Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' presentation of two very different and consequential responses to the catastrophe of the destruction of the second Bet HaMikdash - from Paul of Tarsus and from Rabbi Akiva. This leads us to Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg's analysis of how the month of Av, and Tisha B'Av specifically, propels us to the month of Ellul. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH...

This morning we learn about HaBaita (Going Home), an Israeli initiative started by Izhar Armony (interviewed by Daniel Gordis) to discover what it takes to have the inhabitants of Israel's south and north who have been evacuated - some 180,000 Israelis - return home. And he is doing it with inspiring success! You will be surprised at the key factor, and how it may improve all Israel. Michael Whitm...

This evening we explore reasons why the Torah prohibits not only false words by empty words, using Mishb'tzei Shlomo. From Rav Aharon Lichtenstein we learn the purpose of appreciating every stop along the journey from Egypt to Israel using the analogy of a car rental, and every stop in our lives, not just the end goal. We then try to convey what cannot be conveyed in words - our feelings and mood...

Only one Yartzeit is clearly mentioned in the Torah - this Shabbat, this first day of Av is the Yartzeit of Aharon. We uncover the true meaning of Yartzeit, and what that day should case us to do., especially this Shabbat. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogu...

This morning we explore the consequences of Moshe's uncharacteristic outburst of anger against the soldiers who fought against Midian, and demonstrate the damage it caused him with a story about Rabbi Yosef of Brisk. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue comm...

This morning we imagine a couple standing under their Chuppah and the plans and decisions they have already made vs. the reactions to life as it unfolds for them. Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein uses this image to explain the one-word difference between the end of VaYikra (Leviticus) and BaMidbor (Numbers).This leads to a two-fold relationship with God, and the ability to heal any rift. Michael Whitman...

This morning we explore the connection between the death of the Kohein Gadol (High Priest) and the release from Ir Miklat (City of Refuge) of all those convicted of accidental or negligent homicide. We provide two answers, from the Talmud and from Maimonides, each of which teaches us a profound lesson. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct p...

This morning we analyze one detail of the structure of Ir Miklat - cities of refuge that were the sentence for one who committed involuntary or negligent homicide, which emphasized rehabilitation rather than punishment. We explore the curious detail of the cookies that were baked for those sentenced there, and their effect on the prayers they might offer. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADA...

his morning we discuss when we may not and when we must share negative information about another person. These questions come up daily, and the guidelines of the Chofetz Chaim on this are invaluable. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban...

This evening we explore several essential lessons about the nature of Shabbat, Yom Tov, and Rosh Chodesh, by analyzing minor discrepancies in the Korbonos (sacrifices) that were offered on these special days. We them investigate the character of Pinchas, mistakenly seen as a role model for violent zoolatry, but actually a thoroughly integrated man of peace. We demonstrate this with a heart-warming...

This morning I add my voice to hundreds of rabbis, educators, and community leaders in condemning another act of Jewish terrorism last Friday against Palestinians in the West Bank. Then, separately, I tell the story of Calvin Duncan and his inspiring persistence to achieve justice, from an interview with Terry Gross on NPR's Fresh Air. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in H...

This morning we discuss Moshe's initial reaction to being told by God he would not enter Israel. Moshe's request for a suitable successor, according to Baily Newman, shows his ability to use his greatest disappointment in life to do good where God has placed him, to insure the welfare of his people going forward. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and a...

This morning we discuss three tiers of rabbinic leadership. I am in the lowest. The middle is those who get a lot of attention, for good, and sometimes less that good reasons. Then there is the top tier, of whom I was reminded on a recent visit to Ponovezh Yeshiva in Bnei Brock, when I remember my visit and experience there 47 years ago. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in...

This morning we investigate the five reasons today, 17 Tammuz, is a Fast Day. We focus on the main reason, due to the halting of daily offerings in the Bet HaMikdash. We explore the insight of Rabbi JJ Schacter why this is so damaging, and how it relates to our situation in Israel today. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McG...

This morning we investigate what makes a Chuppah (for a Jewish wedding) valid, which requires knowledge of the laws of making an Eruv. We examine the two separate ceremonies included in a traditional Jewish wedding, and what each means. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern ort...

This morning we share part of an interview done by Daniel Gordis with Daniel Taub, who recently wrote "Beyond Dispute: Rediscovering the Jewish Art of Constructive Disagreement." Taub presents practical suggestions for how to have conversations among family, friends, and others on difficult topics, so that each hears and respects the other. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation...

This morning we focus on Bilaam's prophecy that God does not see (or focus on) the sins of Israel. According to Rabbi Zev Leff, there is a distinction between God holding us accountable for our sins while continuing to see our essence as holy and pure. We demonstrate this with a dramatic story about Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the Prophet) and why we say he attends every Brit Milah (ritual circumcision...

This morning we explore three mundane/holy examples of the blessing, Mah Tovu Ohalecha Yisroel (how beautiful are your homes, Israel); from Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Chef Jose Andres, and Leah Gelband. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community i...