Mining The Riches Of The Parsha

This evening we conclude a three-part series (each part will stand alone) on Shir HaShirim (the Song of Songs) written by King Solomon. We analyze the passage which describes the low point in the relationship between lover and beloved. We trace how this passage becomes the basis for Kol Dodi Dofek (The Sound of My Beloved Knocks), one of the most important essays of Religious Zionism by the Rav, R...

This morning we discuss how we serve God when there are no more sacrifices (since our Torah portion, VaYikra, indicates this is a primary way of serving God). We provide two substitutes, prayer, from Maharal, and Torah study from the Rav, Rabbi Yosef Soloveitchik, and explain how each reach precisely the same goal as sacrifices (which itself is a poor translation for Korbanot). Michael Whitman is...

This morning we discuss the return of bodies from Gaza, people who were murdered on or after October 7, 2023, and whose bodies Hamas has kept as part of their barbaric cruelty. We urge and pray for the return of all hostages, both living and deceased. As bodies are returned to Israel and we engage in the Mitzvah of burial, we explore a new pain, and a new comfort, and we must focus on both. We quo...

This morning we discuss the strange verse that seems to assert that our leaders (king, president, prime minister, teacher, rabbi - all types of leaders) will inevitably make mistakes. From Seforno and Rashi (expressed by a great story about Rabbi Yaakov Kanievsky) we derive two distinct lessons, which are so very applicable to our lives today. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregat...

This morning we provide new answers to 2 questions we have asked and answered before, based on an essay by Ezra Sivan in The Lehrhaus. We explain the connection between Shabbat and the building of the Mishkan, and we explain why the Book of Exodus ends only with the completion of this holy construction project. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an...

This evening we continue a three-part series (each part will stand alone) on Shir HaShirim (the Song of Songs) written by King Solomon. We discuss the significance of the flowers and birds mentioned in it, as well as the repetitions and near repetitions, all of which contain multiple layers of meaning. Tonight's theme is that Shir HaShirim, on one level, is a lovesong to the Land of Israel, causin...

This morning we explore an amazing phenomenon in Israel, the way in which our young people have exhibited incredible strength, faith, courage, idealism, and leadership, especially since October 7, 2023. We see this in the thousands of bumper stickers all over Israel, encapsulating the messages these young people stand for, collected by Rabbi Chaim Navon in a recent edition of Makor Rishon. I'm gra...

This morning we discuss the practical significance of God commanding we follow the lunar calendar. This ends the period of slavery, and begins the process of freedom, actualized two weeks later with the exodus from Egypt. I share a beautiful story from Jerusalem which demonstrates how we deserve to become God's partner. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec...

This morning we explore the cycles and phases of the moon, in order to better understand - in Part 2 - the significance of God commanding we follow the lunar calendar, and why that command is given to us while we are still slaves in Egypt. 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...

This morning we discuss the odd-shaped loaves baked for the Mishkan every Friday, the Lechem HaPanim. We explain the odd shape of these loaves of bread, and why they were shown to every Jew who came to the Temple three times each year, based on the insight of Rabbi S.R. Hirsch. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill Univer...

This morning we discuss an apparent discrepancy in Moshe's audit of the Mishkan materials and the magnificent insight of Rabbi Yosef Soloveitchik. We then connect this to a shortcoming of the Nesiim (Princes of each tribe), and a lesson from Matzah that even minor details are major when they affect another person or form the overall structure of serving God. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of...

This evening we begin a three-part series (each part will stand alone) on Shir HaShirim (the Song of Songs) written by King Solomon. Tonight we introduce the four layers of interpretation that are woven together, plus the abrupt changes in tense and speaker even in the middle of a verse, which give this work such complex beauty and meaning. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation...

This morning we discuss the broken Luchos (stone tablets engraved with the Ten Commandments); where were they placed, why, and what crucial lessons do we learn from this. 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 Judaism...

This morning I share part of an interview of Daniel Gordis with Rabbi Raphael Shore. You will never guess who best understood the reason for antisemitism. Rabbi Shore explains that plus what we should do with that knowledge. 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 synago...

This morning we analyze the detailed inventory of each item in the MIshkan (sanctuary) and ask why there were no spare parts, no extras for replacements? The answer, suggested by Rabbi Yissocher Frand and reinforced by Rabbi Yisroel Salanter, forms a basic outlook on how we are to serve God. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at...

This morning we discuss two enlightening lessons I learned spending time in hospitals. One is the how a hospital is an oasis and how that can be replicated elsewhere. The other is a lesson from our rabbis in how to comfort and console, and how not to do it. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law....

This morning we discuss the Kiyur, the basin in the Mishkan at which the Kohanim washed their hands and feet before beginning any sacrifice or ritual. And from this obscure object, we derive a crucial lesson from Rabbi Menachem Penner relevant to every one of us, me especially today. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill...

This morning we discuss how Mordechai motivated Esther to plead to save the Jewish People. We analyze an insight from Rabbi David Stav from a session he presented at the recent Yeshiva University Rabbis Conference I had the privilege to attend. Rabbi Stav addressed what Israeli rabbis want from North American rabbis and Jews. His answer includes attitude and action. Michael Whitman is the senior r...

This morning we look at the most successful fundraising campaign in Jewish history, and how it finally deteriorated into corruption. This is true of every individual and business, but especially true of every Jewish organization, that we must strive for not only honesty, integrity, and transparency, but also the appearance of honesty, integrity, and transparency. I am proud to say this is what ADA...

This morning we explore Birchat HaChodesh, the blessing for the new Jewish month we say in synagogue this Shabbat. We trace the origins of this practice, and how it binds all Jews in the world to each other and toward Jerusalem. Plus we gain a key insight to prayer with one seemingly extra word in the last line, expressed with a great story about buying smoked salmon at Zabar's in New York. Michae...

This evening we discuss one of the most misunderstood verses in the Torah, and explain why Jewish Law has a written and oral component, and how these two layers are implicit in every Mitzvah. We analyze the meaning and significance of the famous words in our Torah portion, Mishpatim, "Na'aseh V'Nishmah" we will do and we will hear, by which the Jewish People enter the covenant with God. And we exp...

This morning we analyze the famous distinction between a fox and a hedgehog, based on an essay by Zohar Atkins. We identify Yitro as a hedgehog in suggesting Moshe delegate his role to other judges. Likewise the Jewish People when they say, in our Torah portion of Mishpatim, "Na'aseh V'Nishmah" we will do and we will hear, we will focus on the one great truth that God loves us. I suggest 3 great t...

This morning we discuss whether a long prayer is better than a short prayer. Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein teaches us neither is better. The quality of a prayer is based on its intensity, do we realize how momentous this encounter with God is. We consider reaching this through the prefatory two lines of the Amidah and a story about hockey. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in H...

This morning we share more horrifying details of the physical and psychological torture Hamas inflicted and is inflicting on the hostages. And we share an article by Dr. Itai Gal, one of Israel's foremost medical commentators, which explains how the superficial appearance of released hostages masks the depth and seriousness of their wounds and trauma. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH C...

This morning we share a moving story and deep insight into the tenth of the Ten Commandments, from Rabbi Yaakov Galinksy. We explore the genius of our rabbis in establishing the morning blessings as we wake every morning, and point out a critical inconsistency in one of those blessings, from Rabbi Meilech Biderman. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and...