Mining The Riches Of The Parsha

This morning we discuss the significance of Remembering Shabbat (Zachor) and Protecting Shabbat (Shamor), based on an insight of Rabbi Avraham Kook. We tell the famous Talmudic story of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son hiding in a cave, and how a deeper experience of Shabbat enabled them to leave the cave and return to normal life. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Ha...

This morning we analyze the curious wording of the names of Moshe's sons. We quote Rabbi S. R. Hirsch on a foundational lesson for all parents and grandparents, which is analogous to our relationship with God. 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...

This evening we discuss some practical guidelines for observing Shabbat and derive momentous principles, expressed by Rabbi Yisroel Salanter and Pope Francis. We analyze the purpose and goal of Torah Reading as a prominent feature of the Shabbat morning service. And we examine the first prophecy of Yishayahu HaNavi (Isaiah the Prophet) and derive three practical lessons from this cryptic and surre...

This morning we discuss AI (artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT), which is already in our lives and will become more so very quickly. I discuss the pros and cons as a rabbi and as a university professor. Like every new technology, AI is morally neutral, and depends on how it is used. The biggest problem comes from a lesson from the Book of Esther. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH C...

This morning we discuss the opening of the Ten Commandments and ask, are there actually ten or only nine commandments in this famous passage? What is the origin of the phrase Ten Commandments? And if there are only nine, what does the opening line, which serves as a foundational preface and is not a commandment, teach us? Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Queb...

This morning we discuss two views of the latest hostage release on Shabbat; the horror of how they were treated, physically and mentally, and inspiring stories about the Shapira family's joy at the release of Or Levi, and how Sharon Sharabi greeted his brother, Eli, just released after 491 days. May they all be released soon! Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead,...

This morning we discuss a curious detail of the advice Yisro gives his son-in-law Moshe. Based on an insight and a great story from Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, we learn of an aspect of Moshe's greatness, and ours, that we might not have known. 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 mod...

This morning we present a new understanding of Moshe's arms being supported during the battle with Amalek, based on a true story told by Rabbi Yechiel Spero. We see this happening today in an incredible manner among young people in Israel and young Jews around the world. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Fa...

This evening we discuss the distinction between God's "great hand" at the splitting of the sea, and God's "mighty hand' at the exodus from Egypt, according to the Rav, Rabbi Yosef Soloveitchik. We analyze the multiple ways in which Az Yashir, the exuberant song sung in praise and gratitude after the Jewish People were saved by the splitting of the sea, creates the model for every prayer we utter....

This morning we discuss incredible stories of strength, resilience, and nobility among those recently released from barbaric captivity in Gaza. Today we tell new stories about Gadi Mozes and Agam Berger. 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 subu...

This morning we explore the concept that, starting in our Torah portion (B'Shalach), we and God test each other. This continues throughout the Torah, and today as well, based on insights by Rabbi David Forman and Rabbi Meilech Biderman. 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 I express heartbreak for all those suffering from losses due to the fires in California. We discuss to very different approaches on what to save in the short time one might have to evacuate - from Rachel Steinhardt and Pico Iyer. Then we discuss the related, but dissimilar choice of what some Jews took with them when they left Egypt suddenly - emergency confetti. Michael Whitman is th...

This morning we discuss one who has lost an immediate family member, God forbid, for whom Shiva will be observed. In the immediate period, from the moment of death until the burial is completed, this mourner is called an Onen, which has specific rules and guidelines. With advances in technology, today the same Halacha is applied in different ways, which we explore. All of this is to show honour an...

This morning we try to imagine ourselves standing at the shore of the Red Sea, with the menacing Egyptian army approaching, and wonder if we would have the courage and will to jump into the water at God's command, never imagining, or hearing about a sea that split. Based on insights of Rebbetzin Yemima Mizrachi, Senator Jon McCain, and Jonathan Kestenbaum, it comes down to love and trust. Michael...

This morning we share some of the worst our hostages have suffered in Gaza - that we know about so far - and some of the most inspiring stories of strength, resilience, and inspiration. We tell about Dr. Einat Yehene's warning about the severity of the trauma, Amit Soussana's new, courageous interview, and what Liri Albag did for her. We share Agam Berger's first message upon her release. and we r...

This evening we explore the vast and ongoing consequences of adopting the lunar calendar while we were still slaves in Egypt as a complete break with that secular civilization. Rabbi Riskin traces this worldview further back, to Moshe's grandparents in choosing names for their children, Moshe's parents. We investigate the difference between God commanding Moshe to "go to Paro," and later to "come...

This morning we discuss a new, modern approach to the classic question of Paro's freedom of choice being taken away. Based on insights from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks and Keshet Starr, we learn the critical importance of choosing wisely the first time we do something, in every area of life. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill...

This morning we present the insight of Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo that the Exodus from Egypt is ultimately a rebellion against prevailing values, and Judaism continues to be a rebellion against our society's prevailing values in favor of Torah values. With many contemporary examples, we show how our Torah value system is a rejection of selfishness, materialism, immodesty, mis and disinformation, a...

This morning we analyze a small detail of Passover observance, the requirement to not break the bones as we eat the Korban Pesach (Passover offering) at the Passover Seder. From this detail, Abe Mezrich shows us the main goal of this celebration, to connect us into a community of one flesh, a Congregation of Israel. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, an...

This morning we share an online conversation from Friday, thanks to Daniel Gordis, between Haggai Luber and Meirav Leshem Gonen, that gives hope for the future of Israel. 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 we share incredible, unforgettable stories of valor, selflessness, and strength about Agam Berger, Emily Damiri, and Eden Nimeri, Z"L. We also share the eloquent words of Rachel Goldberg-Polin on the acrobatics of the multiple emotions we simultaneously hold during these days. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at M...

This morning we examine the workings of the lunar cycle, on which our calendar is based. With that we explain what we will announce this Shabbat in the synagogue about the Molad, in advance of Rosh Chodesh Shvat this Thursday. We also analyze the prayer we say this Shabbat, Birchat HaChodesh (Blessing for the New Month), from two perspectives, the future and the past. Michael Whitman is the senior...

This evening we cover three diverse topics: the guidelines for setting aside one Mitzvah (e.g. Shabbat) for another (e.g. a medical crisis). The general rule is whenever in doubt about the possibility of a health risk if the condition is left untreated, act first to protect health, and ask later. Then I share a wonderful story from Rabbi Boruch Lederman about windows. Finally, I lead a guided medi...

This morning we explore Rabbi Yosef Rimon's opinion on the proper way to acknowledge God both for the release of three hostages last Sunday, and the release of almost 100 prisoners, many of whom are terrorists and murderers. We analyze the Brachot (blessings) to recite, and explain how we can acknowledge both the great joy and terrible horror at the same time. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi o...

This morning we contrast, at the beginning of our Parsha - VaEira, the magnificent and detailed future God plans for the Jewish People, and their inability to even hear this message, due to their constricted spirit and the burdens of slavery. We explore the need for opportunities to see beyond our present struggles to the horizon of our dreams and goals, and we present several concrete suggestions...