Mining The Riches Of The Parsha

This morning we discuss another example of how Israeli popular music expresses the deepest truths about Israel today, based on an incredible essay by Daniel Gordis. We listen to two very different performances of a classic Israeli song, "When the Heart Cries" by Sarit Hadad, one of Israel's top singers. Though the words are the same, the mood and impact are so different from July, 2023 to May, 202...

This morning we discuss bowing (to the ground) in our Torah portion, Ki Tavo, and we explore the two prayers for which this is still done today, on the High Holidays. We investigate the emotional and spiritual differences between the similar actions, and the way this practice conveys the essences of these days more deeply than any words or thoughts. Try it and let me know how it feels. Michael Whi...

This morning we address those (including me sometimes) who have difficult questions of faith approaching the High Holidays this year, based on what has happened to us as a People, and individually in our own lives. Based on an essay by David Campbell, we explore the views of Rambam (Maimonides) and Abarbanel, among others, who argue the Mitzvah is not to have faith in God, but to question, inquire...

This morning we highlight two stories of incredible heroism, performed by "ordinary" people, who in turn can inspire us "ordinary" people to be strengthened by them and emulate them when we need it. 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 the mystical, allegorical meaning of Kan Tzippor, the Mitzvah to send away the mother bird before taking her young, which sees God as pained whenever God's children are harmed, and connected even when invisible. We analyze how divorce, with its accompanying separation and often a sense of failure, is actually the moment of greatest connection to God, more so than the moment...

This morning we pay tribute to the victims of 9/11 and their families, and gratitude to the first responders for their bravery and sacrifice. I share a poignant story from Sarah Tuttle-Singer about the way 9/11 changed one man's life, and an insight from Rabbi Meilech Biderman on the message of the Shofar. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjun...

This morning I share a wonderful story about the Reichman family. We explore two opposite approaches to the spiritual work we need to do in these days before Rosh Hashana - and we need to utilize both approaches equally. 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...

This morning we discuss the obligation to return a lost object to its rightful owner. We explore the dramatic insight of Rabbi Yosef Engel who explains the connection between this Mitzvah and our ultimate redemption, may it come soon! 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 ortho...

This morning we question part of a passage in this week's Torah portion, Ki Teitzei, and provide an answer based on a parable from the Dubno Magid (Rabbi Yaakov Krantz). Using a quote from the marvelous novel, The Winners, by Frederik Backman, we highlight the importance of being more honest with ourselves and others. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec,...

"I Statements" are a well-proven, effective strategy for communicating a problem or irritation in any relationship. This morning we discuss how they work, why they work, and detailed instructions for using them effectively. This information can improve any relationship, especially those closest to you, and improve your life. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Q...

This morning we discuss and add insights to the moving eulogy delivered this past Monday by Rachel Goldberg-Polin for her son, Hersh. We highlight the many lessons Rachel's words give us. May Hersh's memory be a blessing to his family, and the memory of each precious soul we have lost be a blessing to their family, and to all of us who cry with them. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Co...

This evening we discuss why, in Jewish Law, there are so many judges relative to the population, at least one judge per 10 people. Based on Rabbi Yochanan Zweig and Rabb Yerucham Levovitz, we understand the primary role of judges is for their sterling character to act as role models to influence and improve society, even before they step into the courtroom. We derive an important lesson from Rabbi...

This morning we discuss the destructive force of bribery, and the Talmud's unique understanding of this crime. We quote Rabbi Avraham Pam to call attention to why even a slight occurrence is problematic. And we include a remarkable story about Rabbi Avraham Kook, and the thank you he received from someone he slapped. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, a...

This morning we discuss an issue that is problematic for many Jews (including me, sometimes), following authority when we disagree with the answer we get. We differentiate between east vs. west and right vs. left, and explore the a priori importance of perspective in answering any question, using an example from Rabbi Herschel Schacter. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in...

This morning we discuss the repetitive wording of the famous verse: "Justice, justice shall you pursue." We provide an answer suggested by Bailey Newman based on a very dark fable. 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, providin...

Intertwined with the fresh grief for another six Israelis hostages murdered by Hamas just before their bodies were found and returned to Israel yesterday, and the ongoing pain, anger, and fear gripping Israel, we explore the new song by Liran Danino, "Im Machar Ani Met" (If Tomorrow I Die), an update from Soroka Hospital Maternity Ward on the current baby boom and how it differs from earlier this...

This morning we probe the essence of Tzedakah (often inaccurately translated as charity). Based on an insight from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, we explore how Tzedakah is primarily not about money, and with that we explain two curious laws, and the actual goal of this foundational practice. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill...

This morning we explore the depth of meaning in the quote from our Torah portion - Re'eh - where God says to us, "You are My children." We highlight this with a remarkable story about the (previous) Tosher Rebbe, Rabbi Meshulum Lowe. This profound lesson is vital for every parent, every teacher, and every human being. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec,...

This morning we highlight the emphasis on TODAY in the first line of our Torah portion, Re'eh. We explore this through a story told by Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb about a pivotal taxi ride, and we add an important layer from Rabbi Eyal Vered on how we view the flow of time. 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 paragraph we add on Shabbat to Bentching (Birkat HaMazon or grace after meals). This paragraph outlines the two goals Shabbat should fulfill for us: what we do for God by celebrating Shabbat, and what the experience should do for us. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of L...

This evening we explore what we as Jews may not eat due to health risks, including the most baffling example of prohibiting eating fish together with meat. I tell the story of my involvement with DESK (Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen in New Haven, CT) and a blessing made by Brother Dennis and me. Then we explore why in Jewish law the blessings before eating are short, while blessings after eating ar...

This morning I share part of an interview from Daniel Gordis speaking to Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin, parents of Hersh - seriously wounded and taken hostage on October 7. Rachel and Jon are perhaps the most visible and possibly the most impactful parents working tirelessly on the release of Hersh and all the other hostages in Gaza. Rachel and Jon respond, in the thoughtful and dignified way only...

This morning we discuss two aspects central to God that might seem to be opposites, but must be integrated - greatness and humility. Based on two verses in our Parsha, and a Talmudic lesson, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks tells two remarkable stories that express this. 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 share a heartbreaking photo on Tu B'Av (today, the fifteenth day of the Jewish month of Av, which celebrates romantic love). We investigate the two modes of connection to God - Ahava/love and Yireh/fear or awe, and the way we are to be propelled from one to the other. We describe this with a remarkable story from Rabbi Meilech Biderman. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH...

This morning I discuss the first time I officiated at a pet funeral, my complex relationship with pets, and what I have learned about what beloved pets can mean to people. I share insights from an article by Catherine Pearson on how to support someone who has lost a pet. It is an important kindness, and a reflections of God's concern and compassion for ALL God's creatures. Michael Whitman is the s...