Mining The Riches Of The Parsha

This morning we discuss the Nechama (consolation) promised by this Shabbat, Shabbat Nachamu. We learn from God's message to the prophet Isaiah how we can lift up and comfort another by believing in them even when they don't believe in themselves. A memorable story from Rabbi Meilech Biderman shows us how easy this is if we truly believe in our ability to believe in another. Michael Whitman is the...

This evening we discuss the shift in mood from mourning and fasting on Tisha B'Av to this coming Shabbat of Nechama (consolation), focusing on a different way of what we hope all mourners will reach, as expressed by Rabbi Leo Jung. We investigate the curious placement of a Mezuzah on our doorways, as explained by Rabbi Yosef Rimon. And we analyze how many words are in our primary statement of beli...

This morning we discuss the practice on Tisha B'Av and when visiting a Shiva house, to not exchange greetings such as hello, how are you, have a nice day, etc. to express that normal social interaction has been ruptured by grief. We share a deep insight into this awkward practice from Rabbi Leibish Hundert, that not giving a greeting in this case actually deepens our normal greetings. And we learn...

This morning we focus on the seeds of comfort within Jeremiah's stark prophecies of destruction. Where is the balm in Giliad, the healing for the Jewish People? It was once there, and we know how to recover 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...

This morning we explore the life and work of Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi (born in Spain in 1075, author of Kuzari) and analyze his Kinnah for Tisha B'Av, "Tzion Halo Tishali..." We consider the legends about his life and this poem, and analyze the striking, emotional message this Kinnah holds for us this year, Zion yearns for her captives - may they all be returned soon! Michael Whitman is the senior rabb...

This morning we discuss a quote from the wonderful novelist, Fredrik Backman, "Grief is the price we pay for love." Our grief and mourning leading up to Tisha B'Av stems from our deep love of what it is we lost. But when we get stuck in grief or mourning, we need help - from family, friends, and professionals. Here is a story I heard from Meirav Berger, who tells of two keys she used to get unstuc...

This evening we wrestle with maintaining our 2,000 year old mourning for Jerusalem and our long exile, while incorporating the traumatic events of October 7 and every day since. From multiple sources, we see the ancient words of Kinnot (intricate poems of lamentation read on Tisha B'Av), some written 1500 hundred years ago, eerily expressing the multiple, nuanced horrors of today. And we encounter...

This morning we return to the famous Talmudic passage that pinpoints the incident that leads to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Jewish People almost 2,000 years ago. We ask Rabbi Meilech Biderman's question of how one person, one event could have caused so much suffering to so many for so long? And we provide his practical, frightening, and uplifting answer. Michael Whitman is th...

This morning we analyze the substance and order of commands God gives the Jewish People making their way toward Israel. There are several lands God says they may not cross, and several they may. I share an insight from my friend and teacher Abe Mezrich on the fundamental value expressed here, and trace its theme through the literature of the three weeks and Tisha B'Av, leading to a very practical...

This morning we survey a devastating theme of these days: Does God turn away from our prayers? We find this suggestions in the words of Isaiah we read this Shabbat, and in Eichah (Lamentations) we read on Tisha B'Av. We present the approach of Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb that the answer is loudly and definitely NO. And we explore what happens to all our prayers and tears, which we are expressing toda...

This morning I share my remarks from yesterday when I was invited to speak at the walk from Hampstead Park to the "Y" calling for the immediate release of all hostages now. This is an inspiring and committed group and I urge you to join them. I spoke about two goals we can achieve that help our brothers and sisters in Israel, even from Montreal. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congreg...

This morning we discuss Robert Putnam's groundbreaking book, "Bowling Alone" (and if you haven't read it, I recommend it highly). Putnam explains, based on copious and fascinating data from every area of life, that engaging in fun activities in a group is the great way to improve your physical and mental health, and crucial to increasing social capital and strengthening your community. I pay tribu...

This morning we analyze the layered meaning of the curious command, don't make your words empty, which goes far beyond just false. We quote from Rashi, Dr. Neil Postman, and a wonderful story from Dr. Abraham Twerski. 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 com...

This evening we discuss the Talmudic question of what happens if your rental car breaks on the way to your journey, and Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein's distinction between this scenario and the journey of the Jewish People through the desert, where each stop was a destination of its own. We explore the history-altering request of two tribes to remain outside Israel with lessons on prioritizing your fa...

This morning we study and analyze a famous passage of Talmud which is recorded as the reason for the destruction of the Bet HaMikdash - the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza. We present an original understanding of this from Rabbi Yochanan Zweig that entreats us to refrain from a very common destructive trait. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adju...

This morning I condemn the recent protesters in Israel, including government coalition members, who are acting to protect Israeli guards accused (by an IDF doctor) of abusing a Palestinian prisoner. Such crimes, if true as alleged, must never be condoned or supported - this is not who we are. We discuss the momentous event of two tribes, Gad and Reuven, asking for land on the eastern bank of the J...

This morning we lament the inability to ask the perennial question about these Three Weeks leading to Tisha B'Av, which is how can we mourn when Israel and Jerusalem are flourishing. Tragically, this year that question is moot, as we are all mourners for the events of October 7 and every day since. But we share another facet of these weeks, with a practical suggestion from Yossi Klein Halevi. Mich...

This morning we discuss the Cities of Refuge, the magnificent structure in classical Jewish Law that provides rehabilitation for negligent homicide. We analyze the practical designation of three of these cities by Moshe, and the societal value they imbue, even today. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Facult...

This morning we pay tribute to Martin Indyk, who passed away last Thursday, and who, for decades, worked for the US government to achieve peace between Israel and its neighbors. Indyk teaches us to never give up on peace. His efforts, which did not realize his goal in his lifetime, are nonetheless steps forward on the path of peace. The arc of the conflict is long, but bends toward peace. Michael...

This morning we explore the insight of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks on the deep impact of grief, not only on our emotions, but on our decision-making ability. We trace this through the laws and narratives in the Torah portion of Chukat, and in the order of our requests to God in the Amidah prayer, as expressed by Chatam Sofer. This is at the center of what we are missing as a People today, what we are mou...

This evening we discuss the message Pinchas' actions are supposed to teach us, quoting from Ernest Becker, Dr. Phillip Zimbardo, Fredrik Backman, and Jodie Picoult. I share a characteristically brilliant story about Rav Nota Greenblatt, Z"L, and an esoteric but critical understanding of the incomplete "Vav" in our Torah portion, partially based on Shem MiShmuel and Maharal, and dramatically expres...

This morning we discuss the difference between two groups who both ask almost the identical question, with very different responses from Moshe. His response to the daughters of Tzelafchad, validated by God, assume the highest motive of their request, and bid us to do the same, to elevate another's question or comment or action, to see it in its most positive light. Michael Whitman is the senior ra...

This morning we explore why God takes Moshe to see the Land of Israel from afar though Moshe will not enter it. We answer with one of the most powerful and haunting speeches in US history from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which explains the last magnificent act any great leader can perform. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at...

This evening we quote Rabbi Yisroel Meir Lau on a question that was never asked before. We connect prayer and a talking donkey. We trace the holiness of spending time with your family from Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, and elongating your table from Chef Jose Andres. We trace two scenarios for redemption and follow its progress in our day from Warrant Officer (res.) Elon Weiss, of blessed memo...

This morning we pay tribute to Dr. Ruth Westheimer, who passed away last Friday at the age of 96. Dr. Ruth led an amazing life, which we highlight, as well as her pioneering work as a sex therapist. We discuss her book, "Heavenly Sex" which is (with a few exceptions, in my opinion) an excellent presentation of normative Jewish tradition on the physical intimacy of married couples. Michael Whitman...