Mining The Riches Of The Parsha

This morning we analyze a common scenario: orthodox parents have children with different lifestyles, some religious and some not. How do parents navigate participating in a family event that differs from their practice, and keep their diverse family united and in harmony. The key is understanding the full ramifications of Shalom Bayit, harmony within the home/family. Michael Whitman is the senior...

This morning we explore practical ways to make our prayers and synagogues more likely to connect us with God, instead of getting stuck, lifeless, and routinized. We share insights from Rabbi Menachem Nissel, Aharon Wexler, Charlie Harary, and Rabbi Marc Angel quoting Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct pro...

This morning I share part of an interview Daniel Gordis did recently with Dr. Dan Turner. Born in Jerusalem, educated in Israel and Toronto, Dr. Turner is a pediatric gastroenterologist at Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem. He works with a program there that brings Arab doctors from the West Bank, trains them in a needed specialty, then they return to serve their communities, supported by Shaarei...

This morning we analyze a cryptic connection our rabbis make between Reuven trying unsuccessfully to save Yosef, and the Maccabees at the time of Chanukah. Based on an insight from Rabbi Shimon Schwab, we contrast smell to taste. 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 s...

This morning we discuss a most ingenious way Israelis have found and are using successfully to help people with PTSD - surfing. We investigate HaGal Sheli (my wave), an Israeli non-profit founded in 2012 to help at-risk teens. They were trained and ready to help survivors of October 7, 2023, and went into action on October 9, 2023. The creativity and drive to find ways to heal and help others has...

This morning we clarify the name of Eisav's wife - two different names appear in the Torah for the same woman. Following R. Yochanan Zweig, we explain why three categories of people have all their sins forgiven on one day, and how we can try to achieve that for ourselves. We show a stimulating example of this from a Chabad Rabbi in Frankfort, Germany. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH C...

This evening we explore situations where prayer, as important as it is, is not the exclusive way we confront a crisis, a critical lesson we learn from how Yaakov prepared to meet Eisav. And we add other unique situations where prayer is not appropriate. Then we consider why, after the brothers reunite in peace, Yaakov refuses Eisav's offer to go forward together. From a brilliant insight of Sivan...

This morning we analyze the three questions Yaakov knows his brother Eisav will ask, and tells his messengers to answer only the last question. This passage is the basis of a foundational essay by the Rav, Rabbi Yosef Soloveitchik titled "Confrontation," laying out the position of the Jewish People vis a vis the rest of the world. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampst...

This morning we highlight a devastating problem in our communities - the explosive proliferation of sports betting and other forms of gambling among Jewish adults and teens. We shine a bright light on what, until now, has not received the attention warranted by a catastrophe that is already hurting us. I share my own experiences with this, and discuss a recent series of articles in the Jewish Link...

This morning we explore the allegorical meaning of the stones Yaakov tells his sons to collect and they take (notice the slight change in the verb used). Rabbi Meilech Biderman explains this beautifully to describe how we need to try to view the challenges life places in our path. We demonstrate this with an inspiring story about Elie Tahari, who is providing a unique gift to injured female Israel...

This morning we analyze the hard-to-understand comment in the Talmud that Leah is the first person to thank God when she named her fourth son Yehuda (meaning I will praise God). We share the insight of Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky expressed in a great story about the need to repeat thanks. Then I add an unrelated, beautiful story about Jerusalem from Sarah Tuttle-Singer. Michael Whitman is the senio...

This morning I share an odd story from Rabbi Meilech Biderman, with his accurate and important application for our Jewish lives. 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 for the next generation. We take great ple...

This morning I reflect on our recent trip to Israel. On some levels, the war will never be over, for example those seriously injured whose lives will never be the same. And at the same time, it's as if the entire country sighed a sigh of relief. There is a feeling in the air, maybe this war is over. There is laughter and celebration, innumerable act s of kindness, and most importantly, there is ho...

This morning we examine the counter-intuitive increase in the desire to convert to Judaism in the face of the alarming rise of antisemitism here and around the world. I share an moving explanation from a wedding in Israel last week at which I had the privilege to officiate. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University...

This evening we explore the question Rivka asks during her troubled pregnancy, a question each of us should ask, according to Sivan Rahav Meir. The answer God gives her is reinforced when her sons are young, and is evident even - especially - today, as demonstrated by Rabbi Yosef Rimon. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGi...

This morning I share an insight from my friend and teacher, Abe Mezrich, There is a curious connection between Avraham and trees. So what does it mean when Avraham is to take cut pieces of wood? This leads to the ultimate goal, to live life 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 i...

This morning we discuss the truly astounding passage of Avraham negotiating with God about the people of Sodom. We explore the theological problems with this scene. And we appraise God's negotiating skill. 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 su...

This morning we derive from Avraham a new way of serving God that had never been done before. And we extrapolate to other situations where this new way of service can and should apply, including the time a drove my car on 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...

This morning we investigate the first usage in the Torah of Maaser (tithing): what it is in the Torah, what it became (Tzedaka), how much, when, and to whom should you give. 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 Judai...

This morning we consider the choice of hotels in which Avraham and Sarah stayed during their journey from Israel to Egypt because of a famine, And their choice of hotels when they returned to Israel. From this our sages construct a component of a refined character, and give us many practical ways to exhibit it. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an...

This evening we analyze the menu of the meal Malki-Tzedek prepared for Avraham and how it conveys the secret of Judaism's eternal nature. We explore the Mitzvah of Brit Milah (ritual circumcision): why it is necessary, what it teaches us about creation and about our place in the world. I share the most memorable speech at a Brit I ever heard. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregati...

This morning we look into Avraham's decision to make space between him and his family, and Lot and his family. We survey different types of giving someone or some group their space, and how it helps in some situations. This is pithily expressed by Rodney Dangerfield and Ruth Bader Ginsberg. But the second part of this is what must happen when that person is in trouble. Michael Whitman is the senio...

This morning we examine why Avraham felt it was necessary to put distance between him and his nephew Lot. Today we focus on what happens when Jews fight with each other. A Talmudic aphorism is as relevant today as it was then. 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 syna...

10@9 Pay Attention at the End - October 28, 2025 by Rabbi Michael Whitman

Since my teens, I have loved and continue to love) the music of Neil Young (as well as CSN and any combination of them). Some of my favorites are Heart of Gold, Old Man, Don't Let It Bring You down, Alabama, and many more. This morning I share an incredible story about Young that happened last week. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct prof...