Eikev - August 14, 2025

This evening we discuss how a minor Rabbinic ruling on Bentching (saying Birkat HaMazon or grace after meals) gives us a new and much better way of looking at the world, earning us a special measure of God's grace. We cite the prophecy of Isaiah (Yishayahu HaNavi) that God will rebuild the ruined places of Israel, and describe how this has come true in our day at the magnificent Hurva Synagogue in the Old City of Jerusalem. I share my unforgettable experience being there on Yom HaAtzmaut, and praying the words of Hallel with two meanings to each line. 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 pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship. Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online lectures and shiurim, which are available on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5FLcsC6xz5TmkirT1qObkA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adathmichael/ Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mining-the-riches-of-the-parsha/id1479615142?fbclid=IwAR1c6YygRR6pvAKFvEmMGCcs0Y6hpmK8tXzPinbum8drqw2zLIo7c9SR-jc Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hWYhCG5GR8zygw4ZNsSmO Please contact Rabbi Whitman ([email protected]) with any questions or feedback, or to receive a daily email, "Study with Rabbi Whitman Today," with current and past insights for that day, video, and audio, all in one short email sent directly to your inbox.