Some People Are Better Than We Think Humans Can Be | 10@9 | 2026.07.07

There are people whose cruelty makes us question humanity. But there are also people whose goodness raises an equally profound question. How is it possible for ordinary human beings to show such extraordinary compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness? Today I tell two remarkable stories. One is the ethical commitment of Magen David Adom, whose medics are taught to save every life - including those who have just committed acts of terror. The other is the heartbreaking story of eight-year-old Charlotte Herzberg of Monsey, New York. After Charlotte was tragically killed by her father's closest friend in a terrible accident, her parents publicly forgave him and transformed their grief into a movement encouraging forgiveness and reconciliation. Through the Shalom for Charlotte initiative, thousands of people have already shared stories of letting go of anger and choosing peace. If evil can spread from one person to another, perhaps goodness can too. Today, I invite you to honor Charlotte's memory in the same way her family has asked thousands of others to do: forgive someone, let go of a grudge, make peace where you can, or perform an unexpected act of kindness. The world has enough examples of hatred. It always needs another example of extraordinary goodness. 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.