Two Forces That Must Unite Israel | 10@9 | 2026.02.11

Israel’s deepest problem isn’t external enemies — it’s that two forces meant to build the nation together have drifted apart. This morning I share part of a speech given by Rabbi Avraham Kook, just two months after he arrived in Israel as Chief Rabbi of Jaffo (and later Chief Rabbi of Israel). This is a magnificent expression of R. Kook's worldview of Religious Zionism and his intense love for every Jew. He describes two forces within the Jewish People, Yosef and Yehudah, who must work in harmony to create the ideal Nation of Israel and lead to the ultimate redemption. We see clearly, tragically where we fall short today, and what we need to do to fix 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 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.