Why Some Jewish Moments Transform Us - and Others Don’t | 10@9 | 2026.03.06

All the utensils of the Mishkan (Sanctuary) are described together across the previous two Torah portions. Yet in this week’s portion, Ki Tissa, one item appears by itself: the Kiyur, the basin where the priests washed their hands and feet before beginning the sacred service. The message is striking. Even the priests could not simply begin a holy act. They had to prepare themselves first. The same is true for our deepest Jewish experiences. If we arrive at a Passover Seder knowing nothing about it and having done no preparation, we may enjoy the evening - but it will not transform us. Jewish practice quietly insists that holiness begins before the moment itself, when we prepare to meet it. What would change if we prepared for our Jewish moments the way the priests prepared for theirs? 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.