EPISODE · Mar 12, 2026 · 28 MIN
Why the Haggadah Begins with Our Shame | Unlocking the Haggadah #4 | 10@9 | 2026.03.12
from Mining The Riches Of The Parsha · host Rabbi Michael Whitman
When the Haggadah begins telling the story of the Exodus — our national birth narrative — it starts in a surprising place. Before describing redemption, it reminds us of our lowest moments: that we were slaves, and that our ancestors were once idolaters. Why begin the story there? Because the Seder is not just about remembering the past. It is about learning how to see our own lives - recognizing the blessings we have today, and understanding how every personal story becomes part of the larger story of the Jewish people. In this series, we uncover the hidden structure of the Haggadah so that every paragraph leads logically to the next—and the entire Seder becomes a thoughtful conversation rather than a confusing collection of texts. 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.
What this episode covers
When the Haggadah begins telling the story of the Exodus — our national birth narrative — it starts in a surprising place. Before describing redemption, it reminds us of our lowest moments: that we were slaves, and that our ancestors were once idolaters. Why begin the story there? Because the Seder is not just about remembering the past. It is about learning how to see our own lives - recognizing the blessings we have today, and understanding how every personal story becomes part of the larger story of the Jewish people. In this series, we uncover the hidden structure of the Haggadah so that every paragraph leads logically to the next—and the entire Seder becomes a thoughtful conversation rather than a confusing collection of texts. 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.
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Why the Haggadah Begins with Our Shame | Unlocking the Haggadah #4 | 10@9 | 2026.03.12
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