Why the Torah Supports Free Markets - But Doesn’t Trust Them | 10@9 | 2026.05.04

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks spent decades thinking deeply about economics. Across his writings and teachings, he articulated a Torah worldview that both affirms free markets - and places deep limits on them. In a thoughtful essay in Lehrhaus, Jared Rutner surveys this vision, much of which emerges from this week’s Torah portion, Behar. The Torah supports competition, private ownership, and wealth creation - yet surrounds them with moral and legal constraints that prevent abuse and protect the vulnerable. The result is a striking balance: freedom and restraint, prosperity and responsibility. Why does the Torah endorse markets - and at the same time refuse to fully trust them? And what does that mean for how we live today? 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.