The Strange Torah Secret About Giving | 10@9 | 2026.02.18

The Torah uses the word take when God clearly means give - and that single word changed how I understand generosity forever. This morning I point out the Torah's verb problem. When God tells the Jewish people to give material to build the Mishkan (Sanctuary), the text uses the word that means "take" when the context clearly means to give. I share an unforgettable experience in my life over 45 years ago, about my grandfather, Sam Margolin, and Rabbi Meir Chodosh, a great man of Torah wisdom and personal integrity. R. Chodosh taught both of us that the opportunity to give is sometimes the most valuable gift we receive. 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.