VaEira | 2026.01.15

This evening we investigate when it is permissible to schedule a non-urgent surgery on Friday, in spite of a general prohibition to do so. Rabbi Yosef Rimon gives practical and sensitive guidelines that are especially relevant here in Montreal, and in many other places. Through this rather technical discussion, Rabbi Rimon is clearly attuned to protecting both physical and emotional well-being. We survey the disappointing response of the Jewish People to Moshe's noble and grand statements of God's promises, and we derive what all of us need, to be able to dream and look toward a future we are seeking. I share part of an article in last week's Montreal Gazette on the ravages among young people (and not so young people) of e-device overuse and even addiction. Finally we offer two different layers of meaning to God granting us the Land of Israel as in inheritance, as opposed to any other legal transfer of ownership. 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.