Re'eh - August 10, 2023

This evening we discuss a word that cannot be translated, and a concept that is complex, nuanced, and central to what is is to be a Jew - Tzedakah. We explain, with the help of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, how both the word charity and the word justice do not do this concept justice, and then apply it to a technical but illuminating law of inheritance, perfectly demonstrated by a story from Rabbi Meilech Biderman. We explore the necessary emotional stance a giver must have. We analyze how the apparent futility of giving to others becomes its and our strength. And we analyze one gift we give ourselves - Jerusalem, exemplified by a touching story I witnessed, of a father torn in two directions. 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://tinyurl.com/adathyoutube Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adathmichael/ Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha: Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches1 Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches3 Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches4 Please contact Rabbi Whitman (rabbi@adath.ca) with any questions for 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.