VaEira - January 11, 2024

This evening we discuss how the theme and structure of Shmot, the Book of Exodus, parallels its content, based on the writing of Ramban (Nachmonides). We find this theme ubiquitous and omnipresent in Jewish life because it parallels the process of Tzimtzum (how God's retreat was the first step in creation, taught famously by Arizal in the 1500's. With this we share Rabbi Yisroel Reisman's insight on why we celebrate Rosh Chodesh (the beginning of the new lunar cycle), rather than just take note of it, which parallels, according to Rabbi Avraham Kook, the difference between how we take leave of a friend starting a journey, and one who has passed away, all reflected in a remarkable quote from R. Menachem Mendel of Kotzk. We quote Aviv Gefen, and agree the foundation of our identity is change, a rejection of Maat, the ancient Egyptian concept of everything staying the same. Finally, I tell, with permission, our personal story of losing a baby late in pregnancy many years ago, and how the advice of mental health professions and rabbis has transformed and evolved over the years to offering a very different approach. 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 (rabbi@adath.ca) 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.