Emor - May 16, 2024

This evening we discuss the two exception for the strict laws for a Kohein, one understandable and the other requiring explanation. We use a poem by Emily Dickinson and a quote from Gino Bartali to describe a truly unique and transformational act of kindness. Then we analyze the Mitzvah of Counting the Omer in our Parsha (Emor), with three reasons why we count up - 1, 2, 3, - and not down 49, 48, 47 - quoting Rabbi Aharon of Barcelona, the Rav, Rabbi Yosef Soloveitchik, and Dr. Benjamin Corn, head of radiation oncology at Tel Aviv Medical Center. 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: / @rabbimichaelwhitman Instagram: / adathmichael Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hWYhCG... 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.