This morning we discuss the plethora of firsts in modern Israeli history emanating from Rishon LeZion (starting with the name, which must be understood within the emotional context of Isaiah 41), today Israel's fourth largest city. Marci and I spent a wonderful day there last week, seeing and learning about the first modern Jewish community in Israel, the first Israeli flag, first Israeli anthem, first Hebrew School in the world, and much, much more. I hope this brief glimpse will inspire you to visit Rishon LeZion on your next trip to Israel!

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 ([email protected]) 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.