This morning we discuss a magnificent analysis of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks on why the subject of oaths and keeping our word occurred specifically at the beginning of Parshat Mattot last Shabbat. The primary question facing society is how to create order while maintaining freedom, and the Torah's answer is through trust. When we obligate ourselves by making promises, and truthfully fulfilling our words, others can rely on us without having to use coercion. When we don't keep our word, we risk losing our freedom.

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

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