This evening we discuss the repetition in our Parsha, Ki Teitzei, of a Mitzvah we first learned in Parshat Mishpatim, with a crucial change in one word, explained by Rabbi Meir Simchah of Dvinsk, in Meshech Chochmah. And we deeply examine the obligation to return a lost object to its rightful owner, tracing the refinement of character this Mitzvah should instill in us, with a powerful story about the Reichman family and Charles Bendheim. We explore the motto for life, which comes from this passage, that the goal is not just performing Mitzvot, but developing a Mitzvah mentality, as expressed by Rabbi Michael Yammer, of Yeshivat Shalavim. And we discuss the penetrating insight of Rabbi Yosef Engel, that performing the Mitzvah of HaShovat Aveidah, returning a lost object, is also a prayer to God to return us to Him, with the complete redemption of 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.