Why “Do Not Murder” Needs Explaining | 10@9 | 2026.02.06
Fri Feb 06 2026
If murder is so obvious, why did God need to say it out loud? This morning we share one answer based on a touching story from Rabbi Paysach Krohn that expresses how embarrassing another in public is akin to murder. And we repeat the prohibition against MAID (medical assistance in dying) which Jewish Law considers to be murder, even though for a person in terrible pain it is understandable, and the majority of our society agrees with it. But we state clearly, it is still wrong.
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.
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If murder is so obvious, why did God need to say it out loud? This morning we share one answer based on a touching story from Rabbi Paysach Krohn that expresses how embarrassing another in public is akin to murder. And we repeat the prohibition against MAID (medical assistance in dying) which Jewish Law considers to be murder, even though for a person in terrible pain it is understandable, and the majority of our society agrees with it. But we state clearly, it is still wrong. 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.