ADATH

10/13/2026

Why Bowling Together Might Save Our Society | 10@9 | 2026.10.13

What if one way to repair our increasingly lonely, divided, and distrustful society is surprisingly simple - doing more things together? More than 25 years ago, Robert Putnam's groundbreaking Bowling Alone documented the decline of clubs, associations, and community participation. His research showed how these connections build social capital - the relationships, trust, and mutual responsibility that make life better for individuals and society.

But the Torah presents a fascinating challenge. The builders of the Tower of Babel were extraordinarily united, working together on an enormous common project. Yet according to Abarbanel, under Nimrod's leadership, their society was characterized by tyranny, oppression, and a profound lack of human dignity. God dismantled their society to make possible a different kind of society. Their story teaches us that unity alone is not enough. What matters is whether our connections foster trust, respect, and genuine concern for others.

Putnam's research and Abarbanel's interpretation together offer a powerful lesson for our own time. Building a better society doesn't necessarily require grand gestures. Joining a Mah-Jong group or walking group, attending synagogue services and staying to socialize, volunteering, or simply becoming involved in a community can help build the relationships on which a healthy society depends. These ordinary choices can enrich our own lives while helping repair the social fabric for everyone.

To see more of Rabbi Whitman’s insights, please subscribe to his YouTube Channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5FLcsC6xz5TmkirT1qObkA

10/13/2026

🎉 A Celebration Too Big for Our Sukkah!

It seems that 20 years of Rabbi Alex & Esti Zwiebel at ADATH calls for a celebration bigger than our Sukkah can hold!

Thanks to the tremendous response from our congregation, we have moved the celebration to Shabbat morning, October 17, so that everyone can join us in honouring this special milestone.

Of course, everyone is still welcome to join us in the Sukkah this Shabbat! We look forward to sharing the holiday together.

💜 Join us on October 17 for a special Kiddush honouring Rabbi Alex & Esti!

10/12/2026

When Life Feels Like a Flood, Where Is Your Ark? | 10@9 | 2026.10.12

Noach's Ark (Teivah) protected him and his family from the raging waters of the Flood. A Teivah also saved baby Moshe from the waters of the Nile. What connects these two extraordinary stories to the Holy Ark in the synagogue - and ultimately, to the words of our prayers?

The Baal Shem Tov offers a beautiful interpretation of God's command to Noach to enter the Teivah. We, too, can enter a Teivah - the words of prayer - and find refuge from the storms that threaten to overwhelm us. The prophet Yona, praying from the belly of the fish while surrounded by the waters of the sea, gives us a powerful illustration.

Noach's Ark did not make the Flood disappear. It protected him while the waters continued to rage. Perhaps prayer can do the same for us - offering refuge, strength, and connection to God, even when the troubles of our world remain.

To see more of Rabbi Whitman’s insights, please subscribe to his YouTube Channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5FLcsC6xz5TmkirT1qObkA

10/12/2026

What a special night at ADATH. 🎶

More than 250 people joined us for an evening of beautiful music with Pronto Musica, Alexis Hauser, Mayer Sasson, and an incredible group of musicians.

Thank you to everyone who came, supported the evening, and helped raise funds for accessibility at ADATH.

We’re so grateful.

10/09/2026

This Sunday at 7:30 PM, our doors open to music.

We look forward to welcoming the Pronto Musica Chamber Orchestra to ADATH for a free evening of Mozart, Villa-Lobos, Tchaikovsky, and Mendelssohn, led by Alexis Hauser with Mayer Sasson. Whether you are a lifelong classical music fan or simply looking for a lovely evening out in Hampstead, there is a place for you here.

General seating is free and first come, first served. Reserved seating is available for $35 with advance registration. Donations are encouraged in support of building improvements at ADATH.

10/09/2026

Every Human Being Bears God's Image. Even That Person. | 10@9 | 2026.10.09

At the very beginning of the Torah, we encounter one of Judaism's most foundational teachings: Every human being is created B'Tzelem Elokim - in the image of God. Our classical commentators explain this profound idea in several ways, including: Every person is cherished by God, every person has the capacity to imitate God's moral qualities, and every person possesses an inherent dignity that demands our respect.

But what happens when we encounter someone who looks different, believes differently, or makes us uncomfortable? What about someone we fear, distrust, or simply don't understand? Does our conviction that every human being bears God's image still shape how we see and treat that person?

Through Torah study and storytelling, we explore how this foundational Jewish teaching challenges our instincts and demands something practical of us. We need not agree with someone's beliefs or approve of their actions to recognize their God-given dignity. The real test of B'Tzelem Elokim is not whether we believe it, but whether we live by it - especially when we encounter someone we regard as different from ourselves.

To see more of Rabbi Whitman’s insights, please subscribe to his YouTube Channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5FLcsC6xz5TmkirT1qObkA

10/09/2026

Shabbat Shalom!

Looking for more? Visit our website anytime for upcoming events, Torah learning opportunities, and recordings of past programs.

10/09/2026

Shabbat begins with Beresh*t, the story of beginning again.

As we return to the opening of the Torah, we’re invited to pause, reconnect, and reflect on how we bring kindness, purpose, and light into our homes and our community.

Shabbat candle lighting is Friday, October 9 at 6:01 PM. Wishing you a Shabbat filled with peace, warmth, and meaning.

10/09/2026

Mining the Riches of the Parsha on Bereish*t | 2026.10.08

Beginning to study the Torah anew with Bereish*t, In The Beginning, we ask and try to answer fundamental questions: what do we learn from Kayin's murder of his brother Hevel, why did God create an unfinished world, why do we have the freedom to act cruelly, what was God's first commandment, and in what way is God's creation an act of compassion and kindness.

To see more of Rabbi Whitman’s insights, please subscribe to his YouTube Channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5FLcsC6xz5TmkirT1qObkA