Author's posts
Sep 05
Exemptions!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Devorim
The Torah instructs that whenever the Jewish nation went out to war, a Kohain entrusted with matters of wars along with a Judge, give a charge to the troops as the troops amassed at the edge of the battlefield. They announced the following exemptions: “Anyone who has built a house and has not yet resided …
Aug 29
Don’t Say it Again!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Devorim
During the times when Israel was governed by Jewish leaders and kings and when the dictates of the Sanhedrin – Halachic High court ― were enforced, if a Jew was caught stealing and had no means to repay, the court had him sold as a Hebrew slave to a Jewish owner. With the proceeds of …
Aug 21
View, Like & Follow!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Devorim
Last week’s portion contained the first portion of the Shema prayer. In this week’s portion, the second portion of the Shema is recorded. The second portion of the Shema begins with the exhortation of G-d for us to heed His commands and His promise of great benefits when we do so. The portion concludes with …
Aug 15
Six Paramount Words!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Devorim
This week, a woman who became a great-grandmother for the first time, told me that she would be heading out of town to visit the baby and that during her stay she would whisper the Shema Yisroel prayer into the baby’s ear. This is something that the child’s parents would not be doing because of …
Aug 08
10, 17 and 9!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Devorim, Tisha B'Av Message
According to our calendar year, the Hebrew date for this Shabbos is the ninth of Av – Tisha B’Av. Tisha B’Av is synonymous with our mourning over the destruction of our Temples. However, when it coincides with the holy day of Shabbos, our enjoyment of the delicious Shabbos treats and foods trumps the fasting of …
Jul 30
Meddling!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Bamidbar
The women of the country of Midyan deliberately exploited themselves in a lewd and suggestive manner and caused the Jews to sin which brought about a plague that cost the lives of tens of thousands of Jews. As a result, G-d commanded Moshe to wage war against Midyan to avenge the death of the Jews. …
Jul 25
That’s Not Nice!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Bamidbar
This week’s Torah portion is titled Pinchos, who was a heroic person. Since the time of Noach, the inhabitants of the world had taken upon themselves a set of moral and ethical rules. These rules are referred to as the Seven Noachide Laws. Included in these laws is the prohibition of adulterous relationships. Until our …
Jul 18
He Blew It!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Bamidbar
The Mishna in Ethics of Our Fathers makes a distinction between two figures; our forefather Avraham and the wicked non-Jewish prophet Bilaam. The Mishna tells that a student of Avraham possesses the following three qualities; a good eye, a humble spirit and a gentle soul; whereas a student of Bilaam, possesses an evil eye, an …
Jul 11
Different Names!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Bamidbar
During the last year that the Jews traveled through the desert, they began advancing towards the Land of Israel. To reach their goal they had to pass through occupied lands. The most direct option was to travel through the land of Seir, which was ruled by the King of Edom. The Torah relates that at …
Jul 04
How Much Blue!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Bamidbar
The Torah describes a disturbing episode that occurred while the Jews were traveling in the desert. Korach, a man from a prestigious Levite family took issue with his cousin Moshe, claiming that Moshe had appointed his brother Aaron as the high priest on his own volition, not by the command of G-d. Korach wanted the …
Jewish Heritage Connection
Rabbi Dovid Saks, Director
601 Jefferson Ave.
Scranton, PA 18510
(570) 346-1321
Shabbat Candle Lighting Time
Scranton, PA US
Parshas Behar
Candle Lighting Time: 8:05 PM
Developed by AdatoSystems.com.
Key features by Hebcal.com.