From the first day of the month of Elul through the Holiday of Succos, we recite Psalm 27, which begins with L’Dovid at the conclusion of the Shacharis prayers. Depending on the custom of the Shul, the Psalm is again recited either after Mincha or after Maariv. I wondered, why is it recited only twice …
Category: 5782
Sep 08
Find Out!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Devorim
There are certain Torah prohibitions that require capital punishment. The implementation of capital punishment was very rare. Even if one committed an offense that was liable for capital punishment he could only be killed if two male witnesses warned him immediately before he committed the act. These witnesses were then thoroughly interrogated and then it …
Sep 01
So Far!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Devorim
I am nearing the end of the eleven months for which I am saying Kaddish and leading the services in memory of my father of blessed memory. I read a story that gave me pause to reflect on the significance of always having in mind to be near a Minyan so that I can properly …
Aug 25
Gratefulness!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Devorim
This week’s Parsha is replete with laws and instructions as to how we are to deal with our charitable giving and with helping those in need. I had once read a humorous but poignant quote from a leader of a large Jewish organization who helped many individuals and institutions over time. “When I help someone …
Aug 18
No Fanfare!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Devorim
Our Portion is called Aikev. The literal translation of Aikev is heel. Rashi quotes the Medrash which explains that Moshe tells the nation, of course G-d rewards us for the big or harder Mitzvos, but how about, what we would consider the small Mitzvos? The ones that we may regard as unimportant, and so to …
Aug 11
Balance!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Devorim
On Tisha B’Av at night I received a message from our friends Richie and Julie Rutta about the birth of a grandson, and then in the morning I received a text from my sister Chayala and Akiva Gonter about the birth of a granddaughter. Tisha B’Av is a sad day, yet how can you not …
Aug 04
Tug!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Devorim
My siblings and I are currently in the 12-month state of mourning over the loss of our dear father. When one loses a close relative, in the initial stages, the mourning process starts off intensely. Relatives involved in the arrangements are exempt from davening or reciting blessings until the burial. During this time, one does …
Jul 28
Gradually!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Bamidbar
A customer walked into a wholesaler and placed a large order. When his account was brought up, it was flagged for an overdue balance, and he was told that his order could not be accepted. The customer pleaded that they give him another chance and gave his word that he would pay as soon as …
Jul 21
Courtesy!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Bamidbar
This past Shabbos, while reviewing the portion of Balak I came across a subtle but striking comment of Rashi that captures a defense mechanism which people use when they wish to disregard G-d or take G-dliness out of the picture. The Torah relates that Balak hired the non-Jewish prophet, Bilaam, to curse the Jews. G-d …
Jul 14
Outside the Box!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Bamidbar
While paying a Shiva visit to my nephew, Rabbi Elchonon Schecter, upon the loss of his mother Miriam, he relayed the following story which captured her creativity in performing her numerous acts of chesed. In the early 1990’s when home computers were rare, the Schecters had a computer and printer in their home giving them …
Jewish Heritage Connection
Rabbi Dovid Saks, Director
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Scranton, PA 18510
(570) 346-1321
Shabbat Candle Lighting Time
Shabbat Times for Apr 19, 2024
Scranton, PA US
Parshas Metzora
Candle Lighting Time: 7:29 PM
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Scranton, PA US
Parshas Metzora
Candle Lighting Time: 7:29 PM
Developed by AdatoSystems.com.
Key features by Hebcal.com.