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: Devorim
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 …
Sep 30
Awesomely Good!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Beraishis, Devorim
This past Wednesday, during the Holiday of Simchas Torah, we completed the Torah – the Written Law – also known as the five books of Moshe. Because Moshe was chosen by G-d to teach the Jewish people, G-d’s Torah is attributed to Moshe. Following G-d’s Revelation on Mount Sinai, Moshe ascended to the Heavens for …
Sep 09
Closed!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Devorim
This Shabbos is called Shabbos Shuva, the Shabbos of return or repentance. The term Shuva is borrowed from the first word of the Haftorah “Shuva Yisroel ― Return Israel ― for you have tripped up in sin.” We are taught that if we do something special this Shabbos in honor of and in the spirit …
Jewish Heritage Connection
Rabbi Dovid Saks, Director
601 Jefferson Ave.
Scranton, PA 18510
(570) 346-1321
Shabbat Candle Lighting Time
Shabbat Times for Apr 19, 2024
Scranton, PA US
Parshas Metzora
Candle Lighting Time: 11:42 PM
Developed by AdatoSystems.com.
Key features by Hebcal.com.
Scranton, PA US
Parshas Metzora
Candle Lighting Time: 11:42 PM
Developed by AdatoSystems.com.
Key features by Hebcal.com.