During a class this week, a participant asked me, “Why are so many tragic and mass shootings happening these days?” Of course, this was in response to the latest shooting in Highland, where some of our own were included in the carnage. I thought to myself for a moment how to respond to this. I …
Category: 5782
Jun 30
Check Out!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Bamidbar
Korach, a prestigious and wealthy member of the Levite tribe, felt snubbed when a younger cousin was appointed as the prince of his group of Levites. His personal gripe led him to speak out against our leader Moshe. He doubted the authenticity of Moshe’s divinely appointed leadership, and accused Moshe of nepotism by giving his …
Jun 23
Wine Taster!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Bamidbar
The story is told about a winemaker who asked the Karliner Rebbe to come to his winery to bestow a blessing on his business. The Rebbe arrived and was given a tour of the facility while the owner explained the detailed process of winemaking. One of the Rebbe’s followers turned to the Rebbe and told …
Jun 16
Activate!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Bamidbar
Reb Shlomo Carlebach o.b.m. was famous for his melodious voice and for composing many soulful songs. His songs have remained timeless favorites. Reb Shlomo was also a great storyteller. He inspired others by using his talent of blending a story together with his distinct sing song that accentuated the point like no one else could. Reb …
Jun 09
Multimillionaires!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Bamidbar
This Parsha is host to the priestly blessing that begins with the word Yivarechecha. This fifteen-word blessing is familiar to us, being used on many occasions. In the diaspora, during the five yearly holidays, at the Musaf prayer, the Kohanim – priests – ascend the Duchan and bless the people. They begin by spreading their …
May 26
Ability!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Vayikra
If one consecrated leased or ancestral land by donating it to the Temple’s treasury and then wishes to redeem it, the Torah in this week’s parsha, sets the conditions of how the field is to be evaluated for redemption. The Torah also requires him to add a fifth to the monetary evaluation. In the previous …
May 19
I Believe!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Vayikra
Today is the festive day of Lag B’Omer – the 33rd day of the Omer count. Lag B’Omer is a break in the reflective and more subdued time between the Holidays of Pesach and Shavuos. Our Sages teach us that during this period, 24,000 students of the famous Rebbe Akiva all passed away from the …
May 12
Pursued!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Uncategorized, Vayikra
King Solomon writes in the book of Koheles, “G-d seeks out the pursued.” The Medrash explains this verse; whether a righteous person pursues a righteous or wicked one, or a wicked person pursues a righteous or wicked one – G-d seeks out the pursued. The Medrash continues by stating examples: Kain continually pursued Able, and …
May 05
Way to Say!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Vayikra
One of the many laws stated in this week’s Parsha is the law to direct a fellow Jew on the correct path to appreciate and observe the Torah. Understandably, one needs to use his Seichel – intellect – to understand where the person is coming from in order to reprove him without embarrassing him and …
Apr 28
It’s Mine!
- By Dovid Saks in 5782, Vayikra
Today has been designated as Yom Hashoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day – which marks the 77th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. I would like to focus on how Jews in Auschwitz and in other concentration camps displayed their devotion to G-d, to their religion, and their fellow Jews. Zalman Kleinman, an Auschwitz survivor, testified …
Jewish Heritage Connection
Rabbi Dovid Saks, Director
601 Jefferson Ave.
Scranton, PA 18510
(570) 346-1321
Shabbat Candle Lighting Time
Shabbat Times for May 10, 2024
Scranton, PA US
Parshas Kedoshim
Candle Lighting Time: 7:52 PM
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Scranton, PA US
Parshas Kedoshim
Candle Lighting Time: 7:52 PM
Developed by AdatoSystems.com.
Key features by Hebcal.com.