The Torah mandates that produce that is grown in the land of Israel is subject to certain tithes. A percentage is given to a Kohain; after that, a tenth is given to a Levite. The Levite in turn gives a percentage of his gift to a Kohain. Additionally, dependent on the year of the Sabbatical …
Tag: Naso
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 20
Duel Citizenship!
- By Dovid Saks in 5781, Bamidbar
While experiencing an uplifting and beautiful Shavuos, I came across an insightful idea brought forth by Rabbi Ahron Leib Shteinman o.b.m. which captures the great capability of man which we were endowed with by G-d. Twice, before G-d’s Revelation at Mount Sinai, G-d instructed Moshe to warn the Jewish people and their animals that they …
Jun 03
Times Running Out!
- By Dovid Saks in 5780, Bamidbar
Back in March as the Corona virus was attacking Israel, a Bais Din – court of Jewish Law – suspended their non-time-sensitive functions due to the overwhelming amount of questions and in order to dispense rulings related to the virus and its effects. A prospective convert kept calling the head of the court to set …
Jun 13
Colors & Flavors!
- By Dovid Saks in 5779, Bamidbar
The Tribe of Levi was designated as the representative of G-d and the Jewish people to serve in the Temple. The Kohanim, Aaron and his descendants, were chosen to perform the actual Temple services and functions, such as the sacrifices and offerings. The rest of the tribe of Levi were watchmen of the Temple, the …
Sep 27
Wine
(Torah Portion Naso) Wine The Torah speaks of the laws of a Sotah – a process through which the status of a suspected adulteress (and adulterer) is miraculously clarified. Immediately following the laws of Sotah the Torah speaks of the laws regarding one who makes a Nazirite vow – who is forbidden to drink wine …
Sep 27
Our Natural Instincts
(Torah Portion Naso) Our Natural Instincts This week’s portion Naso, contains 176 verses, the greatest number of any portion in the Torah. This number 176 is found in other areas of our tradition. For example, the largest chapter in the Book of Psalms (119) contains 176 verses and the largest tractate of the Talmud, Baba …
Sep 27
Am I Dreaming?
(Torah Portion Naso) Was I Dreaming? On our recent flight back from Israel we were seated in front of a group of 13 years olds who were coming back from a two-week, school sponsored trip to Israel. When the stewardess was handing out the customs forms to be filled out, one of the chaperones instructed …
Sep 27
Temptation
(Torah Portion Naso) Temptation! This week’s Torah portion is the largest of all portions. The bulk of the portion gives an account of the offerings and contributions that the princes of each tribe gave to the Temple during the twelve days of its inauguration. In general, the Torah is very selective in its words. However, …
Sep 27
On a Slant!
(Torah Portion Naso) On a Slant! In this week’s Parsha the Kohanim are commanded to bless the congregation with the Priestly blessings. In Israel the Priestly blessings are given each day, however our custom in the Diaspora is that it is only said during the Mussaf service on the five major holidays of the year. …
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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
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Scranton, PA US
Parshas Metzora
Candle Lighting Time: 11:42 PM
Developed by AdatoSystems.com.
Key features by Hebcal.com.