Month: August 2025

Choftim (שופטים – Judges)
^{Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9 and Isaiah 51:12–52:12}

The parasha outlines the foundations of a society governed by justice: fair courts, prohibition of corruption, limits on royal power, the role of the prophet, laws of war, and collective responsibility. In the haftarah, read during the seven weeks of consolation following Tisha BeAv, the prophet Isaiah announces the end of exile, the awakening of Jerusalem, and the path toward redemption. The people are called to rise, purify themselves, and prepare for deliverance.

Deuteronomy 16:20
צֶדֶק צֶדֶק תִּרְדֹּף
Justice, justice shall you pursue

Founded in 1863, Ohav Zedek (אהב צדק – One Who Loves Justice) is one of the oldest Jewish institutions in Wilkes-Barre, a working-class city in northeastern Pennsylvania. It was established by immigrants from Central Europe, particularly Austria and Hungary. In 1892, the community was officially registered under the name Congregation Ohav Zedek Anshe Ungarn^[1].

The current building^[2], constructed in 1932 according to the plans of architect Austin Reilly^[3], adopts a Moorish style, with a façade adorned with colorful tiles. The interior features a rare architectural detail: the women’s gallery is suspended from the upper structure, avoiding columns that would obstruct the view — a notable innovation. The construction was overseen by contractor William Schmalzriedt^[4].

^[1] Congregation One Who Loves Justice – The Men of Hungary: “Congregation” is a common term in American synagogue names; Ohav Zedek (אהב צדק) is Hebrew for “One Who Loves Justice”; Anshe Ungarn (אַנשֵי אוּנְגַארְן) is Yiddish for “The Men of Hungary.”
^[2] Ohav Zedek synagogue can be explored online through the Synagogues360 project, which visually documents Jewish houses of worship around the world. Direct link
^[3] Austin Reilly: An architect active in northeastern Pennsylvania during the 1920s–1930s, Reilly designed several public and religious buildings in Luzerne County. His style blends Moorish influences with modern functionality. He is listed as the principal architect of the 1932 building in Wilkes-Barre municipal archives.
^[4] William Karl Schmalzriedt (1911–2001): A building contractor based in Wilkes-Barre, Schmalzriedt oversaw the construction of Ohav Zedek in 1932. He is cited in project records and community archives as the lead builder. He also participated in the restoration of the building after the 1972 flood caused by the Susquehanna River.

Re’eh (רְאֵה – See)
^{Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17 and Isaiah 54:11–55:5}

Moses calls upon the people to see and choose: blessing or curse, depending on their faithfulness to the commandments. The text elaborates on laws regarding centralized worship, kosher dietary laws, charity (tzedakah), and pilgrimage festivals. Isaiah’s haftara speaks of the consolation of a rebuilt Jerusalem and the eternal covenant between God and His people.

Deuteronomy 11:29
וְנָתַתָּה אֶת-הַבְּרָכָה עַל-הַר גְּרִזִים
You shall place the blessing upon Mount Gerizim

It was in Samaria, on the slopes of Mount Gerizim, that the Jewish community of Har Bracha (“Mountain of Blessing”) was founded in 1983. The choice of location is no coincidence: it directly corresponds to the verse in Re’eh, which designates Mount Gerizim as the site of blessing upon entering the Promised Land.

Har Bracha was established as part of the post-1977 settlement movement, during a time when Samaria was regaining Jewish presence after nearly two millennia. Initially founded as a Nahal military outpost, it was demilitarized and converted into a civilian community on Yom Ha’atzmaut 1983.

The yeshiva led by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, author of the halakhic series Peninei Halakha, has become a center of study and spiritual influence. Each year, it attracts dozens of students, many of whom choose to settle permanently after their studies.

The main synagogue of Har Bracha, built in the 1990s, features a modest and functional style typical of mountain settlements: local stone, a low dome, and stained glass inspired by biblical blessings.

Today, Har Brakha has over 3,000 residents, spread across several neighborhoods. The population is mostly composed of young religious families, with high birth rates and a vibrant communal life. The town includes schools, kindergartens, shops, and a Judaic library.