About Temple Hesed
At Temple Hesed—meaning “overflowing love and kindness”—we strive to embody our name in every aspect of our congregation. As a Reform Jewish community, we offer a warm, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and connected, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. Rooted in Jewish values, we foster spiritual growth and a deep sense of belonging.
Our diverse programs support both spiritual and educational development. We provide comprehensive religious and Hebrew education that prepares students for their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs. After their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, students are invited to participate in our Confirmation class, where they meet monthly with the Rabbi to explore deeper aspects of Jewish faith and practice.
Under the leadership of Rabbi Daniel Swartz and an active Board of Directors, we celebrate a vibrant religious life through weekly Shabbat services, holiday observances, and community programs. Whether gathering for sacred traditions, social action initiatives, or moments of connection, Temple Hesed is more than a place of worship—it is a home where love, learning, and community thrive.
A Rich History
Temple Hesed is Scranton’s oldest Jewish congregation, with roots dating back to the 1840s when pioneering families founded Chevra Rodef Shalom—“Brotherhood of the Pursuer of Peace.” Despite numerous challenges, these early members embodied resilience and devotion, traveling by covered wagon to Wilkes-Barre for High Holy Day services. The congregation, renamed Kehilat Anshe Chesed in 1860, was chartered in 1862 and dedicated its first synagogue on Linden Street with Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, founder of the Reform Movement, officiating.
Joining the Reform Movement in 1880 solidified Temple Hesed’s role as a progressive spiritual home. In 1973, the congregation moved from Madison Avenue to its present location off Lake Scranton Road, embracing the name Temple Hesed to reflect its mission of loving-kindness.