Some texts on poverty
1. In what way is tzedakah giving more important than any other mitzvah?
2. This text stipulates that our wealth is not ours, but God's. What is the significance of this and our continual desire to own more stuff?
3. This text suggests that we are only allowed to our wealth once we've given a portion of it to the poor. What is your response to this line of thinking?
Translation | Original |
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When R. Joshua ben Levi went to Rome, he saw marble pillars there which had been carefully covered with wrappings to keep them from cracking during the heat and freezing in the cold. At the same time, he saw a poor man who had no more than a reed mat under him and a reed mat over him to protect him from the elements. [AJWS translation] |
ר' יהושע בן לוי סליק לרומי וראה שם עמודים של שייש מכורכים בקיטיות, בשרב שלא יפקעו ובצינה שלא יקרשו, וראה שם עני אחד מחצלת קנים מתחתיו ומחצלת של קנים מעל גביו.
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1. Who are the players in this text – seen and unseen?
2. What is the criticism of Rome here?
3. In what ways could the same criticism be made of our society? Of our global community?
1. Who are the players in this text – seen and unseen?
2. In what ways can we, as individuals, follow this more in our daily lives?
3. In what ways can we, as a society, follow this more in our policies - both foreign and domestic?
1. Who are the players in this text – seen and unseen?
2. How much money would you need to give in order to be considered average? How much do you actually give?
1. Who are the players in this text – seen and unseen?
2. Where does the rich man's shame come from? How can his shame be expunged in order that he might help his relative?
3. Have you ever experienced this kind of shame - either as one who was in need of help or as one who could offer help? What would have made the experience easier?
1. Who are the players in this text – seen and unseen?
2. What happens when human dignity is not a priority, such that this text makes it the most important thing?
1. What are other attributes of God that we are meant to follow?
2. How would God respond to the injustice in the world today? Based on your answer, what should we do?
1. What do you make of Rabbi Hiyya's wife's response? What do you think the next line of the dialogue might be?
2. How would you describe Rabbi Hiyya's attitude to his own grandchildren? To the poor?
3. What does this text say about our influence on the future of those near to us? Far from us?
1. Who are the players in this text – seen and unseen?
2. What power dynamics are at play?
3. What social justice themes emerge from this text?
1. Who are the players in this text – seen and unseen?
2. What power dynamics are at play?
3. What social justice themes emerge from this text?