J Serve: A Reflection On Our Day of Service
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Deuteronomy 10:18-19

עֹשֶׂה מִשְׁפַּט יָתוֹם וְאַלְמָנָה וְאֹהֵב גֵּר לָתֶת לוֹ לֶחֶם וְשִׂמְלָה: וַאֲהַבְתֶּם אֶת הַגֵּר כִּי גֵרִים הֱיִיתֶם בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם:

Deuteronomy.10.18-19
[God] upholds the cause of the orphan and the widow, and befriends the stranger, providing him/her with food and clothing. -- You too must befriend the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. [JPS translation edited for gender-neutrality]
Suggested Discussion Questions

1. In what ways does this text suggest that we mimic God?
2. What is God's responsibility to us and what is our responsibility to others? What are the different sources of these responsibilities?
3. This text reminds the reader of Israelite slavery. In what ways is a history of slavery connected to doing justice and loving the stranger?

Mishna, Pirkei Avot 2:10
רבי אליעזר אומר יהי כבוד חברך חביב עליך כשלך.
Pirkei_Avot.2.10
Rabbi Eliezer said, "Other people’s dignity should be as precious to you as your own." [AJWS translation]
Suggested Discussion Questions

1. In what ways can we, as individuals, follow this more in our daily lives?
2. In what ways can we, as a community, follow this more in our teachings and values?