Today we will be learning how to facilitate discussions regarding hunger. We will begin with applying Jewish text to this discussion. Please have your group choose one of the following texts below. Please read it and discuss the questions below amoungst your table. Keep in mind that both the text and the questions should and can be used when discussing hunger in our Jewish communtiy.
עֹשֶׂה מִשְׁפַּט יָתוֹם וְאַלְמָנָה וְאֹהֵב גֵּר לָתֶת לוֹ לֶחֶם וְשִׂמְלָה: וַאֲהַבְתֶּם אֶת הַגֵּר כִּי גֵרִים הֱיִיתֶם בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם:
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?
Translation | Original |
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Always be happy when you are sitting at your table and those who are hungry are enjoying your hospitality, in order to lengthen your days in this world and the World to Come. [AJWS Translation] | והוי שמח על שולחנך, בשעה שהרעבין באין ונהנין על שולחנך, כדי שתאריך ימים בעולם הזה ובעולם הבא. |
1. Why should you be happy when you are feeding the hungry?
2. Why does feeding the hungry at your table lengthen your days in this world and the next?
3. Have you ever fed the hungry? How did it make you feel? Why?