[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 [1] 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?
To Me, O Israelites, you are just like the Ethiopians [declares Adonai]. True, I brought Israel up from the land of Egypt, but also the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Arameans from Kir. [JPS translation]
Suggested Discussion Questions
1. How does this text challenge Jewish particularism? How does it feel to read this text?