Bearing Witness
1. How does one go about choosing a story to tell or a moment to witness?
2. What does this text instruct you to do?
3. How important is it that others learn from your story?
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 G-d?
2. What is G-d'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?
1. Who are the players in this text – seen and unseen?
2. What power dynamics are at play?
3. How might the statement of this text guide the way we set public policy in our own societies?
1. Why are these actions considered such severe "transgressions"?
2. What power dynamics are at play between G-d and the Israelites and between the Israelites and the poor?
3. This text lists 5 actions to not do. What are the implied opposite actions--five things we should do?
1. Why are these actions considered such severe "transgressions"?
2. What power dynamics are at play between G-d and the Israelites and between the Israelites and the poor?
3. This text lists 5 actions to not do. What are the implied opposite actions--five things we should do?