משנה מסכת אבות פרק ה משנה ח
ז] שבעה מיני פורעניות באין לעולם על שבעה גופי עבירה מקצתן מעשרין ומקצתן אינן מעשרין רעב של בצורת באה מקצתן רעבים ומקצתן שבעים
Seven kinds of punishment come upon the world for seven categories of transgressions: When some give tithe and some do not give tithe, a famine due to drought ensues: some suffer hunger, while others have their fill. [Translation by Uri L’Tzedek]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. How is some suffering hunger while others have their fill a punishment for improper tithing?
2. Who goes hungry during this famine? Is it related to whether they gave tithes?
3. Are people punished today when we do not adequately provide support for each other? How?
Time Period: Rabbinic (Maccabees through the Talmud)