Hi,
We discussed that caring for the poor was right smack in the middle of the Jewish holidays.
“When you harvest your field…Leave some for the poor.” (Leviticus, 23:22)
And we said the Torah was making a point.
That the holidays are a very important way to connect to G-d.
But there’s another way to connect to G-d.
Giving tzedakah.
By taking care of His children!
… On the other hand?
(Rabbis always do that!)
It goes the other way around, too.
Tzedakah is an important way to connect to G-d.
But we need the holidays as well.
We know that tzedakah has always been the hallmark of our people.
Jews cared. And helped others. It was that simple.
(The Torah Minute goes to Jews of all backgrounds. So I’m always careful to translate Hebrew terms.
I was about to translate tzedakah as charity.
Then I said to myself, “You don’t need to translate that word”!
It should make us proud!)
… But today we worry about our kids.
… And about their kids.
How can we guarantee that it will continue?
That they will respond the same way to the needs of others.
The Torah is teaching us that there is a way.
… We need to give them a meaningful Jewish identity.
Make sure they understand who they are. And where they come from.
Our children need a meaningful Passover.
To get in touch with their Jewish identity. And their history.
The Holiday of Shavuot. The day we received the Torah.
A time to connect with the Torah and our national mission.
And to appreciate how much we’ve changed the world with our Torah.
And they need Shabbat to get in touch with G-d.
To remember that whatever we have is given to us.
To share with others.
Our kids need to experience the meaning – and the joy – of being Jewish.
Because that will keep them committed to Jewish values!