1. According to this text, who is responsible to feed humanity?
2. How can you reconcile this text with the reality that many people in the world are hungry?
Genesis 42:2
Translation
Original
"Now I hear," he (Jacob) went on, "that there are rations to be had in Egypt. Go down and procure rations for us there, that we may live and not die." [JPS translation]
1. What would cause people to migrate for food? What are the ramifications of this journey for Jacob's children?
2. People often migrate in search of food, employment and safety. What does this text teach us about migration for these purposes?
Tur, Yoreh De'ah 251
Translation
Original
One who comes and says, "Feed me," we don't investigate to see if he is deceiving, rather we feed him immediately. If he were naked and comes and says, "Clothe me," we investigate to see if he is deceiving. [AJWS translation]
מי שבא ואומר האכילוני אין בודקין אחריו אם הוא רמאי אלא מאכילים אותו מיד היה ערום ובא ואמר כסוני בודקין אחריו אם הוא רמאי.
Suggested Discussion Questions
1. What is the author's reasoning here for when to investigate requests for help?
2. What differentiates hunger from other basic human needs? What would it mean to investigate someone's need for food?
3. Does your philosophy on feeding the hungry align with this text?
Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 250:1
Translation
Original
How much is it appropriate to give to the poor? ‘Sufficient for his needs in that which he lacks.’ If he is hungry, one must feed him. If he needs clothing, one must clothe him. If he lacks housing utensils, one must provide him with housing utensils… To each person according to what he needs. [AJWS translation]
כמה נותנין לעני, די מחסורו אשר יחסר לו. כיצד, אם היה רעב, יאכילוהו. היה צריך לכסות, יכסוהו. אין לו כלי בית, קונה לו כלי בית...וכן לכל אחד ואחד לפי מה שצריך.
Suggested Discussion Questions
1. What is the extent of this law - how do we gauge how much is enough? Is it up to us to decide if someone is hungry or not?
2. Unlike the text above, this text groups hunger with other basic human needs (clothing and housing). In your opinion, is there a distinction?
3. What are the different ways that you help feed the hungry? Are we, as a community, doing enough to address the demands of this text?
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--To continue this conversation and learn more about AJWS's campaign to end global hunger; "Fighting Hunger from the Ground Up," visit our website (www.ajws.org/hunger). Lisa Exler and Rebecca Stone will be discussing this campaign at their session, "What is Jewish about Global Hunger?" (Saturday, 11:45-1pm in Room Hudson I). --
--This source sheet was also inspired by the theme of "One World," which is being explored by the LimmudNY Chevruta Project. We encourage you to attend sessions to further discuss communal and global responsibility.--
