Share Your Bread

There is a Jewish folktale about helping those in need that was turned into a children’s book called “Bagels From Benny” by Aubrey Davis (Bagels from Benny | Aubrey Davis). In the book version, Benny is grateful for the bagels his grandfather makes, so he decides to thank God by placing some bagels in the holy ark where the Torahs are kept. At the same time, there is a poor man in the synagogue. He finds the bagels in the ark, grateful that God has provided him with food. Benny thinks he is feeding God, and the hungry man thinks that God is feeding him. In the end, they realize what is actually happening, and Benny understands that he is doing holy work by helping someone in need.

Today, we are reminded that it is our responsibility to be like Benny, and continue this holy work. SNAP benefits have been halted due to the government shutdown, causing many people to struggle to put food on the table. We need to do the holy work of feeding those in need. Food banks and shelters are preparing for an influx of people, and they need more donations of food, money, and volunteers. Now is the time to help our fellow man.

At Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation in Southington, we offer plenty of opportunities throughout the year to help our fellow man. At Yom Kippur and Purim, we host a food drive, in which all donations go to Bread for Life. On Christmas day, we prepare and serve Christmas lunch with Bread for Life. And once a year, we pack bags filled with toiletries for Dignity Grows, a program which helps homeless women.

It says in Deuteronomy 15:7-8, “Do not harden your heart and shut your hand against your needy kinsman. Rather, you must open your hand and lend him sufficient for whatever he needs… Give to him readily and have no regrets.” By opening our hands and our hearts, we help to make the world a better place.