Shemini

Bestowing Gifts in a Meaningful Way

By BETH KALISCH

As rabbinical student Beth Kalisch points out in the Parashat Shemini 5767, we should not patronize or objectify those who receive our gifts, such as when we give food to the hungry or poor. Instead, as Jews we should focus on the shared humanity and of those with whom we break bread and be acutely aware of their sense of dignity and pride. “The rabbis emphasize the importance not only of what we give, but also how we give. Giving tzedakah is always a mitzvah, but tzedakah that degrades the recipient can never be fully kosher.”

Hesed — A Traditional Value

By RABBI BRADLEY SHAVIT ARTSON

‘Rather than making the needs of other groups, or some abstract commitment to justice a primary goal, Jews need to focus our own self-interest.’ The author disagrees.

The Way of Strange Fire

By MAGGID JHOS SINGER

The World Congress of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Jews, Keshet Ga’avah, provides intriguing commentary in its “Tora Queeries”.