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Question
Dear Rabbi Lerner:
I have heard it said that in Biblical times it was the custom, at least in the more affluent households, that at the end of a meal any food remaining on the table had to be sent out to the beggars in the streets. This was possibly what Jesus referred to when he said, in Luke's gospel, that "Lazarus would have been glad to satisfy his hunger with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table". Is it true that there was such a rule or custom, and where, please, can I find out more about it?
I look forward to your reply. With many thanks,
Angus Sibley
Dear Angus,
Thanks for writing.
It sounds like the right thing to do and would have been consistent - at the least - with the ethics and morality for the wealthy anywhere in Jewish history.
Preferably, the poor would have been provided with their own food and not have to be dependent upon "left-overs" and the emotional stigma as well.
Unfortunately, this is such a technical question that it is beyond me, I am sorry to admit. I would ask the person from whom you heard it and find the source, if it exists.
I'll do some further checking with some Biblical experts. If and when I find something definitive, I'll be delighted to share it with you.
Best wishes
Rabbi Dov
PS Dear Angus,
Contact the reference desk of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York, 3080 Broadway, NY, 10027. I am certain that they will be able to help you if there is a clear answer.
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| Comment | I can see that you are very Pationate about the issue of racism and Israel. Thank you for the detailed response. I did go the Right person! I guess I don't understand Racism because it is not right or correct or fair and doesn't make logical sense to me. But....who said life was fair?!!! | ||
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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Expertise
Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience
I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
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