We wish our members, readers, donors, and friends a sweet and happy new year. From our family to yours, Israel Between the Lines
Anyone who is Jewish knows what “holiday” really means: massive amounts of food. Of course, the root of every holiday is steeped in meaning, yet the tradition blossoms with the fruits of family and the feasts of food. Sitting around a table laid with symbolism and an abundance of dishes is a staple in any fortunate home. This year, as another Jewish holiday season approaches and takes over our September schedules, it also takes over our appetites.
The Jewish New Year, celebrated this September 6, signifies the head of a new year, just as its traditional fish head symbolizes. In contrast, Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is one of the heaviest days of the year. Yet even this day of fasting is bookended with feasts on either side.
The Days of Awe are capped off with Sukkot and Simchat Torah, over a week dedicated to enjoying the harvest season, and feasting on the fruits of the year. No matter how one celebrates the holidays or where one falls on the religious spectrum, one thing is certain: food matters. It’s the glue that will forever bring families together, and due to an exiled history, often reminds of present prosperity and abundance.
Yet, for many in Israel this year, there is no food or fortune. With the challenges of COVID-19, and over one million people unemployed at one point, over 155,000 people have fallen below the poverty line. Today, 21% of people in Israel are living in poverty. The OECD average is 11%. Thirty percent of them are children, and many others are elderly, single parents, young families, or marginalized communities, who haven’t been able to find their footing, or given the appropriate support to do so.
One organization, Israel’s National Food Bank, Leket Israel, works steadily to ensure that every home has food this holiday. The nonprofit organization saves surplus food from venues and donates it to the needy. This past year, they rescued and delivered over 2 million hot meals, and 18.5 tons of produce to people in need. The food is rescued from catering homes, corporate offices, and restaurants.
With such feast and surplus available, how can we find the balance to ensure less waste and more abundance for all? This is where family matters. The level of struggle has increased globally, and while many may be reaching to thrive, the majority are trying to survive. The High Holiday season is a beautiful opportunity to refind our balance and practice giving as the greatest mitzvah.
We don’t need to have a lot to give a little. We don’t need to have everything to give something. Those with more can give more and those with less can give less. What matters is that we see the full picture, and acknowledge that each of us has a role to play to feed our flourishing circle of life.
For the many who have nothing, just a little something can mean everything. A little goes a long way to give hope, love, and of course, dinner, to someone in need.
To learn more, visit Leket Israel.
