There’s a trend on social media that pokes fun at the mental gymnastics we do as parents to get out the door on time. It’s called “Mom Math.” It goes something like this: We need to be at the birthday party at 4:30 PM. It takes 22 minutes to get there, plus 8 minutes for traffic. This means we need to be in the car by 4:00. To be in the car by 4:00, we need to leave the house by 3:50. Everyone needs to use the bathroom, have a snack, and we need to account for at least one tantrum… So, to be at the 4:30 party, I need to start getting the family ready at… 2 PM.
It’s funny because it’s true. And with the Jewish holiday season approaching, I’d like to introduce a new kind of math: Hosting Math.
Picture this: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a three-day holiday this year in Israel — two days for the holiday itself, plus one more day for Shabbat. One week later comes Yom Kippur, followed by Sukkot, another Shabbat, and then Simchat Torah. Each holiday day in Israel has at least two festive meals. That’s 6 meals for Rosh Hashanah, 2 for Yom Kippur (pre-fast and break-fast), and another 6 for Sukkot, Shabbat, and Simchat Torah. A grand total of… 14 big meals in just one month.
Of course, this takes a financial and mental toll. Don’t get me wrong — this is one of the most festive and meaningful times of the year. But it can be a lot. I’m grateful for the support of family and friends, potluck meals, and the ability to cook in bulk, which helps ease the financial strain.
But not everyone has that luxury.
This got me thinking about poverty in the Bible and what Scripture teaches about helping those in need, especially during times of celebration.
Throughout the Bible, we see countless examples of hospitality and provision for those in need. These stories remind us that caring for others is not just a moral obligation but also an essential part of our faith.
Take, for example, the story of Abraham and the three visitors.
When three strangers arrive at his tent in the heat of the day, Abraham immediately offers them water to wash their feet, a place to rest, and a meal prepared from the best he has. His generosity to strangers, who are later revealed to be angels, reflects the deep-rooted values of kindness and care. Even when resources are limited, Abraham shows that sharing what we have with others is a fundamental act of righteousness.
We also see this in the story of Boaz and Ruth.
As a wealthy landowner, Boaz demonstrates extraordinary kindness to Ruth, a poor Moabite widow. He allows her to glean in his fields and instructs his workers to leave extra grain for her to collect. This act of generosity is not only a practical application of the Biblical law that permits the poor to glean from the fields, but it also sets an example for all of us: to leave room in our lives for those in need, to share our abundance.
Even in more challenging circumstances, Biblical figures show how we can help others. When Elijah meets the widow of Zarephath during a severe famine:
she is down to her last bit of flour and oil. Yet, she shares it with Elijah, and in return, God provides an unending supply of flour and oil for her, her son, and Elijah. This narrative illustrates the blessings that come from sharing what little we have, even when it seems we have nothing to give.
What the Bible tells us, time and time again, is that providing for others is not just a duty but a profound spiritual act that brings joy and blessing. The most poignant example of that is the very command to celebrate our festivals with joy is paired with the command to share that joy with others.
As we enter any season of celebration, let’s remember those who may struggle to afford the festive meals and gatherings. Consider how you can extend your own “hosting math” to make room for others. This could mean contributing to organizations that provide meals and support for families in Israel, sponsoring holiday packages for those struggling to make ends meet, or even supporting initiatives that help bring joy and community to those who might be alone during the festive season. No matter where you are, small acts of generosity can make a significant difference for those in need.
Our faiths call us to celebrate and ensure that everyone can partake in the joy. Let’s take the lessons from these Biblical stories to heart and find ways to open our hearts and homes to those in need, turning our own abundance into a blessing for others.
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