Food for the Soul

March 19, 2024
Shoppers visit Jerusalem's outdoor Market: Mahane Yehuda

“Danny, you must finish all the food on your plate. There are starving children in _____…” – and here’s where you insert the name of a country somewhere far, far away from the disgruntled six-year-old who desperately does not want to finish his peas. 

But here’s the thing: guilting children into finishing their peas or other “undesirable” dinner items will not magically fill a belly somewhere far away. If only peas could solve that pesky poverty problem (why not throw in world peace, for that matter)!! And by the way, I’m with all of you who had to shovel spoonfuls of dinner into your stuffed mouths lest you waste even one bite. 

Still, there’s value in remembering those who are hungry for dinner and who can’t buy whatever they need at the local Walmart. Feeding the hungry, after all, is a Biblical obligation. 

What does the Bible say about feeding the needy? And how can you (and I) do our parts to ensure that people who need food get it? 

Israel, the Start-Up Nation and the Holy Land, has a problem. Despite technological advancements in food production and the incredible community outreach services available, there are still an alarming number of families who find themselves in the grip of poverty. Over half a million families face the heart-wrenching reality of hunger daily. Hamas’ war on Israel has only exacerbated this challenge – as many families who were already struggling to get food on the table are now evacuees, forced out of their homes due to the constant threat of rocket fire. How can you feed your family when you don’t even have a home?

In the face of such adversity, there lies a beacon of hope. As part of Israel365 Charity, a movement has arisen driven by the belief that no one should be left to suffer in silence. With your donations, we have been making a concerted effort to ensure that every Israeli family, regardless of their circumstances, is treated with dignity and respect. We have been partnering with food charities and redefining what it means to give, delivering nutritious food that mirrors regular grocery delivery, preserving each family’s dignity, and offering them a glimmer of hope and a plate of deliciousness. 

This initiative manifests the biblical tenet of caring for the needy, a sacred duty that calls for action, not just sympathy.

As servants of the Lord, it is our duty to care for those around us. Not forsaking those in their time of need. It’s more than just consideration, it’s about action. 

Another verse sticks out as particularly relevant:

As the Medieval Jewish commentator, Rabbi David Kimhi, explains, this is referring to the ancient Jews attempting to return back to Israel after their exile. The Jews in Israel today? They’re attempting to live that prophecy.  Together we have the ability to see this prophecy become a reality.

Meet the Gefen Family, a family of seven – who live in Southern Israel. Both parents hold multiple jobs to support their children.  And yet – their expenses exceed the small amount of money they scrape together each month. Not to mention, their home is currently being repaired due to rocket damage courtesy of Hamas terrorists. 

The words of God to the needy in Isaiah remind us that we already are a part of the Gefen’s future. By helping them in their time of need and the needs of many families like them, we are doing so much more than finishing the food on our own plates. We are actively participating in the future of those living in Israel. And the reward for that is indeed great. 

You’re probably very excited to click on this link, and be part of this inspired community. Thank you!

The initiative to feed the needy has already made a significant impact, with tens of thousands of meals delivered to families in need. However, the journey towards eradicating hunger and poverty in Israel is far from over. It’s a goal that requires the collective effort of all of us, each contribution bringing us a step closer to a future where no child goes to bed hungry, and no family is left to face the holidays in despair.

Your support has already changed lives. Each donation will only brighten Israel’s future. 

Join us in this noble cause. Regardless of size, your donation can be the miracle an Israeli family needs. 

Together, let’s nourish bodies, uplift spirits, and weave a stronger, more compassionate fabric of society. Because in Israel, no one should be left behind.

Israel365 is actively engaged in projects to uplift the Land of Israel and its people. These initiatives range from planting trees in Judea, providing support to orphans and Holocaust survivors, and ensuring that the needy have access to nutritious meals.

Sara Lamm

Sara Lamm is a content editor for TheIsraelBible.com and Israel365 Publications. Originally from Virginia, she moved to Israel with her husband and children in 2021. Sara has a Masters Degree in Education from Bankstreet college and taught preschool for almost a decade before making Aliyah to Israel. Sara is passionate about connecting Bible study with “real life’ and is currently working on a children’s Bible series.

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