Rabbi Knopf's Blog

a message from Rabbi Knopf

The Talmud teaches that 30 days before Passover, we should start learning about the holiday and its meaning. In that spirit, I humbly offer "30 Days of Liberation." For each of the next 30 days, I will offer a brief message, drawn from the wisdom Passover imparts. I hope you find these messages meaningful and inspiring. Feel free to share/forward.

30 Days of Liberation: Day 4​​​​​​​
According to Jewish Law, Ma'ot Hittim (donations of wheat and/or flour - or money to be used to purchase those items - for the poor in advance of Passover) is not charity. It's a tax. In general, tradition views feeding the hungry as an obligation, not a voluntary act of kindness. There is forced redistribution of wealth in order to support the needs of the poor. But we might have considered kosher-for-Passover wheat and/or flour a luxury. It's more expensive; and while a religious requirement, it's not strictly necessary for survival. The laws of Ma'ot Hittim thus teach that the poor are as entitled to luxuries as the rest of us, and we are required to provide more than the bare necessities.  

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