Judy’s Kindness Kitchen: A Soup Kitchen In An Orthodox Shul

There are an abundance of Torah texts which teach the value and priority of tzedakah (charitable giving). And while there is often an emphasis on extending relief specifically to our fellow Jew, our Torah also calls upon us to resist insularity. We are stirred by the concept of B'tselem Elokim, that all humanity is created in the image of God.

What is the halachic (Jewish legal) basis for Judy's Kindness Kitchen; a social action project that primarily serves our non-Jewish neighbors who are in need? The 4th century Talmud Yerushalmi (Git. 5:9), following an even more ancient source, enjoins that in a city inhabited by Jews and non-Jews we delegate officials representing both groups to collect charity from all of the residents in order to meet the needs of the Jewish and non-Jewish poor alike. From this passage it is clear that in an integrated society we are directed to promote Darchei shalom (Ways of peace) by providing for the needs of the poor, irrespective of whether or not they are members of our religious community.

As the Rabbi of Congregation Beth Sholom, I am proud that my synagogue is home to Judy's Kindness Kitchen. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information. Thank you for your interest and support.

Mitchell C. Levine, rabbi