He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. — Deuteronomy 8:3
Each week in synagogue, Jews read through the Torah from Genesis to Deuteronomy.The Torah portion for this week is Eikev, which means “Because,” from Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25.
Soon after each of my children learned to talk, my husband and I began teaching them Jewish prayers and blessings. Like Christians, we teach our kids to thank God for our food before we eat. However, in the Jewish tradition, we have specific blessings for each particular food group. There are distinct blessings for vegetables, fruit, bread, and more.
Since 1983, various stories of destitute Jewish people, whose names and photos may have been changed for privacy and security have been used to bless Israel and her people. Through these retellings, generous friends like you have helped feed, clothe, and shelter as well as provide medical care and heating for tens of thousands of those who struggle greatly.
