Jewish tradition lauds the compassionate unconditional giving of tzedakah, while modern social justice advocates tend to emphasize policy reform. How does our parsha balance both of these imperatives as well as teach us the core values of compassion and interdependence? Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy discusses in this week’s parsha podcast on Behar: Tzedakah and The Elimination of Poverty — The Jewish Way.
Credits:
Larry Kluger – Creative Consultant
Arlene Harel – Production Coordinator
Podcast: Download
Meesh is the Director of the Pardes Year Program, where she has been making her professional home since 1999. Originally from Washington, D.C., Meesh has a B.A. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University, and a M.A. and Ph.D. from New York University. Her dissertation explored the courageous manner in which the rabbis of the Talmud created a new criminal punishment system. In 2015, Meesh completed her studies at Beit Midrash Har'el and received ordination from Rabbi Herzl Hefter and Rabbi Daniel Sperber. Click here to read more.
