Exploring Miracles Through Jewish Text
Rabbi Elana E. Perry
What is the overall attitude of this text toward how we are supposed to treat gerim? What are some of the underlying reasons for why we’re supposed to behave this way?
What protections, rights, and privileges did the Bible envision for gerim? What rights or protections might these translate into in contemporary American society? How might American society look different if we made more policy decisions based on the Jewish values expressed in these texts?
1. What power dynamics are at play in this text?
2. What is this text instructing us to do?
3. According to this text, who has the power to perform miracles?
4. Jewish tradition teaches that we are all created B'tzelem Elohim - in the image of God. According to this text, how might we mirror divine behavior?
1. Who are the players in this text – seen and unseen?
2. What is this text criticizing? (This text is read in the afternoon on Yom Kippur - where custom is to fast.)
3. According to the text, how do we shed light on darkness?
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Ladies: The season has again arrived when we are amenable to renew our efforts for the relief of those who need aid from their fellow sojourners in this world of many wants and many sufferings—and while we feebly put forth a diminished strength to relieve the cravings of nature we would suggest the wish that our abilities might be directed to a more pressing need—the mental impoverishment of those who are rising to take their place among the thousands of Israel scattered throughout the facilities of the earth. In a little while the remnant of those who first plead for the female poor of this congregation will have passed away and perhaps the sweetened memorial raised to their names will be recorded that they laid the course stone to this just tuition. Is it not too much to hope—too much to expect from the daughters of a noble race that they will be foremost in the work of charity—provided their young hearts are impressed with its sacred duties. Let us then plead for the means of "training them in the way they should go." We have a teacher desirous of opening his store of useful knowledge for the improvement of the rising generation.... The want of education shuts the door of advancement into private or public nations—which an Israelite might obtain in this country.... May it be that enlightened Jews mingle with the inhabitants of the land respecting their own laws and practicing the virtues required of the chosen people of God. As such we must prepare the way for that unto the gathering of the people .... we need look for no greater miracle than the changed heart that an enlightened faith—piety, self-respect and charity will engender to make our wilderness bloom—and a light shine on the on the mountains of Zion—but this is in advance of our present purpose—the grain must be sown before the harvest can be reaped
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Suggested Discussion Questions
1. How does Gratz present the efforts and obligations of Jewish women?
2. What is Gratz challenging her audience to do?
3. To what do you think Gratz refers when she speaks of miracles and light? How can these two things be realized?
CONCLUDING QUESTIONS:
How do these texts impact the way you think about miracles?
How might these texts change the way we observe Chanukah, the Festival of Lights?