The Torah's First Food Bank: Leket and the Jewish Safety Net

The Torah commands us to provide food for those in need, but what does that mitzvah look like in a world of industrial agriculture, food waste, and modern food insecurity? Together, we will explore biblical, rabbinic, and contemporary Jewish texts on hunger, agricultural justice, dignity, and communal responsibility. Beginning with mitzvot, we'll examine how Jewish tradition has grappled with the ethical obligations of farmers, communities, and individuals across the centuries. We'll then consider how these ancient values find new expression in modern-day Israel. Through discussion, we will explore how ancient Jewish wisdom shapes our response to hunger today. No prior knowledge of Hebrew or Jewish texts is required, only curiosity and a willingness to explore timeless questions with fresh eyes. . . . Rabbi Joel Seltzer is the CEO of American Friends of Leket Israel, Israel’s National Food Bank. Before joining Leket, he served as a Vice Chancellor at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), helping advance one of the world's leading centers of Jewish learning. An ordained rabbi of JTS, Rabbi Seltzer previously served as the spiritual leader of Temple Emanu-El in Providence and spent more than a decade as Executive Director of Camp Ramah in the Poconos. Throughout his career, he has combined teaching, community building, and nonprofit leadership, helping to strengthen Jewish communities and inspire the next generation. A passionate educator, Rabbi Seltzer brings a thoughtful and engaging approach to Jewish learning, connecting timeless Jewish texts and values with the questions and challenges of contemporary life.