MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger

Oct 8th 2009

by MAZON

The Holiday: Simchat Torah is a joyous holiday marking the completion of the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle. At the conclusion of the seven-day Sukkot holiday, Jews around the world usher in another wonderful celebration:  the two-day festival of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.  In Israel, as ... continue reading »

Oct 8th 2009

by Ed Yerke-Robins

UPDATED 10/15/09 as tributes continue to come in from our board & staff. For more tributes & information on the life and career of Rabbi Loeb from those who knew him best, please visit Beth El Congregation. We are heartbroken to report that Rabbi Mark Loeb, a former MAZON Board Chair and longtime board member, ... continue reading »

Oct 6th 2009

by Ed Yerke-Robins

We have a wonderful problem at MAZON… we’ve had so many donations in honor of the High Holy Days that we’re completely swamped just trying to process them all. These funds allow us to support organizations like Hunger Action Los Angeles, who sent us the following regarding their monthly meeting this Thursday. These meetings are ... continue reading »

Oct 2nd 2009

by Rabbi Lee Bycel

It is often in the absurd that poignant insights are provided.  In his new movie, Brüno, Sacha Baron Cohen’s character responds to a question regarding his social involvement:  “Darfur is old news…what about Darfive.”  He is commenting on our need to move on to what is fashionable and that human tragedies go in and out ... continue reading »

Oct 1st 2009

by MAZON

The Holiday: Sukkot is an agricultural and historical holiday that celebrates the autumn harvest and commemorates the Israelites’ 40 years spent wandering in the desert before entering the Promised Land. The last of the three biblical pilgrimage festivals (which also include Passover and Shavuot), Sukkot is a seven-day celebration that provides a marked contrast to ... continue reading »

Sep 25th 2009

by Rosalie Licht

The Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is called Shabbat Shuvah. For many it is also considered the Shabbat of Returning, repentance, and focused prayer.  It is a special Shabbat because Jews are instructed to examine their deeds and focus their attention on how their behavior affects themselves and others. In light of the season, ... continue reading »

Sep 24th 2009

by Ed Yerke-Robins

The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 expires September 30, next week! This provides crucial funding for School Breakfast Programs, WIC (Women Infants & Children), CACFP (Child & Adult Care Food Program) & Summer Food Service Programs. Additionally, it allows hungry children & working families easier access to existing School Lunch Programs & even ... continue reading »

Sep 23rd 2009

by MAZON

The Holiday: Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement. Taking place on the 10th of Tishrei (the seventh month) in the Hebrew calendar, Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year.  During Yom Kippur, we face God – and ourselves – as we are called to account for our sins during the ... continue reading »

Sep 22nd 2009

by Rabbi Lee Bycel

Guereda, Eastern Chad Rosh Hashana 2009 As a rabbi I sit here welcoming in the new year with Darfuri refugees, people of great courage, strength and determination. I am here to celebrate the opportunity of a new year, with people who need not just our prayers but also our actions. I have spent the day ... continue reading »

Sep 18th 2009

by Rabbi Lee Bycel

No one says it…but the uneasy feeling was palpable.  I  could see the questions in their eyes:  Why are you going to spend Rosh Hashanah in Darfuri refugee camps in Eastern Chad?  Why would a rabbi welcome the Jewish New Year in a place where there are no Jews?  Do you really think going will ... continue reading »