In late February, I was honored to attend a “partners in faith” brunch with Neighborhood House as they kicked off their SW Hope campaign. At this brunch, we discussed the growing food insecurity in our community as well as the lack of resources to meet that need. In particular, I was struck by the lack of accessibility and the restrictions on resources.
Parshat Vayikra opens the book of Leviticus with a detailed description of the korbanot, the offerings brought to the Mishkan. Among them is the Mincha offering, a simple yet meaningful sacrifice made of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. Unlike the animal sacrifices, the Mincha offering was often brought by those who couldn’t afford livestock. It represented a humble, heartfelt gift—an offering of basic sustenance given with devotion.
This theme of gratitude for food and sustenance is also the basis of Hamotzi:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, hamotzi lechem min ha’aretz.
“Blessed are you, Adonai our God, ruler of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.”
The Mincha offering reminds us that even the most ordinary aspects of life—our daily bread, for example—can be acts of holiness. This lesson feels especially relevant today with global concerns around food security and rising costs of basic necessities.
In response to the alarming news about inflation affecting food prices, supply chain disruptions, and an increasing number of families struggling to afford groceries, communities worldwide have stepped up to support food banks, mutual aid programs, and meal initiatives. This includes the in-house food pantry we’ve set up here in our own congregation. These efforts reflect the spirit of the Mincha offering—transforming something as simple as flour and oil into an expression of care, dignity, and devotion.
Judaism teaches that gratitude must lead to action. When we say Hamotzi, we don’t just acknowledge the bread before us; we recognize that food is not guaranteed, and that we have a role in ensuring that others are nourished too. Just as the Mincha offering was shared in the Mishkan, we are called to share our sustenance with those in need.
This is the lesson of Vayikra and so much of the Torah: holiness is not reserved for grand gestures. It’s found in the simple, everyday acts of giving—whether it’s sharing a meal, supporting a local food pantry, or simply being mindful of the blessing of food. This Shabbat, as we recite Hamotzi, let’s take a moment to reflect:
- How can we express gratitude not just in words, but in action?
- What can we do to support those facing food insecurity?
- How can we bring the spirit of the Mincha offering into our daily lives?
– Rabbi Eve Posen
Source: Sacrifices and Sustenance
