Discussion Plan: The connection between who we are and what we eat
If a person likes rare or raw meat, do you think they are likely to be more aggressive than someone who likes their meat well done? Why / Why not?
If a person likes sweet things, do you think they are likely to have a sweet nature? Why / why not?
Is there such a thing as ‘comfort food’? What does this mean?
Is there such a thing as “Junk food”? What does this mean and why do we eat it?
Is there such a thing as “soul food”? What does this mean?
Do you think that what you eat affects your health? If so, give some examples.
Do you think that what you eat affects your mood? If so, give some examples.
If you eat healthy food are you likely to be more healthy? Why / why not?
In what ways is what we eat connected to our culture?
Do you think that someone who eats according to the practices of their culture has a stronger cultural identity than someone who does not? Why/why not?
2. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon all the wildlife of the earth, and upon all the fowl of the heavens, and all that crawl on the soil, and all the fish of the sea – into your hand are they given.
What does the way we care for animals say about us?
Proverbs 12:10 מִשְׁלֵי
יוֹדֵעַ צַדִּיק נֶפֶשׁ בְּהֶמְתּוֹ
A righteous man knows the soul of his animal
You should not sit down to eat until you have first fed your animals (Talmud, Berachot. 40a; Gittin, 62a)
You should not buy an animal unless you can guarantee it will have an adequate food supply (Jerusalem Talmud, Ketubot, 4:8).
Moses and David are often described in our tradition as devoted shepherds who gave every animal in their flock personal attention. It was this trait of their personalities that made them worthy in God’s eyes of leading the Jewish people. ( Exodus Rabbah 2.2)
Once, while Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, one young sheep ran away. Moses ran after it until the sheep reached a shady place, where he found a pool of water and began to drink. When Moses reached the sheep, he said: ‘I did not know you ran away because you were thirsty. Now, you must be exhausted [from running].’ Moses put the sheep on his shoulders and carried him [back to the herd]. God said, “Because you tend the sheep belonging to human beings with such mercy, you shall be the shepherd of My sheep, Israel.” ( Exodus Rabbah 2:2)
Interview two people in your family or community about the following:
Is there any kind of food that you personally choose not to eat? Why?
Do you think that what you eat affects your health?
Do you think that what you eat affects your mood?
Do you think you can look at what someone eats and draw any conclusion about their lifestyle? Their values?
Do you think that what you choose to eat or not eat can makes you a better person?
Do you eat meat? Do you think this affects the kind of person you are?
In the account of creation God blesses us and tells us and gives us all seed bearing plants to eat. In Noah, after the flood he tells he blesses us again, but this time he also allow us to eat meat. Why do you think God changes his blessing? Do you think we should eat meat?
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