The Ultimate Fusion of Biblical Morality and Israeli Innovation – Leket Israel
November 14, 2018 - 2 minutes readThere is perhaps no better example of the fusion between ancient and modern than the work done by Leket Israel, Israel’s national food bank.
Leket Israel successfully combines the best of Israel’s modern and innovative industries with the nation of Israel’s most treasured Biblical traditions.
Founded in 2003, Leket Israel is the country’s leading food rescue organization. It focuses on rescuing healthy, surplus food and delivering it to those in need. In 2017, Leket Israel collected and redistributed more than 14,000 tons of produce directly from fields, and more than 2.2 million cooked meals that would have otherwise been thrown away.
Leket Israel’s name comes from the Book of Ruth. In English, leket means to glean. This verb is used to describe Ruth’s activities in Boaz’s fields; “She came and gleaned in a field, behind the reapers” (Ruth 2:3).
Not only is Leket Israel’s name Biblical, its operations are inspired by the Biblical instructions regarding the cultivation of the Land of Israel.
The Book of Leviticus instructs the Children of Israel regarding cultivation of the land.
And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I Hashem am your God” (Leviticus 23:22).
The above verse is situated in the middle of the Bible chapter that discusses the laws of the pilgrimage festivals. In ancient times, these festivals were the pinnacle of joy and national celebration. Including the ordinance to provide for the poor and the stranger, Biblical scholars understand this chapter to serve as a reminder not to forget Israel’s destitute during times of national prosperity and celebration.
This year, Israel celebrates the 70th anniversary of its re-birth. During this time of unparalleled joy and excitement, it is vital to remember those within our society whose success and happiness is stunted by lack of food and other basic necessities.
SOURCE: Breaking Israel News
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