Etz-Ron Newsletter
June, 2005

It is hard to believe that the holiday of Shavuot is practically here. One of the long-standing customs at Shavuot time is to read the Book of Ruth. Ruth begins her life in the Holy Land in poverty. She finds herself gleaning the fields of local farmers to collect enough food to sustain herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Her external and internal beauty catch the attention of a generous farmer named Boaz, who later marries her. Ruth, the Jewish people's model convert, is blessed to become the grandmother of another archetype of Jewish history, the warrior-poet King David.

In the orchards w/ Table to Table

On the day after Purim, Shushan Purim in Jerusalem, my son, Yishai, and I traveled to the orchards of Ashkelon to join in a unique reawakening of the custom of gleaning. This volunteer event was sponsored by an organization called Table-to-Table. Table-to-Table was founded by an American immigrant who wanted to do something tangible to help the poor of Israel. So, in addition to carting unused food from catering halls to soup kitchens, Table-to-Table has arranged with farmers to come to their fields and orchards after official harvesting and "glean" vegetables and fruits for the needy that would otherwise be left to rot.

Yishai and I found ourselves in the middle of a citrus orchard on an idyllic day, sunny and deliciously warm. The green sea of trees was bursting with flowers as well as fruit. The sweet blossoms attracted hundreds of bees whose humming provided a constant, meditative backdrop. At our feet, ants labored on already fallen fruit, darting in and out of their huge sandy mounds to feed their hungry comrades.

It is hard to describe how privileged we both felt to be in this breathtakingly beautiful setting and partake in this ancient-modern ritual of joining a community of givers to bring Nature's bounty to those in need.

For those ready to follow Ruth, Yishai and I into the fields, here is more information about Table to Table .

Eight Paneled Mosaic Tzedakah Box

There is something so very special about doing the mitzvah of giving to the poor in such a beautiful and natural setting. To help you experience that kind of inspiration in your own home, and to share that beauty and fulfillment with others, I make these unique one-of-a-kind Tzedakah Boxes that make a beautiful gift for any occasion.

Have An Inspiring Summer, Amy