Kim Schweitzer and Marlene Diskin
Manna: An unexpected gratuitous benefit.
To the Jewish people mana represents the food that miraculously appeared to feed the Israelites on their journey from Egypt to the promised land.
To Christians, “manna” means spiritual nourishment, especially the Eucharist.
Recently, Jewish Women in Action, a newly formed group at the Ranch, met to discuss our lives, our local community, and the world. Many of us expressed the pain we feel in our larger community when we see people holding “hungry” signs. One woman in our group told of a friend from California whose church created “Manna Bags” to hand out. The idea was not new, but we liked it and we embraced it!
We recognized that one of the reasons people don’t respond to those people we see on the street who experience homelessness is because we just don’t know what to do. Giving money may be uncomfortable—and perhaps not the most beneficial thing to do.
We collectively contributed snacks: fruit, tuna, water, eating utensils, bandages, wipes, and other toiletries and got together to put them in plastic bags. The intention was to keep a few bags in our cars so we could give them out to those seeking sustenance.
Now here’s a way to show compassion and make a difference in real time!
Jewish Women of Action was formed in SaddleBrooke Ranch in response to the terrorist attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, that murdered 1,200 innocent Israelis and kidnapped more than 200 hostages. Those men, women, and children were part of our extended family. Many of us, shocked and in despair, came together to find community.
We meet monthly to support and care for each other and the world around us. For information about Jewish Women in Action, contact Gail Cowan at [email protected].