ABOUT A MITZVAH TO EAT

Jewish tradition teaches that Jewish practice should not endanger life, health, and safety.

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However, in a survey of those unable to safely observe Jewish rituals, 87% of respondents said they felt that they had to choose between safe ritual observance and Jewish belonging. ​

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In a separate survey of those unable to safely fast:

• 85% of respondents reported feeling shame on Jewish ritual fast days

• 70% have tried to fast, knowing it was unsafe for them

• 86% have felt alone

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No one should have to choose between safe ritual observance and Jewish belonging.

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A Mitzvah to Eat Provides

Peer Support

• Online Peer Support Gatherings

• Online Peer Support group on Facebook

 

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Online Resource Library

• Original supportive prayers

• Jewish text study 

• Resources for fast days and holidays 

 

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Coming with your support: 

Education and advocacy work

 

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​Impact

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Your support can increase Jewish belonging and decrease shame. In a survey sent to program participants and email newsletter recipients:

• 98% of respondents said that they felt supported in safely connecting to Jewish practice and community (for example, eating on Yom Kippur when fasting was unsafe)

• 94% said A Mitzvah to Eat’s offerings are potentially or definitely lifesaving 

 

 

Stories of Belonging

"A Mitzvah to Eat has helped me enormously in feeling that I have a place in the Jewish community even though my disabilities and neurodiversity have made it hard to live a life of Torah and mitzvot as I would like. I also think that without A Mitzvah to Eat, I would not have had the courage to break my fast on Yom Kippur when I was experiencing unsafe symptoms and I would have made myself very ill (or worse) as a result."

 

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“On Yom Kippur, I found myself sneaking outside just to take a few bites of food and sip water so I wouldn’t faint between services. I was overwhelmed with guilt. Before the next Yom Kippur, I found A Mitzvah to Eat. The teachings, blessings, and communal support changed everything. I wasn't alone anymore. The shame I had felt the year before was gone. Instead, I felt a deep sense of belonging."

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Your support can create stories of belonging. ​

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To explore what you can make possible, please reach out to Sarah Osborne, Founder and Director, at sarah@amitzvahtoeat.org.

 

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​A Mitzvah to Eat is a fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives, a registered tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with Tax ID # 94-3255070.