“we can help break the cycle of poverty and empower individuals to build a brighter future for themselves and their families”
You might have heard of the phrase “from rags to riches”. This phrase is used to describe someone’s change in fortune from being poor or in poverty, to becoming well off financially. There are many stories and examples of individuals who have changed their financial status and improved their lifestyle. Unfortunately, the opposite has also happened, where financially well off people have lost their fortune. There are many reasons why people can become poor or end up in poverty. One key theme that emerges from Parashat Behar is the importance of preventing intergenerational poverty and creating a just society that cares for the most vulnerable among us. We encounter profound teachings on economic justice and social responsibility to help prevent intergenerational poverty. The Torah is teaching us about the concept of Shmita (Sabbatical year), in Parashat Behar, it calls us to embrace principles of fairness, compassion, and sustainability in our economic practices.
The Torah commands us to observe the Shmita, (Sabbatical) year, every seventh year, during which the land lies fallow, debts are released, and slaves are set free. This practice serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of economic opportunity and social welfare. By allowing the land to rest and debts to be forgiven, the Torah emphasizes the need to prevent the accumulation of wealth and power in the hands of a few, which can perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality across generations. The Torah is emphasizing the importance of resetting economic imbalances and providing opportunities for all members of society to thrive.
Intergenerational poverty is a complex issue that can have lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities. It is often rooted in systemic injustices, lack of access to resources, and limited opportunities for economic advancement. Breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty requires a multifaceted approach that addresses systemic barriers, promotes economic opportunity, and empowers individuals to improve their socioeconomic status. A comprehensive study of intergenerational child poverty in the United States, directed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in 2018, lists seven factors that appeared most likely to generate intergenerational poverty:
Parental income/wealth and employment
Family structure
Housing and neighborhood characteristics
Neighborhood crime and the criminal justice system
Child education, homeschooling and access to good schools
Child health and access to health care system
Child maltreatment and the child welfare system
In our modern context, we can draw lessons from Shmita to guide our actions in addressing intergenerational poverty. Just as the Torah calls for the redistribution of resources and the release of debts to promote economic justice, we too can work towards creating a more equitable society by advocating for policies that uplift the marginalized and provide opportunities for all to thrive.
One way to prevent intergenerational poverty is by investing in education and skill development, ensuring that every individual has access to quality education and training that can lead to economic empowerment. By supporting initiatives that promote financial literacy, job training, and entrepreneurship, we can help break the cycle of poverty and empower individuals to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.
The study cited above, highlighted four areas with the strongest evidence for being key drivers of preventing intergenerational poverty, those are:
Education and Skills
Parental Employment, Income, and Wealth
Child Health
Crime and Criminal Justice Systems
These are important areas to bear in mind as we strive to create a society based on compassion and empathy, where we look out for one another and support those in need. Just as the Torah instructs us to care for the poor, the widow, and the orphan, we too must work towards building a community that values the well-being of all its members and provides a safety net for those facing economic hardships.
As we reflect on the teachings of Parashat Behar, let us be inspired to take action in our own lives to prevent generational poverty and create a more just and equitable society for all. May we remember the lessons of the Torah and strive to build a world where every individual has the opportunity to flourish and thrive.
Personal development 