ABSTRACT
Is socio-economic status significant for God? According to this passage from the Jerusalem Talmud, God and human beings differ in their treatment of the poor. Although humans commonly acknowledge wealthy relatives but ignore impoverished ones, God is not concerned with such categories. Although this source may also refer to Israel’s status under Roman rule, especially following the destruction of the Temple, it primarily addresses attitudes that are contingent on an individual’s economic standing. In this text, the poor are acknowledged by God without criticism, anger, or association with sinful behavior.
