By Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy (Faculty) – “Amos dedicated the bulk of his prophecy to railing against the well-heeled, calling them “cows of Bashan”: “They drink [straight] from the wine bowls, And anoint themselves with the choicest oils— But they are not concerned about the food/ruin (shever) of Joseph” (Amos 6:6).
And yet, in Amos’s climactic prophecy, he shifts his focus to from starving poor to the desire for spiritual nourishment: “A time is coming—declares my Lord GOD—when I will send a famine upon the land: not a hunger for bread or a thirst for water, but for hearing the words of the LORD” (8:11).
Amos’ shift is shocking. Maslow’s famous pyramid of needs suggests that it is impossible to tend to psychological and emotional wellbeing when more basic physiological and personal safety needs have not been secured. How can Amos worry about the spirit when the poor are being crushed by debt and worry for their daily bread?”