“…we also learned of a path forward that was characterized by dignity, compassion, and innovation…”

For the fourth time, Immokalee was graced with a visit from the Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights (formerly known as Rabbis for Human Rights – North America). Although many of these spiritual leaders from around the country had never been to Immokalee, they emerged from only a few days of touring tomato fields and in-depth discussions with the CIW with powerful new insights into the nation’s food system and a deep commitment to take action. Several of the Rabbis posted reflection on their visit to Immokalee:

“Do not bring an abhorrence into your house, or you will become an outcast thing like it…” (Deuteronomy 7:26)

In this case, slavery and the abuse of workers is the thing we are warned not to bring into our homes. When we purchase foods, such as tomatoes, that have been picked by abused workers, we become complicit in their exploitation. In a spiritual sense, we could even say that in buying the products of slavery we make ourselves slaves, “an outcast thing like it.” It is as if we declare that we are so enslaved by our desire for convenience and cheap produce that we cannot allow our moral sensibilities to override it. Even for a tomato.

This is not to say that every tomato is tainted. Pacific Tomato Growers (makers of “Sunripe Tomatoes”) is just one of the tomato growers that has signed an agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. So have about 90% of the growers in Florida. The agreements set standards for the treatment of farm workers. Because these workers’ wages have not increased in thirty years, the agreement also creates a mechanism for them to receive an extra penny per pound for the tomatoes they pick. The restaurant chains, Taco Bell, Chipotle, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Subway also have signed. So have the supermarket chains Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.

On the other hand, Publix has not. The largest supermarket chain in Florida, the state that produces the most tomatoes, has refused to meet with the CIW for the last four years to discuss efforts to combat the exploitation of farm workers who pick the tomatoes on their shelves.” read more

Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser, Temple Beit HaYam in Stuart, FL

All ten rabbis filed into a Naples Publix, gathered around the central tomato stand and began to chant the Song of the Sea, a celebration of the Jewish people’s journey from slavery to freedom. After ten minutes of drawing intrigued customers to the produce section (on the right, a curious customer receives an informational flyer from a rabbi), they lowered their song almost to a whisper and CIW’s Nely Rodriguez steady voice rose above it. As she spoke of the history of abuse in the fields and the changes workers are finally seeing, as well as Publix’s many years of cold intransigence, customer after customer began to approach the gathering. They didn’t know the Hebrew words to chant along, but they understood Nely’s conviction and the inspiring commitment of the group.

To conclude, we offer some additional (but certainly not final) words from this committed group of spiritual leaders:

“This Shabbat is Shabbat Shira, the Sabbath of Song, as we read aloud the text of Exodus Chapter 15, the Song of the Sea, celebrating the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom. I gathered with other rabbis from the T’ruah delegation for a public action this past week at a Publix Supermarket in Naples, a short drive from the tomato fields of Immakolee. Singing the words of the Song of the Sea in the fruit and produce aisle, we encouraged the stores manager to speak with headquarters about the Fair Food Program.” read more

Rabbi Jesse Olitzky, Jacksonville Jewish Center in Jacksonville, FL

“The workers have taken their fate into their own hands and are succeeding. We met with workers, coordinators of the coalition, growers, and individuals who are overseeing the enforcement of the agreement. Their work is transformative and inspirational. There are relatively few times that a person has the opportunity to be a part of history, to engage in acts that repair the world, almost before your own eyes. This is one of those times.”

Rabbi Louis Reiser, Rabbi Emeritus of Etz Hayim Synagogue (NH) now living in Boynton Beach, FL. Former Hillel Director at Emory University and Ohio University.