Widows are Special

Deuteronomy 24:17
‘don’t take the widow’s garment in pawn…’

The widow has been hurt more than most others by circumstances and therefore she deserves to be cared for.

Torah emphasizes this over and over. Job was an advocate for social justice and pointed out that it was important to care for the widow… even saying:

(Job22-05:11) You sin by not feeding every widow and orphan
(Job22-21:30) Accept God-repent-help widows-all will be well

Elijah was also a crusader for justice and focuses on care of the widow. There is a popular story of the widow who shares her last flour and oil with the prophet. But she is assured that her flour will not run out because of her generosity.

So to research further about how the widow is special I found some interesting links:

R. Asher Meir Analysis

Ethicist View in Modern Times

Commentary on Parasha Ki Tetze

So are widows (and widowers) special today? Yes in that it is important to be sensitive to their loss. And the overall picture to be kind and generous to those who are less fortunate. Remember that people can live in abundance and still be hungry.