Today is the Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat (the 15th of the month called Shevat), which has been dubbed by some as “Jewish Earth Day.”
Although we do not emphasize it enough, Judaism has deep roots (pun intended) to environmental conservationism.
Some of the most celebrated rabbis throughout our history have made it a point to protect our natural surroundings, and have professed that the most profound of spiritual encounters happen in nature when we have this particular mindset.
Tu Bishvat, and its message of natural renewal, very much speak to me.
Caring for the Earth, and protecting it against human short-term gains, is a top priority for my attention and time.
I cannot emphasize this enough.
So it is with pleasure that we have a week-long celebration at Temple Emanu-El for, what the sixteenth century Jewish mystics called, ‘the birthday of the trees.’
Shabbat services Friday night and Saturday morning aim to teach, celebrate, and inspire us around this sacred part of our time-tested mission. (Facebook Live) (Youtube Live)
Shabbat morning Cevrei Torah torah study will explore the intellectual side of Jewish sacred texts which connect us with nature.
Zoom Video: https://zoom.us/j/93223841883
Saturday afternoon we invite you to stop by Temple Emanu-El with your food donations for paper-shredding and a hello.
Sunday afternoon a group of us from Temple Emanu-El will join Jewish Green Friends to plant trees around Atlanta. Register here
And most of our Adult Education Life Long Learning classes this week will include themes of natural renewal, conservation, and resource recycling.
Our tradition tells us that God gave us the world, but warned us that this is the only one, so we must care for it, before it is too late.
Let’s do this…together.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Spike
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