This Saturday evening begins 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 celebrate, what the sixteenth century Jewish mystics called, ‘the birthday of the trees,’ over the course of several days here at Temple Emanu-El.
Our Friday night Shabbat services aim to teach, celebrate, and inspire us around this sacred part of our time-tested mission.
Shabbat morning Chevrah Torah torah study will explore the intellectual side of Jewish sacred texts which connect us with nature.
Sunday morning, our Diamond Family Religious School kids will have a variety of ‘green’ activities, and lessons, emphasizing how important it is for Jews to be eco-activists.
Sunday afternoon, Temple Emanu-El will join other Atlanta faith based communities to plant trees in Wade Walker Park.
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
