An Indecent Proposal for Passover 2018 According to scientists between 5 and 13 million metric tons of plastics enter the ocean each year. It is a bleak scenario for the seas and the sea’s creatures. For the faith-based communities this is a real blemish. For if we believe that the seas and the sea creatures where created by God, likely we also believe the earth is not ours to pollute beyond recognition. Yet that is exactly what is happening. What can we do about it? Whil

Max’s Mountain Mountains are massive. If you are standing at the base of a mountain, the odds are that you cannot see the top of it. There is too much mountain in your sightline to see that far up, and the physical straining of your back and neck to attempt the view of the top is uncomfortably demanding. To even think of climbing to the top of a mountain is a challenge, and actually climbing to the top is daunting. Simply to get to the first foothill is hard. It would ta

Josh Lake When practicing my Jewish Nature Education pedagogy, there are core values I address in every decision and aspect I practice with learners. These core practices help materialize the learner’s relationship with nature. Awe. I believe that awe is the doorway to God; that without wonder and amazement (awe), God can (and often does) remain elusive. The ability to teach and experience awe is mystifying. The best way I teach awe is to share my own wonder and amaz

The most pressing challenge facing the Jewish people is the same that is facing any people on earth: that of staying alive and healthy in a world of deteriorating environmental and psychological health. People want and need a few basics for survival: (1) A healthy planet (predictable patterns for the procurement of sustenance/food) and (2) An opportunity to lead a productive and rewarding life by seeking social and physical ties to other people and living beings. Yet, every

An Outrageous Proposal for Passover 2018 What is our Chametz? According to scientists between 5 and 13 million metric tons of plastics enter the ocean each year.(1) It is a bleak scenario for the seas and the sea’s creatures. For faith-based communities this is a real blemish. For if we believe the seas and the seas’ creatures were created by God, likely we also believe the earth is not ours to pollute beyond recognition. Yet that is exactly what is happening. What can we