Rabbi David Wilfond’s Message – Friday, February 3, 2023
February 2, 2023Rabbi David Wilfond’s Message – Friday, February 17, 2023
February 16, 2023| Tu B’Shvat, the original Earth Day Dear Friends, In his State of the Union address this week, the president said, “Let’s face reality. The climate crisis doesn’t care if your state is red or blue. It is an existential threat.” As Jews, caring for the environment is a moral obligation. An ancient Jewish story teaches, When the Holy Blessed One created first Adam, God showed him all the trees of the Garden of Eden and said: “See My works, how lovely they are, how fine they are. All I have created, I created for you. Take care not to corrupt and destroy My world, for if you ruin it, there is no one to come after you to put it right.” Around the world this week, Jews celebrated Tu B’Shvat, the original Earth Day. Our Temple’s Green Team, headed by Karen Sabath, will be honored at services tonight. The Green Team will lead an activity at Shabbat Dinner on caring for the environment. Don’t miss out. Our Guest Speaker tonight is Paul Isserles, Director of Reform Judaism Camp Eisner. Eisner is a national leader of Green education for youth and teens. More children from Shaaray Tefila attend Eisner than any other sleep-away camp. Last summer I spent two weeks with our Temple’s youth at Eisner teaching about Reform Judaism and our responsibility for the environment. I am convinced that a summer at Eisner is a huge Jewish identity strengthener. If you have not yet chosen a Camp for this summer, consider Eisner and come to services tonight to meet Paul and learn about how Eisner enriches lives through Reform Jewish values. On Tu B’Shvat let’s plant seeds of hope. Hag Sameach, Happy Tu B’Shvat, Rabbi David Wilfond |
