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January 21, 2000/7 Shevat 5760, Vol. 52, No.20
Doing, not sayingEditorialEco-kosher. The term unites a timely reference to environmental concerns and a timeless reference to what is right or proper, delineating a contemporary interpretation of Tu b'Shevat. Beginning at sundown on Jan. 21, the holiday familiarly known as the "birthday of the trees" reaffirms the divine creation of the Earth and the sacred human responsibility to sustain and preserve it.Marked worldwide with tree plantings and outdoor celebrations - Valley residents will gather on Sunday, Jan. 23, for a community wide march and celebration sponsored by Jewish National Fund - the festival provides an opportunity to heighten appreciation of the Earth's beauty and its fragile bounty, and to reaffirm the innately Jewish nature of ecological concern. Yet simply adding a buzzword to our vocabulary is not enough. Being eco-kosher is doing eco-kosher, and it is time for Valley Jews to act on our concern for the water we drink, the air we breathe, the mountain vistas we value. In a region experiencing unprecedented growth - our vast natural resources are a prime attraction - it is time to confront the harsh impact of more and more people on our environment. Sadly, we are depleting our resources - not, as our sources would teach us, protecting and replenishing them. Nationally, the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life is drawing on Jewish tradition to mobilize local community action. Its call has resonated in Southern Arizona, where residents have formed a COEJL affiliate. It's time for residents of the Phoenix metropolitan area to respond as well. While many local congregations, schools and organizations have added ecology to their agendas and curricula, supporting an organization dedicated specifically to protecting the Earth would provide structure and critical mechanisms for effective education and lobbying to help protect our beautiful desert habitat. We can begin today to ensure the quality of life for all Valley residents. Surely, for ourselves and our families, we can do no less. |
