Shalom readers! Winter may be a slow time for animals, vegetables, and people, but here at the farm at the Pearlstone Center, things are picking up. One of the biggest and exciting stories from the animal pasture is that we currently have between three and six pregnant goats (G-d willing)! Blood tests will confirm exact numbers in a week or two, as our vet’s ultrasounds were on... read more.
A Vision for Judaism in This Time of Multiple Crises Richard H. Schwartz, Ph.D. Here is my long-held vision for Judaism in this time of multiple crises: To be a Jew is to see the world through the eyes of God, to be unreconciled to the world as it is, to be discontented with the status quo and unafraid to challenge it. To be a Jew is to be a co-worker with God in the task of perf... read more.
Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg? A Vegetarian Purimshpiel Richard Schwartz Reb Henna taught: "Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Clearly, the chicken. How do we know this? We learn from the Book of Esther that when Mordecai asked Esther to go before King Ahashveros to plead for the Jewish people, she was 'chicken,' fearin... read more.
Hi All, For Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d do something short and sweet. So, I leave you with these tantalizing links below about a candidate for a Jewish Valentine’s Day – namely Tu B’Av. Have you heard of it? According to Chabad, the Talmud considers this holiday the greatest festival of the Jewish year, one that is even more important than Yom ... read more.
Jewish Energy Guide: "Jewish Energy Advocacy" by COEJL Director Sybil Sanchez COEJL Director Sybil Sanchez discusses the twin challenges of energy independence and environmental protection, while charting recent energy policies in the American Jewish community. From hydraulic fracturing to tar sands, a rift has been forming between those seeking energy independence and thos... read more.
New York - The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life welcomed President Obama’s affirmation of his commitment to renewable energy and reducing our nation’s contribution to climate change, announced in his State of the Union address on Tuesday. “We praise President Obama for proposing the Energy Security Trust and prioritizing our nation’s response to the t... read more.
Coming up toward the end of the month of February is the Jewish holiday of Purim. Purim celebrates unity and community as we commemorate how we were rescued from Haman’s plot to kill the Jewish people. Purim is a holiday with many wonderful traditions. These include delivering gift baskets of food to friends (the practice of Shalach Manot); dressing up (and/or dressing... read more.
Mi She Nichnas Adar, Marbim B’simcha! Whoever Ushers in (the month of) Adar, (Their) Joy Shall Increase! In just a week and a half we look forward to the jubilant holiday of Purim. Megilah, costumes, groggers, skits/shpiels, Purim baskets/mishloach manot – Jewish kids and adults alike l... read more.
The Jewish environmental movement will have a shared presence at the Forward on Climate rally. Here are the details about the rally, as described by 350.org: At 12 Noon on Sunday, February 17, thousands of Americans will head to Washington, D.C. to make Forward on Climate the largest climate rally in history. Join this historic event to make your voice heard and help the president ... read more.
The Jewish holiday of Purim (this year celebrated on February 24) is a great time to add an eco-twist to your Jewish practice. The holiday includes sending gifts of food to friends (called "mishloach manot"), creating costumes, giving charity to the poor, and preparing the festive Purim meal. In all of these celebrations, there are many opportunities to conserve preciou... read more.
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