Eco Shabbat by Rabbi Sandra Kviat
And God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. They shall rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the cattle, the whole earth, and all the creeping things that creep on earth.” (Genesis 1.26)
“Judaism understands us not as masters, but as trustees, of God’s creation. We have a primary responsibility to care for the earth and leave it to our children in a state of wholeness and health. The Climate Crisis is not simply a technological problem to be resolved through better science. It is a moral and spiritual crisis in our relationship with the earth.
EcoJudaism promotes the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment across the Jewish Community in accordance with the principles of the Jewish faith”.
What are we meant to think about the agreements made at COP28? Are you hopeful? Worried? Flabbergasted? Caring deeply about the environment and nature is baked into Judaism and our tradition, and so many of us try the best we can, in many different ways, hoping our choices make a difference. It is hard to know what to think about COP28, to know what we can each do to make a difference, whether as an individual, in our work environment, locally or nationally.
This Friday Shabbat, during dessert, we will hear from Chavurah member Sagarika Chatterjee, about her experience at COP28. Sagarika has worked in the field of global finance and environment for many years, and she will share her thoughts, as well as encourage us to think about what we can do.
“It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it
(Pirkei Avot 2.16). Let’s do this together” (Eco-Judaism).
If you want inspiration for a climate-friendly Shabbat please see here