In this week’s episode we look at Ramban’s comment on Genesis 8:11 asking where the olive branch that the dove was carrying came from and how vegetation regenerated after the flood. While we feel that, living in the era of climate change, we are living in unprecedented times, Judaism has stories of drastic and sudden changes to the world, and traditions around how humans responded with ingenuity. We look at how the gates of the Garden of Eden and the ark as a seed vault parallel technologies we are currently creating to adapt to climate change. We also talk about how, to move forward, we need a culture of understanding and forgiveness. Follow along with the source sheet here: www.sefaria.org/sheets/603534

In this week’s episode we look at the Sefer Hachinuch’s comment on the commandment not to destroy fruit trees during a siege. The text presents one of the mitzvot foundational to the Jewish environmental movement, Bal Tashchit, the prohibition against wasting, which has been used to talk about sustainability and resource extraction. We also look at the concept of someone being a “Hasid Mitzvah” or paying special attention to a specific mitzvah. In the text that mitzvah is Bal Tashchit, and in the environmental movement that might be either being careful about everyday things like turning off the lights or reusing bags or finding the niche within the movement that you can become passionate about. Follow along with the source sheet here: http://www.sefaria.org/sheets/575995

In this week’s episode we look at Parashat Vayerah to read the story of Ishmael and Hagar’s exile and near-death in the wilderness. We see Hagar so overwhelmed by her own despair that she cannot be near her dying child, then the angel comes to reassure her that they are not meant to die, and she subsequently sees a well of water. Relating this story to climate despair, we see that if we persist in a despairing mind state it can blind us to the possibilities available for reversing climate change. We also talk about how it is essential to foster supportive relationships where we can express our sorrows when they arise and be reassured and then can return to a state of receptivity, creativity, and action. Follow along with the source sheet here: www.sefaria.org/sheets/591882

In this week’s episode we discuss a section from Bava Metzia that tells the story of an affliction that punished Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi because he ignored the suffering of a calf going to the slaughter. We talk about how this passage can inspire us to be more compassionate and aware of both the animals we encounter, but also become more conscious about the animal products we consume. We also talk about how thinking about how climate change affects animal species can inspire us to action. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/575997

We are putting out this episode on the tail-end of Sukkot and wrapping up our 5785 High Holiday season by looking at the phrase "sukkat shelomecha" or "sukkah of peace" taken from the Hashkiveinu prayer recited in the evening. We discuss how the metaphor of a sukkah of peace can be seen in opposite ways, one that the environment surrounding the sukkah must be peaceful, safe, and stable to have a sukkah of peace, or that the sukkah can provide peace however the environment is on the outside. We also discuss sukkot being a holiday during which we become much more aware of our surrounding climate, and how sukkot reminds us of our refugee history and current-day climate refugees. Follow along with the source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/518548

In preparation for Yom Kippur, arriving at the end of the week this episode is coming out, we read the first chapter of the book of Jonah, which is traditionally read on Yom Kippur afternoon. We discuss how Jonah’s sleeping through the raging storm can be viewed through the lens of a depressed mind, unable to see how change is possible, and thus giving up, and how a similar mindstate can also be caused by climate despair. We take heart in the example of the sailors who try every solution to their problem despite the hectic nature of the crashing waves. To see the Positive Vidui by Rabbi Avi Weiss (referenced in the episode) go to this link. Follow along with the source sheet here: www.sefaria.org/sheets/591890

To start preparing for Rosh Hashana, a week from when we are putting this episode out, we revisit the creation of the world (since traditionally the world was created on Rosh Hashana) as well as other New Year's themes of humility and the need to contemplate the consequences of actions before taking them. We discuss a text from Mashechet Sanhedrin asking why humans were created last, even after the mosquito. Follow along with the source sheet here: http://www.sefaria.org/sheets/576003

In this week’s episode we talk about a text from Bereshit Rabah that discusses a quote from the creation story “dominate over the fish of the sea”. We discuss how the text sets up this idea that the one who is created in G-d’s image will dominate while those not created in G-d’s image will fall. While this can be a troubling idea because of the exploitation of the natural world’s resources and a destructive disregard for nature which we’ve seen acted out in the recent past, we see that it can rather refer to the idea that acting like G-d, ie. with foresight, long-term thinking, and love, can promote thriving. When humanity has not done this, we suffer the consequences of climate change at the hands of nature, including increased pandemics and allergies. This can be seen as a call for responsible stewardship in alliance with nature. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/575996?lang=bi