Whats Jewish about environmentalism? What can Judaism tell us about our intended relationship with the earth?
Judaism and environmentalism tie together in countless ways. One example of this is the value of eating seasonally. Long ago our ancestors were farmers who looked to agricultural signs in the garden to mark the passing of the seasons and for holiday celebration. Today, if we pay attention to the seasons in Israel just as our ancestors have done in the past, we notice that the reason why we eat pomegranates for Rosh Hashanah is because the dark red globes are dripping from the trees in September and October. We eat parsley on Passover because that is typically when the green leafy herb first emerges from the ground in the spring. When we eat locally and seasonally, we are connecting with our past and following the rhythm of the universe. It’s exciting because it reminds us that life is bigger than just you or me. Judaism and the mitzvah of tikkun olam teach us that the current generation must inspire the next generation to protect and honor the earth. By eating locally and seasonally, w
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