Learning And Resources - Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Welcome to our "End of Omer/Shavuos" newsletter. As we are approaching Shavuos, when we celebrate the giving of the Torah, is seems appropriate that we have not one by TWO Torah Insights.

In the first, "A Time for Growth," we are honored to present an article especially written by the Pilzno Rebbe, Rav Yehoshua Gerzi, on the deeper meaning of The Omer and its link with Ecology.

In the second, Yael Ukeles looks at whether the journey from Egypt to the promised land was about the 'journey' or the destination.

This month's Environmental Matters article is by Dr. Steven Moffic, who asks why we haven't yet learned the lessons of Climate Change. He offers some thoughts on why it is so easy to deny realities even when they are presented to us, and offers suggestions for action.

Finally, our Partner in Flight this month is Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblatt, the senior rabbi of the Riverdale Jewish Center, who has inspired us by leading by example when it comes to protecting the environment.

Chag Sameach!

Evonne Marzouk,
Executive Director

PARTNERS IN FLIGHT

This month Canfei Nesharim honors Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblatt, the senior rabbi of the Riverdale Jewish Center (RJC). Rabbi Rosenblatt has recently taken some inspiring personal actions to protect the environment.

Here are some examples of his personal commitments:

Ø	He has made a commitment to “go carless in Riverdale.” When he is in his own neighborhood, instead of taking the car (to synagogue or elsewhere), he walks. He is also taking the train more often when going out of his local area.
Ø	His family invested in a stack of reusable grocery bags, to cut down on plastic bags and garbage.
Ø	His family has taken steps to increase their use of real plates in the kitchen, cutting down on waste from paper goods.
Ø	His family has made a commitment to reduce their red meat consumption to Shabbos and leftovers, and stopped ordering fast-cooking meat like steaks. Instead, they have made a commitment to eat at least one vegetarian meal per week.

These simple actions are first steps toward an environmentally conscious lifestyle. Rabbi Rosenblatt was inspired by weekly emails from the RJC “Green Team” (led by previous honoree Jessica Haller), as well as the recent gift of an ipod, which is helping him enjoy listening to music and educational resources while walking more frequently in the neighborhood. The

exercise has improved his health, and the increased learning has “rejuvenated my intellectual life,” Rabbi Rosenblatt says.

Rabbi Rosenblatt points out that his actions were “basically cutting back on things that are not of benefit to any one,” just breaking bad habits that led to unnecessary waste. “In the same way that a mitzvah leads to another mitzvah, these little changes in thoughtful thinking can take you to other places and wonderful surprises. Thoughtful living is its own reward.”

Canfei Nesharim congratulates Rabbi Rosenblatt on his actions, and hopes that his example will encourage others in our community to take personal actions to protect the environment – and to inspire their leaders to do the same.

Share your favorite Torah and environment hero with us!

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