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PROGRAM: TU B'SHVAT - THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE JEWISH PERSPECTIVE
A program that is designed to introduce the students to the issues of environment. A good activity to start a discussion. Aims:
To explore Jewish texts dealing with ecology and the environment.
To encourage activism on environmental issues. To analyze relevant Jewish texts and their application today.
What you will need:
Large paper and marker, or crayons/paints.
Optional: enlarged photocopies of the table below to give to each sub-group, Or one very large photocopy of this table to complete as a group. Copies of Appendix 5 and 6.
Method: 1. Create (by drawing or describing in words) the participants' image of "Gan Eden" (heaven) or an island upon which they would be happy living alone. Hang this picture or description on the wall. 2. Discuss the following points:
Is our world like the one they have described?
Was it ever? Why has it changed?
3. Discuss with the participants how the world would have looked 2000 years ago, compared to the way it looks today. Which "world" would they prefer and why? How was the world in better condition before, and what has caused it to change? Optional: distribute enlarged copies of the table below. The text What the text says Concerning which reality How relevant is the text today
4. Divide the group into sub-groups and distribute copies of Appendix 5 - Jewish texts regarding "bal tashchit" (the prohibition against destroying or wasting).
a. Discuss the following points regarding the Biblical texts (#1):
What situation does the text from Deuteronomy describe?
Is this relevant to us today? Why or why not?
b. Discuss the following points regarding the Talmud interpretations of the Biblical texts (#2).
What have the rabbis added in their interpretations?
Why have they done so? Are their interpretations relevant to us? Why or why not?
c. Discuss the following points regarding the Rabbinical interpretations (#3).
Have they added anything to what has already been said by the other rabbis?
If they have - why do you think they did ? How is this relevant to us today?
5. Reunite the group and discuss the sub-groups' answers to questions 5 - 7 Refer to Appendix 6 for a facilitator's aid in leading the discussion. Optional: complete the above table as a group (- see no. 4 above). Focus on the relevance of the texts to today's situation. For example, today we have products that are non-recyclable - how would "bal tashchit" relate to them?
6. Discuss ways to protect and heal the environment today. Below are some examples:
Use recycled paper; avoid disposable paper cups and plates; share a newspaper or magazine subscription with a friend; use e-mail rather than sending memos; set the default switch on your photocopier to double-sided, or attach a friendly reminder to the machine, conduct research online and at libraries rather than printing and ordering piles of written materials, use copier paper, paper towels, tissues and toilet paper with at least 50% post-consumer recycled content. *why not Campaign in your campus (or wider community) over a particular environmental issue?
Elsewhere on the web:
Resources and Activities on Tu Bishvat from the Jewish Agency
Aish Tu B'Shvat site
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