Islander promoting Tu B’Shvat as an environmental Shabbat

STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
Friday, January 10, 2003

New Year for the Trees seen as a perfect way for Jews to learn to take better care of the Earth

A Staten Island environmentalist has joined the effort to promote Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year for Trees, as a way to focus attention on the many dangers facing planet Earth.

Dr. Richard Schwartz, professor emeritus at the College of Staten Island, wrote an article for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that was distributed to its subscribers nationwide.  In it he urges Jews to use the holiday, which begins next Friday night, as a launching point for an environmental action plan aimed at healing the planet. 

Since the holiday falls on Shabbos this year, Dr. Schwartz also is suggesting that synagogues plan celebrations incorporating Torah teachings on the environment.

His message was heard close to home.  At Young Israel of Staten Island, where Dr. Schwartz is a longtime member, a Tu B’Shvat seder is planned for 8 p.m. Jan. 17 in the teen lounge of the Willowbrook synagogue.

Four cups of grape juice will be poured as participants are asked “Why is this day different from all other days?” (Answer: It doesn’t honor events or people, as other holidays do, but instead makes trees the guests of honor).

A variety of fruit and nuts will be served and the celebration also will include readings, songs and a sermon.

Dr. Schwartz is a prolific writer who most recently published revisions of his major works, “Judaism and Global Survival.”

In his article distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, he wrote that “today’s environmental threats can be compared in many ways to the biblical 10 plaques … When we consider the threats to our land, water and air, pesticides and other chemical pollutants, resource scarcities, threats to our climate, etc., we can easily enumerate 10 modern ‘plagues.’ ”

Schwartz also listed suggestions for congregation leaders to use in turning Tu B’Shvat into an “Environmental Shabbat,” including:

• A Tu B’Shvat seder on Friday night, with a discussion on an environmental topic.

• A sermon on Jewish environmental teachings on Shabbos morning.

• An environmentally-conscious kiddush or lunch (vegetarian please) after Saturday morning service, with a minimum of waste and a d’var Torah on an environmental topic.

• Hosting a discussion or guest speaker on an environmental topic after morning services or between afternoon and evening services.

The Islander’s aims are in line with those of Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, a group that embraces 29 national Jewish organizations and seeks to be the voice of the Jewish community on environmental issues.

Mark Jacobs, the executive director, is quoted in Schwartz’ article, describing Tu B’Shvat as “a natural time to learn about environmental issues and how we can respond.”