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Tu Bishvat Happenings and Other Environmental News

01/10/2022 02:19:14 PM

Jan10

The days are beginning to enjoy more light, even though the weather remains cold. Tu Bishvat, the new year of the trees, is a holiday that signals the coming of spring and the renewal of the cycles of growth and warmth. We begin to shift our mindset to renewal, growth, and hope as we begin a new year with new possibilities. Join us at 10:00 am on Sunday, January 16 for a Tu Bishvat seder including your choice of breakout session. Register here to attend on Zoom and to sign up for a seder gift bag.

As part of the seder, there will be two breakout sessions hosted by the Kesher Israel Committee and the Environment and Climate Change Action Team:

  • Israeli Environmental Achievements and Future Directions: Israel has been on the forefront of environmental development for many years, with its sustainability programs in the Arava, the desert region south of and between the Dead Sea and the city of Eilat. Active in this realm are the nongovernmental organizations of Hazon, Kibbutz Lotan (Reform movement), and the Arava Institute. Specific environmental projects and joint working groups involving Israelis, Palestinians, and Jordanians have propelled these organizations to the world spotlight. This session will both introduce you to this expanding field of work and underscore the call from Genesis 2:15 that our supreme human task is to serve and preserve the earth.
  • Recycling Crash Course: For decades we’ve been told to recycle to help the environment, and recycling technology has improved. Have we updated our recycling habits too? In the City of Madison about 12.8% of what goes into recycling bins is actually trash, and about 13% of material in the Dane County landfill could be recycled. This interactive session will share current recycling best practices along with other ways to minimize our waste to help the environment.

Temple is also hosting a Tu Bishvat Seder for young families. We’ll use a youth-friendly Haggadah and do a planting project. This will also take place on Zoom on Sunday, January 16, with a later start time of 10:45 am. Young families can register online to get the Zoom link and sign up for a materials bag.

Other events in January 2022:
Big Bold Jewish Climate Fest
January 10–14

WI Salt Awareness Week 
January 24–28, 2022

April 30, 2025 2 Iyar 5785