In preparation for Yom Kippur, arriving at the end of the week this episode is coming out, we read the first chapter of the book of Jonah, which is traditionally read on Yom Kippur afternoon. We discuss how Jonah’s sleeping through the raging storm can be viewed through the lens of a depressed mind, unable to see how change is possible, and thus giving up, and how a similar mindstate can also be caused by climate despair. We take heart in the example of the sailors who try every solution to their problem despite the hectic nature of the crashing waves. To see the Positive Vidui by Rabbi Avi Weiss (referenced in the episode) go to this link. Follow along with the source sheet here: www.sefaria.org/sheets/591890

To start preparing for Rosh Hashana, a week from when we are putting this episode out, we revisit the creation of the world (since traditionally the world was created on Rosh Hashana) as well as other New Year's themes of humility and the need to contemplate the consequences of actions before taking them. We discuss a text from Mashechet Sanhedrin asking why humans were created last, even after the mosquito. Follow along with the source sheet here: http://www.sefaria.org/sheets/576003

In this week’s episode we talk about a text from Bereshit Rabah that discusses a quote from the creation story “dominate over the fish of the sea”. We discuss how the text sets up this idea that the one who is created in G-d’s image will dominate while those not created in G-d’s image will fall. While this can be a troubling idea because of the exploitation of the natural world’s resources and a destructive disregard for nature which we’ve seen acted out in the recent past, we see that it can rather refer to the idea that acting like G-d, ie. with foresight, long-term thinking, and love, can promote thriving. When humanity has not done this, we suffer the consequences of climate change at the hands of nature, including increased pandemics and allergies. This can be seen as a call for responsible stewardship in alliance with nature. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/575996?lang=bi

In this week’s episode we talk about a text from Bereshit Rabah that discusses the trees conversing with each other and with human beings, and then humans talking with each other and praying about the land and the temple. We talk about how now we know that trees do communicate with each other, but that there has always been an idea that nature is trying to communicate to us, and how this can lead to both conserving ecosystems and sustainable resource extraction. We also talk about how, if we miss the opportunity to hear the messages of nature, and we miss the opportunity to talk about nature and ameliorate our harm of it, we will reach the stage of only having prayers left. The book mentioned in the episode that details the means of tree to tree communication is: The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. Follow along with the source sheet here: http://www.sefaria.org/sheets/576005

In this week’s episode we discuss the section in Bamidbar about the spies who were sent by Moshe to observe the land of Canaan before the Israelites go in to inhabit it. We talk about how the report they bring back emphasizes both the impossibly large fruit but also the seeming impossible task of confronting the giants who live there, and how the negative narrative proves the much stronger message. We talk about how this negativity bias remains in human society today, and how revisiting this story can help us remember to believe in the strength and ingenuity of human communities to fight climate change. Follow along here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/576004

In this week’s episode we discuss a verse from Genesis (and Friday night Kiddush) and commentary on it from Bereshit Rabbah which asks the question of why the extra word of “La’asot” sometimes translated as “(that G-d) had done” is included in the verse. Bereshit Rabbah states that everything G-d created in the six days of creation still “requires some action.“ We discuss how humans now have a never ending to-do list to maintain nature, and in the face of climate change this sometimes poses challenges to halacha when more drastic actions might be required such as interbreeding of wild animals or genetic modifications, but that we must always keep humility about the consequences of our actions at the front of mind. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/549941

In this week’s episode of Honi’s Circle we study a verse from Leviticus (19:19) about not interbreeding cattle, mixing seed in a field, and not mixing textiles and Ramban's deeper read of this verse as being about not diminishing creation by trying to be a Creator oneself. This verse brings up mixed feelings about Halacha's role in hampering Jews from engaging in vital work of ecological farming or other "creative" processes to fight climate change, but also an admiration for the humility that this commandment implies. Follow along with the source sheet here: www.sefaria.org/sheets/549938

In this week’s episode of Honi’s Circle we study a text from Vayikra Rabbah, that features a parable told by R’ Shimon bar Yochai about a sailor drilling a hole in a boat, and being challenged by his friends. The parable goes to show the effect that our actions have on the whole community. We discuss what can contribute to self- and environment-sabotaging behaviors, and how we might better persuade others to join the fight to slow climate change. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/541905