[HANASHIR:7027] Re: Judaism and the Environment

[Andy Curry <acurry...>]

Dear Gayle,

Judaism represents the movement from a nomadic, sheep-herding way of life
(Avram/Avraham) to an agricultural society (occupation of Haaretz).  The
TaNaCh asserts that "the Earth is the Lord's" and that we are caretakers of
it.

Unfortunately for our consciousness, the Reform movement has taken out some
of the parts of the liturgy which point to our precariousness within our
physical environment, e.g., "Mashiv haruach umorid hagashem", and the
second paragraph of the Shma.  These might be two elements you could
introduce as thought-provokers.

And how about one of the mainstays of Kabalat Shabbat, Psalm 92?  God is
the force behind nature.  That's a good basis for a conversation.

For a campfire song, "Mayim Mayim" - how important is water?

Good luck, Good Shabbos, and Gmar Tov!

Andy

At 12:34 AM 10/6/00 -0400, you wrote:
>I will be songleading for a family retreat in the Pocono's next weekend.
>The theme of the weekend is "Judaism and the Environment".  If any of you
>have suggestions for both service related pieces that cover this topic (or
>ones that are particularly appropriate for an outdoor setting), or songs for
>song circles or around the campfire after Havdalah, please pass them along.
>Secular song suggestions are welcome too!!
>
>Thank you, thank you, thank you!
>
>B'Shalom,
>
>Gayle Joseph
>Mountain Lakes, NJ
>4health (at) concentric(dot)net
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Andy Curry
6016 Holmes St
Kansas City MO 64110-3034

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