February 2007

Xeroscape?!

I first encountered this word (being a newcomer to Tucson) in Hilary Lyon's article for the current issue of Chai Lights.  I looked the word up and learned that  "xero" is Greek for "dry," so xeroscape (sometimes spelled xeriscape) means "dry landscape," a name for the practice of using indigenous, water-frugal plants for desert landscaping.  

It doesn't sound like a Jewish word, but it certainly reflects Jewish values.  Xeroscaping reflects concern for our planet and for the wise use of our natural resources.  

We are especially mindful this month of the Jewish concern for the natural world, because the holiday of Tu B'Shevat is February 3.  Tu B'Shevat dates back to talmudic times.  The Hebrew name of the holiday means "the 15th day of the month of Shevat."  Sometimes called "the New Year for trees," its original function had to do with certain biblical agricultural laws related to tithing.  In the 20th century Tu B'Shevat became associated with planting trees in Israel.  More recently, this holiday is a time to focus our awareness on the need to take care of our environment.

The Jewish imperative to care for the environment actually dates as far back as the Torah itself.  We are warned in the book of Deuteronomy not to cut down trees during war, saying:  "you may eat from them and shall not cut them down, for [is] a tree of the field [like] a man, to be besieged by you?" (Deut 20:19)

In the past several decades, forward-looking Jewish leaders have coined a term to reflect a new concept for Jewish concerns for the earth:  eco-kosher.  The term "kosher" actually means "fit," or "proper."  What, then, is fit or proper for maintaining the environment?  Hilary lists some suggestions that we can do individually in her article later in this newsletter.  To make an even greater impact, consider joining COEJL (Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life) which has a local chapter, SAZ COEJL.  Information can be accessed through www.jewishtucson.org.  

For the past dozen years I have kept kosher, using separate meat and dairy dishes and preparing only kosher-certified meat.  Several years ago, however, I decided after much consideration to expand my personal definition of "kosher" to include naturally grown beef and chicken that was free range, humanely treated, and hormone-free.   I realize that my glatt-kosher friends don't agree with this decision, but for me it feels entirely in the spirit of eco-kosher consciousness.

The holiday of Tu B'Shevat reminds us to consider what we can do for the environment (and for ourselves) to stay fit, to be responsible, and to use wisely the limited resources of our planet.  As our sages taught:

"When the Holy One created the first human, God took him and led him around all the trees of the Garden of Eden and said to him, 'Behold My works, how beautiful, how splendid they are.  All that I have created, I created for your sake.  Take care that you do not become corrupt and thus destroy My world.  For once you become corrupt, there is no one after you to repair it.' "

B'shalom,
Rabbi Helen