Blog

Enormous winds blew off part of the Sukkah in October and hurled a giant tree branch onto the roof of the synagogue several weeks ago. Biblical authors have long used natural forces as metaphors for divine power to both create and destroy. Rabbi Toba Spritzer adds human power to the comparison of Tzedek, (justice), with the flow of water and its ability to impact real change “…something we humans can either block by our unjust actions, or channel in positive ways.”

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg from Sweden is “a force of nature”, influencing righteous action and modeling the value and power of young voices. The CBE religious school, students and families are also powerful forces living their values through a commitment to and engagement with Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and tzedek (justice).

Many years ago, the youth group purchased and constructed an outdoor greenhouse OK, at the time, the wind asserted an opinion and rearranged the design leaving us with an “open garden”. Each year the religious school plants seedlings at Tu B’shevat to be replanted in that open garden in May which we harvest in September to start the next religious school year; our own mini farm to table model.

Two years ago the religious school took on the plight of bees as we studied how Jewish learning presumes the invaluable contribution of young people who transform Jewish culture, knowledge and commitments to justice and truth into a joyous experience that sweetens, nourishes and beautifies our world. Students designed and built honey bee hives and solitary bee hotels. The bee hotels live at CBE next to the open garden.

Last year we applied for and received a grant from Hazon to change out bathroom lighting for motion sensors and swap our most used toilets for low flow versions. Our motto at that time was “Greening isn’t Always Glamorous”.

This year students are taking on efforts to compost (not easy in our Colorado climate) and recycling on grander scales. We enjoyed our first zero waste event during the Rosh HaShanah luncheon and are looking forward to at least two more this year. Several students are looking at worm composting either at home or at the building (maybe my office?) and seeking volunteers to transport materials existing services don’t yet offer.

And we just finished our Chanukah Bizarre Bazaar. This annual holiday event honors ways to reduce, reuse and recycle through the gift of giving; kindling joy in thinking about others and awareness of the abundance in our world and personal lives. Families donate gently or unused items for adults such as jewelry, candles, books, Judaica, games, tools and more. Students “shop” for important adults in their lives (parents, teachers, etc.) using shekels earned in religious school. Even the wrapping paper is used. Anything not “purchased” at the bazaar is donated to MRC or EchO.

Gratitude to our students and families who regularly harness their own forces of nature for the benefit of all.