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Richard Schwartz September 19, 2006
     A Green Rosh Hashanah
Dear editor: Rosh Hashanah reminds us of God's creation of the world. Hence, it is an excellent time to consider the planet's environment and steps toward reducing environmental threats. When God created the world, He was able to say, "It is very good." (Genesis 1:31) Everything was in harmony as God had planned, the waters were clean and the air was pure. But what must God think about the world today, when, for example, the rain He provided to nourish our crops is often acid rain, species of plants and animals are rapidly becoming extinct, and the climatic conditions that He designed to meet our needs are threatened by global warming? Jews are mandated to be shomrei adamah (guardians of the earth) (Genesis 2:15). Hence, it is essential that Jews take an active role in applying our eternal, sacred values in struggles to move our imperiled planet to a sustainable path. So at the start of a new year, we should seek to reduce our environmental impact by, for example, using recycled paper, eating less meat, driving our cars less and using more fuel efficient light bulbs and other items. The fate of humanity is at stake. Very truly yours, Richard H. Schwartz, PH.D. Richard H. Schwartz, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, College of Staten Island Author of "Judaism and Vegetarianism," "Judaism and Global Survival," and "Mathematics and Global Survival," and over 130 articles at JewishVeg.com/schwartz President of Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA) and Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians (SERV) Phone: 718-761-5876 FAX: 718-982-3631 rschw12345@aol.com
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