From Sap Rising Up, To People Rising Up
by Rabbi Nate DeGroot
Last week, on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shvat - Tu B’Shvat - I wrote to you about the birthday of the trees, the Atlanta Forest Defenders, our duty as Jews to protect life - human and arboreal alike, and some initial action steps to support what’s happening in the Weelaunee Forest.
Today I write to you with additional opportunities to show up for those defending the trees and forests in Atlanta, and to announce The Shalom Center’s co-sponsorship of Third Act’s National Day of Action on 3.21.23, calling on the big banks to move their investments out of fossil fuels.
While more on those opportunities can be found towards the end of this email (or at the links above), first, I want to share some Torah:
The verses that we looked at last week (Deuteronomy 20:19-20), that command us to not destroy trees - actually form the basis of the Jewish legal (halachic) principle against destroying any of Creation. Known as bal tashchit (do not destroy), this principle evolves to emphasize the inherent value of not only trees, but all resources. For instance, the Babylonian Talmud applies the principle to prevent the wasting of lamp oil, the tearing of clothing, the chopping up of furniture for firewood, or the killing of animals (Talmud Shabbath 67b, Tractate Hullin 7b, Kiddushin 32a).
What arises from this line of thought is a general sense that preservation and honoring the sacredness of Creation is paramount. As The Sefer HaChinuch (13th c, Spain) teaches: [It] is the path of the pious and people of action; …They will not destroy even a mustard seed in the world, and they are distressed at every ruination and spoilage they see; and if they are able to do any rescuing, they will save anything from destruction with all their power” (529:2).
If this isn’t a call to action, I don’t know what is. But even beyond that, the Talmud even goes so far as to state that "…one who tears their clothes or breaks their vessels or scatters their money in anger should be considered like an idol worshiper (b.Shabbat 105b; b.Shabbat 67b)." For the rabbis, wanton destruction was not just bad, but a form of evil idolatry.
Now, there are those in our tradition and contemporary society who would argue that profit is the most important thing, and if destruction could yield a profit, it is justifiable (Baba Kama 91b–92a; Mishneh Torah Shoftim; Hilkhot Melakhim 6:9). But The Shalom Center rejects that premise and follows prophet over profit. Because yes, short-term monetary gain for the few may come from razing a forest or fracking a well, but Jewish time doesn’t operate in the short-term and cost isn’t calculated for the few.
Instead, Judaism offers us the promise of the collective, the long game, of ancient time, and the world to come. Surely the cumulative monetary price we will have to pay to try to survive an ever worsening climate catastrophe will cost far more than today’s profits from environmental destruction. But even more essential, for Jews, life is paramount and our God is infinite, eternal. Our purpose is not accumulation of wealth (see the laws of shmitah and yovel), but sanctifying creation, of being a holy nation (Exodus 19:6, Leviticus 20:26), of aligning with the Breath of All Life.
Halachah - Jewish law - could more accurately be translated as “the going,” “the walking,” or “the path-making.” Basically, “walking the walk” or “living out our values.” Within this framework, the “walking” that is inspired by bal taschit most certainly necessitates taking action now to protect sacred life all over. Please see below for two different opportunities to join us in walking the walk of environmental justice and the promise of a more healthy and whole Earth.
Defend the Atlanta Forest Solidarity Actions & Mobilization
Week of Solidarity Actions - February 19-26
On Tuesday, January 31st, the permits to destroy the Weelaunee Forest were approved. Organizers in Atlanta are calling on all people, wherever you are, to take action in solidarity with the movement to #StopCopCity.
Protest, sit-in, really, teach-in, call and email the contractors building Cop City - every action has an impact. You can find action targets in your community on our map page, and find action resources here.
Mass Mobilization in Atlanta - March 4-11
In response to the murder of Tortuguita, and the approval of Cop City’s final permit, frontline organizers are calling for a large scale mobilization in Atlanta from March 4-11.
Everyone is needed in Atlanta to stop Cop City, defend the Weelaunee Forest, and honor the life of Tortuguita. More details will be coming soon, but please make your plans now, and share this invitation with your networks, organization, friends, and family.
Third Act’s National Day of Action
March 21, 2023 - 3.21.23
Together we demand banks stop funding climate chaos.
Over the past year, thousands of people have taken the Banking on Our Future pledge to close their accounts, cut up their credit cards, and boycott Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo if they don’t move their investments out of fossil fuels. On 3.21.23, The Shalom Center will join with Third Act and many other co-sponsors, to gather to show the strength of our movement!
You don’t need to be a cardholder or a Third Actor to participate––we need people of all ages, races, and means to make visible the connection between cash and carbon. Bring your friends, energy, and creativity!
Find an event on the map or submit your own.
If Tu B’Shvat is when the sap rises in the trees, now we are entering the season of fruit blossoming and growing forth - of all of us rising in the streets. I want to bless us all that we get going, and walk the path of solidarity and action together this spring.
With blessings,
Rabbi Nate DeGroot
Associate Director, The Shalom Center