To start preparing for Rosh Hashana, a week from when we are putting this episode out, we revisit the creation of the world (since traditionally the world was created on Rosh Hashana) as well as other New Year's themes of humility and the need to contemplate the consequences of actions before taking them. We discuss a text from Mashechet Sanhedrin asking why humans were created last, even after the mosquito. Follow along with the source sheet here: http://www.sefaria.org/sheets/576003

In this week’s episode we talk about a text from Bereshit Rabah that discusses a quote from the creation story “dominate over the fish of the sea”. We discuss how the text sets up this idea that the one who is created in G-d’s image will dominate while those not created in G-d’s image will fall. While this can be a troubling idea because of the exploitation of the natural world’s resources and a destructive disregard for nature which we’ve seen acted out in the recent past, we see that it can rather refer to the idea that acting like G-d, ie. with foresight, long-term thinking, and love, can promote thriving. When humanity has not done this, we suffer the consequences of climate change at the hands of nature, including increased pandemics and allergies. This can be seen as a call for responsible stewardship in alliance with nature. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/575996?lang=bi

In this week’s episode of Honi’s Circle we study a text from tractate Taanit, in which Rabbi Berekhya says that in the book of Hoshea the Jews asked for a divine relationship akin to rain, and G-d retorts that what they actually want is one like dew. We use this text as a way of looking at how a fear of imperfection and unintended consequences can paralyze us in inaction, but that the way that G-d gently corrects the Jewish people can serve as a model for motivation to pursue imperfect solutions (instead of none at all). Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/541043?lang=bi

In this week’s episode of Honi’s Circle we study a text from Tractate Taanit, that offers great praise of rain by comparing it to Torah and the resurrection of the dead. We see this text as a religious mandate for us to be very concerned with what is going on in the world (including climate change) and not just our mission of connecting with the divine via spiritual imagination. In equal measure we see the metaphor going the other way and that having a felt sense of awe for nature (in the form of rainfall and spring) can strengthen our connection to the Torah and imagining the messianic times. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/541046.1?lang=bi 

In this week’s episode of Ḥoni’s Circle we study the blessing for rain in its original form in Tractate Taanit, as well as how it is found in the Shulchan Arukh, and commented on by Ashkenazi halachic authorities the Mishnah Berurah and the Rema. We talk about how this blessing can be a powerful cultivator for gratitude for “each and every drop” of rain. We also explore how our place and relationship to the land can affect our attitude toward the weather. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/541045?lang=bi 

In this week’s episode of Ḥoni’s Circle we study the first half of Psalm 24. We find this psalm, recited when bringing the Torah back to the ark on non-shabbat days, to be full of messages pertinent to the climate cause, from the acknowledgement that all the Earth belongs to the divine, to its referral to the interplay between land and water, to it’s reference to a “wild heart.” We end by discussing how the image of a person with a wild heart and clean hands bringing a gift back from the mountain of the Lord, can be a metaphor for the leadership role each of us can take in the climate movement, and how this needs to be done with an open mind, a sense of empathy, and integrity. Follow along with the source sheet here:https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/492086

In this week’s episode of Ḥoni’s Circle we study a text from Mishneh Torah, a halachic tract by the Rambam, about the sacrifice of wood and the customs surrounding it. We imagine the practice of having a rotation of families bringing the wood that would be used on the altar in the temple, and how the practice might have emphasized the joy of volunteerism, facilitated an appreciation and respect for fuel, had a built-in system to stem burnout, and may have been based on sustainable forestry. All inspirations for our fight against climate change. Follow along with the source sheet here:https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/528697

In this week’s episode of Ḥoni’s Circle we study Psalm 121, with commentary by Malbim. This is the psalm we’ve been adding to our services since October 7th and is traditionally recited by Jews in times of distress. We discuss the unusual metaphor of divine protection from dangers from the moon, possibly referring to protection from despair, changes in the water cycle, and the unanticipated. All are pertinent to our grappling with climate change. Follow along with the source sheet here: www.sefaria.org/sheets/529750

In this week’s episode of Honi’s Circle we study Tractate Rosh Hashana 1:2, a section of the Mishna that talks about the four days of judgement in the year. We discuss how, while all creatures mentioned: animals, grains, and fruit trees, depend on the rain for their survival, in a way the judgement of people affects the other three because of human-caused climate change. We also talk about how ritualizing our acknowledgement of the precariousness of the water cycle and its dependent agriculture can increase our involvement in the fight for the environment. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/518545

In this week’s episode of Ḥoni’s Circle we study the Prayer for Rain, Geshem, and a supplemental piyyut (liturgical poem) by Ruth Gan Kagan that adds Miriam to the list of ancestors whose merit we call upon to be given rain for a blessing. We talk about how this ancient prayer points to the fact that humans have always understood that water is a powerful force on which our lives depend, and in the times of floods, droughts, forest fires and hurricanes, having this prayer as an elevated part of our liturgy can be an inspiration to work on issues contributing to this change in our climate. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/521685

In this week’s episode of Ḥoni’s Circle we study the end of the book of Jonah, 4:5-4:11. We get an interesting perspective on a thousands of years old urban/rural divide, and a retreat into nature that has Jonah diving deep into his feelings. We discuss the benefit of planting more trees in urban areas to combat rising temperatures, analyzing our own feelings in relationship to Climate Change, and think through what natural retreats can give us. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/531308

In this week’s episode of Honi’s Circle we study the book of Jonah, 3:6-4:4, where Jonah goes to Nineveh to proclaim the city’s destruction if they don’t repent, the city repents and is not destroyed, and Jonah gets mad. We discuss Nineveh’s amazing turnaround and what we might implement in our own lives to be able to change our own community’s habits and practices that contribute to climate change. We also discuss Jonah’s inability to forgive and how that reflects on our own ability to accept back into the fold entities that have in the past contributed to climate change, but now want to fight against it. Follow along with the source sheet here: www.sefaria.org/sheets/518540

In this week’s episode we talk about a text from Bereshit Rabah that discusses the trees conversing with each other and with human beings, and then humans talking with each other and praying about the land and the temple. We talk about how now we know that trees do communicate with each other, but that there has always been an idea that nature is trying to communicate to us, and how this can lead to both conserving ecosystems and sustainable resource extraction. We also talk about how, if we miss the opportunity to hear the messages of nature, and we miss the opportunity to talk about nature and ameliorate our harm of it, we will reach the stage of only having prayers left. The book mentioned in the episode that details the means of tree to tree communication is: The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben.  Follow along with the source sheet here: http://www.sefaria.org/sheets/576005                  

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle we read a section from Nehemiah about the Jewish people returning from Babylon and celebrating their first Sukkot, according to the text, in centuries. We talk about the value of tying new rituals back to old traditions, Sukkot as a holiday that connects us to the nature around us, and needing diversity in both our ecosystems and the people that are part of the climate movement. Follow along with the source sheet here: www.sefaria.org/sheets/518541

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle we study a Rashbam commentary on a verse from Leviticus explaining why we dwell in sukkahs for the holiday of Sukkot. Rashbam explains that the holiday comes right after we have gathered the bounty of the fields  into our houses so that we will not grow arrogant about our place in the world. We discuss how acknowledging our vulnerability within a loving community and, on the flip side, cultivating a sense of "enoughness", can foster joy. We also talk about how our slowness in the energy transition can be seen as similar to the Jewish people's slowness to accept their freedom, ie. change is hard, even if the status quo is not great. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/518542

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle we discuss Psalm 93. The psalm is a striking portrait of the raging seas and the divine, with no human or animal presence. We see this as a reminder both of the enduring awesomeness of a natural phenomenon that preceded humanity, but also as a reminder of the power of water in human lives (as seen in floods, droughts, and sea level rise) as the true signs of climate change, and a power that has been recognized since ancient times. Follow along with the source sheet here: www.sefaria.org/sheets/492089

Enjoy this special crossover episode from Climate Papa. Find Climate Papa at https://www.climatepapa.com/ and wherever you get podcasts. To follow along see Unetaneh Tokef here: https://www.sefaria.org/Unetaneh_Tokef.4?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en

For the complete show notes, the episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1m1Rnoc8w5yfQcGtotQyNa

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle we discuss Psalm 23. This psalm, most famous for the line "As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." is often said at funerals or shivah minyans, but also at the closing of Shabbat. We discuss how it's themes of the comfort of the natural world and trust in G-d help can relieve distress. We also discuss the phrase "only good and steadfast love shall pursue me", and how we can learn to look for the positive things around us as a way to motivate productive developments in the face of climate change. Follow along with the source sheet here: www.sefaria.org/sheets/492094

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle we discuss Psalm 147. We talk about how the psalm specifically refers to G-d as "the healer of broken hearts", and how our hearts break when we hear about species extinction, agricultural failures, and forced migration due to climate change. We then go on to discuss how psalms have been traditionally used as a source of comfort, and how the awe of nature (as described beautifully in Psalm 147), and communal singing and prayer, can not only help console us, but also inspire us to fight for the beautiful world described in the psalm. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/492088

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle we discuss two sources: Deuteronomy 8:10 "When you have eaten your fill, give thanks" and a section from the tractate Brachot giving over a rabbinic explanation for blessing before eating. We explore how both asking for permission to eat (blessing before) and gratitude for the food eaten (blessing after) can be powerful tools for viewing food as part of the divinely created world, as well as natural ecosystems. Fostering a sense of gratitude and holiness of resources can help us address food waste which is a contributor to global warming. We also look at the word "v'Savatah" - "and are satisfied" from the Torah verse, as a basis for conscious consumption. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/474654

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle we study a verse from Devarim (Deuteronomy 20:19) and the accompanying Rashi and Ibn Ezra commenting on the phrase "For is the tree of the field a man". This is the source text for bal tashchit, the rabbinic injunction against needless destruction or waste. We first look at the commentators' different readings of the verse, and how whether we view trees through a lense of difference or similarity, the commandment to not cut them down makes sense. We then go on to discuss the Torah's desire to protect long-term resources in the face of short-term needs, as well as the much wider benefit of large non-fruit bearing trees to our society. Rabbi Rose concludes by pointing out that one thing we need now, that wasn't imagined in the past, is the non-destruction of the environment. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/474661

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle we study two texts from the Talmud and Midrash that both address the question "Is it better that humans should have been created or not?" When Bet Shamai and Bet Hillel voted on this question, not having been created won out, when the ministering Angels debated it at creation, they were split down the middle, and in our own day and age it is a question that comes up again in the context of human-made destruction of species and ecosystems. However, in all cases, humans are here and so we must go forward with the way we live and affect our planet in a positive way. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/452951

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle we study Psalm148, a psalm read each day during P'Sukei D'Zimrah. In the psalm, all levels of creation, from angels to the sun and moon, to hail and smoke, to humans, are all joyfully praising G-d. We ask if we can see ourselves and the natural world in a state of joyous awe daily? We also ask if we can continue to imagine this when climate change worsens disastrous weather. Can we, for instance, challenge ourselves to imagine the smoke from forest fires joyfully praising G-d? Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/492087

In this week’s episode we discuss the section in Bamidbar about the spies who were sent by Moshe to observe the land of Canaan before the Israelites go in to inhabit it. We talk about how the report they bring back emphasizes both the impossibly large fruit but also the seeming impossible task of confronting the giants who live there, and how the negative narrative proves the much stronger message. We talk about how this negativity bias remains in human society today, and how revisiting this story can help us remember to believe in the strength and ingenuity of human communities to fight climate change. Follow along here:  https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/576004

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle we study Psalm 104, the psalm read on Rosh Ḥodesh, the new month holiday. We discuss the themes of interdependence, humanity's smallness compared to the complex and large surrounding ecosystem, and the natural world's independent relationship with the divine. We also discuss the how the mention of sinners at the end of the psalm can relate to our current destruction of resources, and how that relates to themes of the divine promise of the renewal of nature. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/492091

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle we study Deuteronomy 15:4-11, a section of the Torah with conflicting messages about whether or not there will always be poor people, as well as our obligation to lend to them and raise them out of poverty. Through this passage we see the Torah's conception of the land being a "loan" from G-d, our obligation to pay forward the abundance we get from the land to the poorer among us, as well as our obligation to steward the land to be a blessing for all generations to come. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/477260

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle we study excerpts from three prayers: Bore Nefashot, Birkat HaMazon, and Ashrei. In these prayers we find themes of our dependence on the Divine via the land, our kinship with the animal realm, and the importance of continuously cultivating gratitude and keeping entitlement at bay. While these prayers can serve as a source of hope during times of scarcity, we can also see them as a call to action to address global hunger, especially during our current era of climate change induced droughts. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/477265

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle we study the story of Elijah's flight from Jezebel, his deep despair over the children of Israel's abandonment of the covenant with G-d, and G-d's revelation in the "small still voice". We find parallels in Elijah's anguish and our own climate despair, and look in the passage for coping inspirations. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/452568

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle, we we juxtapose two texts from Pirkei Avot and the Zohar about trees and Torah study. We discuss how these texts see the relationship between Torah study and appreciation of the natural world. Are they antagonistic, hierarchically ranked, or can we hold them both as a holistic system informing each other?  We also discuss the Mishnaic times as being a period of existential threat to Jewish culture, and the parallels we can draw about how we relate to our current existential threat of species extinction. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/452321

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle, we study a section of Maasechet Brachot where Ben Zoma enumerates all the steps that lead to a loaf of bread or a piece of clothing. We discuss how, implicit in this text, is a sense of gratitude for the entire community of artisans active in the process of providing our daily needs, and relate this to climate change by acknowledging that we need a community to provide for everyone and work for a livable world, but also that we should keep in mind our own work as fitting into the work that the entire community is doing to fight climate change. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/473940
*The book that Rabbi Rose mentioned in the episode was "Thanks a Thousand: A Gratitude Journey" By A.J. Jacobs. https://ajjacobs.com/book-category/thanks-a-thousand/ 

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle, we study side by side the descriptions of the Burning Bush and Mount Sinai at the giving of the Torah. We discuss how the fire in both circumstances cultivated attention and awe, but how in the case of Mount Sinai also cohered the people with a shared experience that was necessary for them to embark on the communal mission of nationhood, similarly to how large scale disasters have mobilized the global community to act on climate. We also touch on the idea of using  controlled burns to manage forests being represented by the Burning Bush. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/452657

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle, we study a section from Vayikrah in which Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aaron, are consumed by divine fire after bringing "strange fire" into the new tabernacle. We talk about this story from a few angles including the need for humility, how one conveys one's story being important to its acceptance, and how the disasters of climate change can feel like a mismatch to the small actions of our every day lives. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/452661

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle, we study a section from Dvarim (that also appears in the second paragraph of the daily Shema) about how in the land of Israel the weather and consequently agricultural yields depend on fidelity to G-d and the commandments. We talk about how this section has become meaningful in the context of climate change both for individual and communal responsibility, techno optimism and its doubters, and reaching for coping mechanisms when it comes to facing the enormity of global changes. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/417007?lang=bi

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle, we study the verse, shortly after the flood, that allows people to eat animals. Alongside the verse we read commentaries by Ḥizkuni and Breishit Rabbah that initially seem to contradict each other about the roles of humans and animals in creation. In the end, both commentaries are strong arguments for ecological and species preservation.
Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/417168?lang=bi

In this week’s episode we discuss a verse from Genesis (and Friday night Kiddush) and commentary on it from Bereshit Rabbah which asks the question of why the extra word of “La’asot” sometimes translated as “(that G-d) had done” is included in the verse. Bereshit Rabbah states that everything G-d created in the six days of creation still “requires some action.“ We discuss how humans now have a never ending to-do list to maintain nature, and in the face of climate change this sometimes poses challenges to halacha when more drastic actions might be required such as interbreeding of wild animals or genetic modifications, but that we must always keep humility about the consequences of our actions at the front of mind. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/549941 

In this week's episode of Ḥoni's Circle, we return to Ḥoni the Circle Maker, (our namesake), and another story in Mishna Ta'anit about the Talmudic Rip Van Winkle. We discuss what this story can tell us about living for future generations, appreciation of nature and the work of our ancestors, and the power of dreaming. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/417001?lang=bi

Sefaria Source Sheet for this episode: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/417006?lang=bi

Sefaria Source Sheet for this episode: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/417003?lang=bi

In this week’s episode of Honi’s Circle we study a verse from Leviticus (19:19) about not interbreeding cattle, mixing seed in a field, and not mixing textiles and Ramban's deeper read of this verse as being about not diminishing creation by trying to be a Creator oneself. This verse brings up mixed feelings about Halacha's role in hampering Jews from engaging in vital work of ecological farming or other "creative" processes to fight climate change, but also an admiration for the humility that this commandment implies. Follow along with the source sheet here: www.sefaria.org/sheets/549938 

In this week’s episode of Honi’s Circle we study a text from Vayikra Rabbah, that features a parable told by R’ Shimon bar Yochai about a sailor drilling a hole in a boat, and being challenged by his friends. The parable goes to show the effect that our actions have on the whole community. We discuss what can contribute to self- and environment-sabotaging behaviors, and how we might better persuade others to join the fight to slow climate change. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/541905

In this week’s episode of Honi’s Circle we study texts from Likutei Moharan and Kohelet Rabbah that speak about how, when we feel ownership over creation, we are called to protect it, educate ourselves about it, and improve its condition. We talk about one way of improving the environment, which is aligning our diets to reduce our ecological impact, including exploring a plant-based diet, and/or eating regeneratively produced food. Thank you to SHAMAYIM: Jewish Animal Advocacy for the vegan grant to Congregation Beth Shalom and for the texts in this episode. Follow along with the source sheet here: www.sefaria.org/sheets/541909

In this week’s episode of Honi’s Circle we study a text from tractate Taanit, in which Rav Nachman asks for a blessing from Rav Yitzchak, and Rav Yitzchak blesses him by saying he should be like a tree, which is close to perfect. However, the one thing the tree can use good wishes for is that the its offspring should be like it. We discuss the myriad climate benefits of planting trees, as well as Judaism’s historical relationship towards non-human beings, and how, in the era of knowing how closely our survival is tied to the surrounding eco-system, these attitudes might change. Follow along on the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/541044?lang=bi

In this week’s special Passover episode of Honi’s Circle we study a text from the Haggadah about the original move of Jacob and his family to Egypt. We have a saying “We were refugees too” because Jewish history is filled with a series of persecutions and expulsions, but what if we go back to our very first immigration as a family (ie. the family of Jacob) moving from the land of Canaan to Egypt because famine was “heavy in the land.”? Having as part of our identity a people formed by climate refuge seeking can help instill empathy and move us to action for the millions being caused to move by the climate making their homelands unlivable. Follow along with the source sheet here: www.sefaria.org/sheets/550019