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Published: August 4, 2007

Visitor Comments: 11

(11) Nic, August 14, 2007 3:06 PM

Yes, living green is living Jewish

Yet it is in how we live green, that it is Jewish or not Jewish.

Today, people around the world, have replaced their practice with another god, a green one. There are new prophets. The packages of what constitutes this new green religion, with its new god, have replaced the framework with something grossly inadequate, and inferior.

Sure, it is one thing to be green, in a Jewish way, but it is entirely another, to replace that which has been passed on down, from generation to generation, with that all-green-stuff where there is no Zion.

Jewish people today, are at the leading edge of green technology. And, to stay in the light, we need to remind ourselves, that the technology is not the aim, but a part of that which we use as we continue on continually seeking the jewish path.

Shalom,

Nic

(10) Rebecca, August 12, 2007 9:14 AM

prior mistakes don't negate solutions

Whether or not Oprah or anyone has contributed to the problems doesn't negate their work to help solve them. Its everyone's responsibility to be more aware of our impact on the environment and the people around us.

(9) Bucinka, August 11, 2007 7:27 PM

Oprah's a hypocrite

Lewis Black nailed it on the head when he implied that Oprah was part of the problem, not part of the solution, by giving away cars that combust petroleum products. Petroleum combustion is the single biggest contributor to the filth of the world--pollution, global warming, etc. We should have left it in the ground.

(8) Anonymous, August 8, 2007 10:19 AM

Yes, we are to take care of what G-d has given us, but we have to be careful, are the "Hollywood people" worshiping what G-d has created or are they thanking G-d for what He has created and worshiping Him? Also, private jets, luxurious vacations,(more jet fuel)kind of an oxymoron and pretty hypocritical.

(7) Helen, August 8, 2007 1:27 AM

Tu B`Shva is to make green

From 1978 and 2004 there is a remarkable difference on the road to up Jerushalem.
So many new trees have been planted during
the time. It is truly green!

(6) Chaiah Schwab, August 7, 2007 9:02 PM

Terrific video! Of course living "Green" is a Jewish concept!

The Torah has the command of "shmittah", the seventh year sabbatical of the land. Plus there's "bal tashchit", don't wastefully destroy. And the command not to cut down fruit trees in a time of war, when attacking a city. Even more important, I think that respect for the entire creation is encouraged by Judaism's teaching that G-d is the infinitely wise Creator of the universe. The Psalms contain many verses alluding to the glory of His creation. A thinking person would naturally be careful with this amazing gift from G-d!

(5) Shoshana, August 7, 2007 9:02 AM

Living "Green" IS a Jewish Concept

G-d gave humans the right to rule over the earth, not destroy it. The mitzva of Shomer Nafshekem says to take care of ourselves. If we don't take care of the environment we are opening ourselves and our children up to physical, financial destruction, and numerous health problems. Although a light bulb giveaway does not compensate for the carbon dioxide emitted by the cars that were given away, every little bit helps. We are taught in Perkei Avos that we each have our part to do, although we may not be the one to complete the task. Since G-d is in charge, and ultimately he determines the environment, a small gesture by many people may give the message to G-d, "Hey we're sorry for what we've done to your great gift, the Earth, but now we want to help right the wrong (do Teschuva). Please help us."
Hahsem leads us in the way we want to go, so hopefully Hashem will respond positively to our small steps and prayers. All we may have to do is open a whole the size of a needle, through which will hopefully come, a healthier environment, and ultimately the coming of Mashiach.

I recommend you all see the movie, "An Inconvenient Truth", by Al Gore. It clearly and succinctly explains the problem of global warming, its causes, and what we can do to help stem the tide. Also see www.climatecrisis.net.

(4) ed, August 7, 2007 8:04 AM

Chossing to be blind

Sam said: "...My question is, why doesn't everyone else see it?..."

Everyone can see quite clearly.

The question is why is there reluctance to act?

This would be a good theme for a discussion. i'm sure the exchanges will become quite heated in a short time.