In this week’s episode we look at Parashat Vayerah to read the story of Ishmael and Hagar’s exile and near-death in the wilderness. We see Hagar so overwhelmed by her own despair that she cannot be near her dying child, then the angel comes to reassure her that they are not meant to die, and she subsequently sees a well of water. Relating this story to climate despair, we see that if we persist in a despairing mind state it can blind us to the possibilities available for reversing climate change. We also talk about how it is essential to foster supportive relationships where we can express our sorrows when they arise and be reassured and then can return to a state of receptivity, creativity, and action. Follow along with the source sheet here: www.sefaria.org/sheets/591882

In this week’s episode we discuss a section from Bava Metzia that tells the story of an affliction that punished Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi because he ignored the suffering of a calf going to the slaughter. We talk about how this passage can inspire us to be more compassionate and aware of both the animals we encounter, but also become more conscious about the animal products we consume. We also talk about how thinking about how climate change affects animal species can inspire us to action. Follow along with the source sheet here: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/575997

We are putting out this episode on the tail-end of Sukkot and wrapping up our 5785 High Holiday season by looking at the phrase "sukkat shelomecha" or "sukkah of peace" taken from the Hashkiveinu prayer recited in the evening. We discuss how the metaphor of a sukkah of peace can be seen in opposite ways, one that the environment surrounding the sukkah must be peaceful, safe, and stable to have a sukkah of peace, or that the sukkah can provide peace however the environment is on the outside. We also discuss sukkot being a holiday during which we become much more aware of our surrounding climate, and how sukkot reminds us of our refugee history and current-day climate refugees. Follow along with the source sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/518548