By Dan Tomsky
SAN DIEGO –This is a good week within our synagogues to think about our planet and its future given the start of the United Nation’s Global Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). As global leaders meet in Glasgow, Scotland to hammer out a deal to tackle climate change, what can we as Jews do based upon Torah’s teachings, our ethics and the moral imperative to be better stewards of our planet and all life that depends upon its sustainability?
People of many faiths have been coming together in recent years out of their determination that it’s time for decisive commitment and action in addressing climate issues. Two weeks ago, across the globe, interfaith communities participated in “Faiths for Climate Justice” rallies and congregational services calling for needed action.
The common thread for these faith communities clearly was that all creation – all that is life on planet earth – is sacred and it’s our communal responsibility as people of faith to respect, protect and care for our planet based upon God’s commandments and our spiritual values.
The emerging involvement of faith communities has inspired me to compose the following prayer:
Dear God, creator of our sacred planet, as we experience the increasing effects of climate change in our lives – including record setting drought and warm temperatures, severe storms, raging wildfires and subsequent famine and human displacement – may we find ways to feel hope rather than despair. May we be inspired by those now taking positive action to push us all to take necessary climate-friendly actions before it’s too late.
Dear God, creator of our sacred planet earth, may all us human inhabitants be newly inspired and committed to respecting and caring for our planet and all of the ecosystem’s diversity. Let us be mindful of how climate change is posing “systemic” risks to our financial and economic systems, housing stock, food supplies and overall health – and in the long term our survival.
Dear God, may we do our share in assuring that how we live and what we support is not contributing to disproportionate impacts on the health, shelter and food supplies for our most vulnerable populations.
For the sake of our children, grandchildren and further generations, may we listen to the cry of today’s youth about their survival on our planet. May we support science-based measures and wise global strategies to reverse the direction our climate is headed.
May our Jewish tradition of valuing life, the environment and justice guide us. May it encourage us to be strong leaders in emerging worldwide, multi-faith climate and environmental justice movements.
…. And let us say, Amen.
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Dan Tomsky is a retired community practice Social Worker who has specialized in community health, safety and revitalization initiatives engaging diverse community stakeholders.
Beautiful Dan!