Concrete Plans (Olam BaShavua 1.4) - June 12, 2024
CONCRETE PLANS: Paving the Way for Greener Cities
Cities are increasingly removing concrete and asphalt surfaces to create green spaces, which help reduce urban heat, manage stormwater, improve air quality, support biodiversity, and enhance community well-being. (Source Article: BBC)
Greenery in the Torah: The movement to depave cities and replace concrete with greenery reflects the Torah's teachings on the significance of plants and green spaces. This article discusses how Jewish tradition and literature emphasize environmental stewardship, linking the care of plants and greenery to our responsibility to protect the earth. (Torah Article)
GrowTorah Value: 🌎 Stewarding the Earth 🌎
SUPREME REJECTION
The United States Supreme Court rejected the fossil fuel industry’s petition to move lawsuits against them from state courts to federal courts in an effort to have the cases heard by judges who they believed would be less favorable to the climate-related lawsuits filed against them. (Source Article: Delaware Gov; The Cool Down)
Impact Accountability in the Torah: In this article, the author discusses the biblical and talmudic obligation to “be a good neighbor” and the emphasis on avoiding causing any harm or damage to others. (Torah Article)
GrowTorah Value: ⚖️ Tzedaka ⚖️
WINGING IT: Lights Out for Texas Birds
A new campaign called “Lights out Texas” is encouraging people to turn off their lights at night to help billions of birds migrate safely through the state. (Source Article: Defenders of Wildlife)
Animals in the Torah: In this article, the author explores stories and values in Judaism that implore us to have compassion for G-d's creatures, including and beyond halachic imperatives. (Torah Article)
GrowTorah Value: 🦋 Compassion for Creatures 🦋
TINY GARDENS, BIG HEALTH
A new study shows indoor gardening with microbial rich soil helps regulate our immune systems by enriching the human microbiome with beneficial bacteria, potentially boosting immunity and overall health. (Source Article: US News) Fun fact: many public libraries offer you free seeds to get started!
Awe in the Torah: In this Jewish text, the author elaborates on a statement of awe and wonderment from Tehillim at the brilliance of Hashem’s creations. (Torah Source)
GrowTorah Value: ✡️ Incubating Emunah ✡️
