Nurturing Nature (Olam BaShavua 1.6) - June 26, 2024
EU EMISSIONS MILESTONE
Emissions across the European Union are the lowest they’ve been in sixty years thanks to member states transitioning to clean energy. (Source Article: The Guardian )
Energy in the Torah: In this article, the author discusses what we can learn from the Jewish tradition about how to use energy responsibly (Torah Article)
GrowTorah Value: 🌎 Stewarding the Earth 🌎
ARUBA NURTURES NATURE'S RIGHTS
Aruba’s government is moving to enshrine twin environmental rights in its constitution that would recognize that nature has inherent rights and also affirm a human right to a “clean, healthy and sustainable environment,”, potentially making the Caribbean nation the second country in the world to recognize that nature has the right to exist. (Source Article: Inside Climate News)
Environmental Rights in the Torah: "In this article, the author discusses the dual role of humanity as both master and servant of nature, emphasizing the responsibilities outlined in the Torah's second Genesis story and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' interpretation." (Torah Article)
GrowTorah Value: ⚖️ Tzedaka ⚖️
CROC RECOVERY
Crocodiles have had a historic recovery in Costa Rican waters thanks to conservation efforts, which is great news since they play a vital role as keystone species, as their selective predation and nutrient recycling maintains the health of their ecosystems (Source Article: Tico Times)
Biodiversity in the Torah: In this article, the author explores the value of the continuity of species (from plants, to animals, to insects) in Jewish texts and traditions, including and beyond halachic imperatives. (Torah Article)
GrowTorah Value: 🦋 Compassion for Creatures 🦋
SHEDDING NEW LIGHT ON PLANTS
A company called LightBio developed a firefly petunia that glows by integrating bioluminescent genes, and this may help change perceptions of plants from passive objects to living creatures by emphasizing their dynamic nature and fostering new connections between humans and plants, hopefully encouraging appreciation of them as vibrant, living beings. (Source Article: The Atlantic)
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 ✡️
