Somewhat off topic, but I came across this site. It has a number of
articles on a Jewish perspective on ecology, and there are many tree
references and metaphors. Don't know if this is mainstream Judaism,
but it is worth looking at.

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Mike Page++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

You forgot to include the link. Is it COEJL, the Coalition on the Environment
in Jewish Life? If not, I would like very much to find out about it.

Don't know if this is mainstream Judaism,

Not sure if you would call it mainstream Judaism, since it cuts across
denominational lines. Offhand, I would say that the Reform and
Reconstructionist movements (least traditional) are the most active in
environmental concerns, with Orthodox the least & Conservative in the middle.
The State & people of Israel do not have a very good record so far on
conservation & ecology, but the Jewish National Fund and the Society for the
Preservation of Nature in Israel occasionally manage to make themselve heard.
Iris,
Central NY, Zone 5a, Sunset Zone 40
"A tree never hits an automobile except in self defense." - Woody Allen

On Feb 2, 2005, at 1:37 AM, Iris Cohen wrote:

You forgot to include the link. Is it COEJL, the Coalition on the
Environment
in Jewish Life? If not, I would like very much to find out about it.

snipo make themselve heard.
Iris,
Central NY, Zone 5a, Sunset Zone 40
"A tree never hits an automobile except in self defense." - Woody Allen




Sorry I forgot it. It's Chabad.org. Don't know a thing about it other
than what I saw. Here's the address:

http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=255521

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Mike Page++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

In a message dated 2/2/05 9:00:47 AM, writes:
It's Chabad.org.

How interesting.Thank you for sharing this. Actually, Chabad is an
ultra-Orthodox, or Chassidic movement. (Chabad is an acronym, but I forget what it
stands for.) They are also called Lubavitch. They are typically Orthodox in being
Biblical fundamentalists & obeying all the Jewish laws, but quite different in
other respects. The article you cited reminds me more of Buddhism.
Chabad is not an environmentalist organization per se. Their main activity is
outreach, social service, and evangelism, but only to Jews. They are active
in small, far-flung communities, as well as the former Soviet Union. However,
it is gratifying to see them promoting conservation in honor of Jewish Arbor
Day, along with mainstream Judaism. I will have to remind our local Chabad
rabbi. I have offered to set up my annual Jewish Arbor Day (Tu BiShevat) bonsai
exhibit at his Chabad house or the university (his main ministry), but so far he
hasn't taken me up on it.
Iris

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Mike Page++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++