AvA holds eco-ethics retreat

Machteld Peters SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN

Adam va-Adamah is a Jewish environmental society sponsored by a number of B.C. synagogues. It held its annual eco-retreat Oct. 25-27 at the Sunwolf Outdoor Centre, about 10 kilometres north of Squamish with about 22 participants, including children.

As fall weather goes, we were quite fortunate. This made the drive up a pleasure, taking the scenic Howe Sound route to Squamish with its backdrop of sea and mountains. This helped set the mood for us to be closer to nature and focus on the purpose of the retreat.

Under supervision of Rabbi Ross Singer of Congregation Shaarey Tefilah, we erected an eruv, which added to the functionality of the place and was a must for carrying children. We had candlelighting and kabbalat Shabbat the first evening. The next day, the Shabbat service, ma'ariv and Havdalah service were led by Singer and by Rafael Richman, a very musical member of our group, who provided a much-appreciated number and variety of melodies. Our experience proved that a group of people whose ritualistic observances varied greatly could daven together without any problem. The unity and cohesiveness I felt meant a great deal to me.

We also had several talks that gave opportunities for discussions afterwards. Michael Barkusky, CGA and treasurer of Adam va-Adamah, gave a talk entitled Theology and Thermodynamics: The Physical and Ethical Challenges of Economic Life. He discussed the question, What are the proper ethical relationships between one generation of humans and the next and between human beings and other species with which Hashem has blessed this world?

Peter Ballin, a biology instructor at Vancouver Community College, spoke on climate change and its implications for British Columbia. He pointed out how water, soil, mountains and the vegetation on the West Coast are interrelated and how changes in climate alter this relationship, for better or worse.

Singer gave two presentations - one on Jewish ethics and another on Torah perspectives on the environment. We need constant reminding that humans are intricately related to nature, he said. How we treat animals, experience nature and respond to it, is a reflection of our inner thoughts and feelings, and how we see ourselves and each other. Each step or action we take that lies outside the harmony that was originally created ultimately causes us hardship and suffering. As the Rambam has said, "There is no difference between the distress of man and the distress of animals for their young.... [Hashem's] tender mercies are over all his works."

Our main outdoor activity was a long interpretive walk along the river that led us ultimately to a small stream where we saw the salmon spawning cycle. Susanna Haas, environmental educator with Adam va-Adamah, provided additional activities for the children.

For more information on the Adam va-Adamah Environmental Society, call 604-872-7380 or visit www.av-a.org.

Machteld Peters was a participant on AvA's 2002 retreat.

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