Can Zionism claim Green credentials? The jury is still out on this one. On the one hand, Zionism was initially very much a “back to the land” movement, in the European Romantic tradition. Trees were being planted in Palestine as early as 1901, there was a strong emphasis on agriculture and “redemption of the land”, […]
This light, creamy cheesecake fits into your green Shavuot, especially if you make it with organic cheese and eggs. It's also light on sugar.
Eco-Activist Beit Midrash offers an alternative (and ecological) alternative to the traditional yeshiva experience. [image via: shorashimroots] The Eco-Activist Beit Midrash (EABM) based in Jerusalem has been devoted to a Jewish approach to environmentalism for a long time. In their own words, they are trying to “bring Torah down to earth.” And now they are […]
Every Friday night religious Jews light candles for Shabbat, the Sabbath or Shabbos. Guest poster Debra A. Waldoks sends us this tip in “light” of Earth Day today. Jewish or not, consider the ramifications of earth-friendly candles. My husband called me out on it: He claims that I am “green” when it affects my personal […]
Muslims recognize the Qu’ran has a lot to teach about ecology. A critical mass of Muslims are now working to make the annual Hajj pilgrimage greener. Green was, after all, Mohammad’s favorite color. Image via jonathangill Ask around in Egypt and the environment is usually not on the top of most people’s agenda, especially considering […]
The Muslim Green Team connect water to spirituality. Words of wisdom for the Middle East. [image via: luigig] It may not seem like an obvious connection, but if you are a believer in God and the wonder of his creations then you probably have a vested interest in conserving them. These creations include wildlife, plant […]
If you are Iranian, now is the time to celebrate the Spring holiday. Make the green holiday, greener. [image via: Hamed Saber] Spring is celebrated as a time of renewal and regrowth among many religions and cultures that originated in the Middle East. The Christian holiday, Easter, coincides with spring, as does the Jewish liberation […]
An impressive aerial shot of Israel’s garbage mountain – site of new ecological activity – for Passover.You’ve already begun your preparations for Passover – you’ve starting finishing up all the yeast (or hametz) in the house, you’ve thought of ways to avoid food waste during the holiday, you’ve bought local, handmade and green gifts for […]
(Photo Credit: Jim Davidson) Jewish leaders were among 50 religious leaders who prayed and visited Capitol Hill together during the week of February 22 to tell US legislators that action on climate change is urgently needed. Religious faith and concern for the environment should really go hand in hand. If you believe in God and […]
An act of redemption for family sins: Etti Altman co-founder and spokesperson of Let the Animals Live is pushing for anti-fur law she hopes will be passed this February 24. Israel would be the first in the world to ban fur. While fur was in vogue in the 1950s and ’60s and some people still […]
New Year’s for the Trees, is about to be celebrated in Israel and by Jews everywhere. Some people like to plant trees, like this family. Over in the Holy Land, and the Jewish Diaspora, Jewish people are stock-piling dried fruit and nuts to welcome in one of four different new years celebrated each year. Starting […]
Noam Dolgin is a Jewish environmental educator and the executive director of the Green Zionist Alliance (GZA). Based in Vancouver, Canada, he travels regularly around North America teaching about Jewish environmental values and Israel’s environment. Green Prophet sits down with Noam to learn a little more about the Green Zionist Alliance and what it does. […]
Muslims succumb to swine flu during annual Hajj pilgrimage. One of the biggest concerns to Saudi Arabian health authorities has unfortunately become a reality at this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, now underway in Islam’s holiest cities of Mecca and Medina. This year’s pilgrimage, which began on Saturday, November 21, has already claimed at least four lives […]
Lebanon’s Harissa Forest is only 400 square hectares in size, but it is considered one of ten Mediterranean forest attractions from a sheer beauty and conservation standpoint. Located on a hillside above the predominantly Christian city of Jounieh, the more than 1,000 year old forest had been threatened by real estate developers and construction contractors […]
Islam’s holy city Medina is about to become green model for Muslim world. On November 4, 2009, UK-based the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC), in working with the U.N., hosted 200 representatives from nine major world religions spanning over 60 different religious organizations. For a background, read Green Prophet’s post Interfaith Initiative plans to mobilize […]