Rhode Islanders celebrate Global Day of Jewish Learning

“The earth is full of Your creations” (Psalm 104:24) is one of many references in Jewish texts to the beauty and vastness of our world and nature. Children and adults have an opportunity to explore nurturing and nourishment, ecology and the environment, cycles and seasons on Nov. 20 as part of the Global Day of Jewish Learning. Jews around the world will share a day of Jewish learning, dialogue and exploration, joining together in celebration of all that unites us. Events are being held in more than 500 communities in more than 40 countries.

The Jewish Alliance is working with The Nature Conservancy, Ganei Beantown: Beantown Jewish Gardens, PJ Library and Temple Torat Yisrael to present a diverse program. Workshops include PJ Library stories and activities for young children. For older children, goats and chickens will join in a program on how to treat animals. Free snacks will be available.

The Nature Conservancy will present “Ruler, Steward, Servant: Humanity’s Relationship with Nature.” Ganei Beantown will conduct a workshop on fair trade and Jewish values that support responsible consumption. Rabbi Aaron Philmus of Temple Torat Yisrael will present “Shepherds of Israel – Jewish Animal Care.”

Adults will be able to choose from one of three workshops in each of two sessions. Each session will include a workshop in the kitchen:  “Making Elderberry Syrup and Herbs for Winter” and “A land flowing with milk and honey: Date Honey Workshop.”

Those who are unable to attend may participate online via a live web-cast series that features presenters such as Rabbi Elie Kaunfer (a former Rhode Islander), Sara Chandler (Jewish Initiative for Animals), Rabbi Natan Slifkin (“The Zoo Rabbi”) and Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz (originator of the Global Day). Go to www.TheGlobalDay.Org and click “on-air” for the topics and schedule, which begins Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. and continues on the 20th.

At 12:30 p.m., a light lunch will be available for a nominal fee. The program begins at 1 p.m. and concludes by 3:30 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael is located at 1251 Middle Road in East Greenwich, near both Exit 8 of I-95 and Exit 8 of Route 4, half a mile from South County Trail (Route 2). For more information, contact Larry Katz at lkatz@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111.

LARRY KATZ is director of Jewish Life and Learning at the Jewish Alliance.