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Tu B'Shvat Thoughts: Trees, Shrubs, Bush, and Breaking the Oil Addiction

by Barbara Lerman-Golomb

At a time when the Jewish community is focused on trees, it's very interesting that President Bush mentioned "wood chips" as one of the "cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol," an alternative fuel, in his recent State of the Union address. There is much debate over generating ethanol, whether it is derived from corn, switch grass, a fast-growing shrub called "biomass willow," or wood chips. Some believe trees (wood) could be the answer to our energy needs, but is that really the most sustainable way to go? While it was remarkable to hear Mr. Bush talk about alternative energy and new technologies, what was truly remarkable was the fact that he admitted America had a serious problem: an addiction to oil. Of equal interest and concern is that he devoted so much of his address to this topic, but never used the terms "global warming" or "climate change."

We affirm the president's belief that we're playing a dangerous game by importing oil from unstable parts of the world, particularly critical in relation to the Middle East and global security. His lofty, long term alternative energy goals are aimed at helping the US become energy independent. But he never mentioned the immediate threat caused by the burning of fossil fuels resulting in an accelerated rise in the earth's temperature (a NASA study reports that 2005 was the warmest year on record).

Of course admitting to an addiction is the first step on the road to recovery. But we want the president to also recognize the root cause of the addiction and that personal sacrifice such as energy conservation needs to be taken, otherwise it will be impossible to kick the habit. On the flip side, personal responsibility alone will not be enough if we don't have mandatory legislation to "slow, stop, and reverse" the growth of dangerous heat-trapping pollution as stated in a resolution passed by a bipartisan majority of the Senate in June, 2005.

We need mandatory targets that lower greenhouse gas emissions as in the Kyoto Protocol and beyond; the kind of mandatory regulations and incentives that make businesses accountable in helping consumers reach these targets; and legislation that makes cars more fuel efficient and that increases fuel-efficiency standards. And should we be considering what many economists are calling for, instituting a substantial gas tax? The holiday of Tu B'Shvat actually began as the cut-off date for collecting taxes on the crop of fruit trees. The Jewish people gave part (one tenth or a tithing) of their harvest to support the sacred work of the temples and to help the poor and those less fortunate. If our ancestors understood this action as an essential mandate to benefit the greater society, shouldn't we be willing to take a similar responsibility?

The Jewish community needs to serve as a moral and ethical witness to the already devastating affects of climate change. In particular the effects plaguing those most vulnerable in our global society-indigenous peoples, low-income communities, the elderly and children who are experiencing increased incidents of respiratory illness, infectious diseases, and economic and cultural displacement.

Certainly the Jewish people have an understanding of cultural displacement. But what does it mean in an environmental context? We have witnessed hurricane Katrina and as sea levels rise or drought destroys crop yields, we will witness a migration of environmental refugees fleeing their homelands. But where will they go? In Judaism we say, "Justice, justice, shall you pursue." How do we respond to the new term environmental justice? The Jewish principle of pekuach nefesh mandates an obligation to save and preserve life. Is it fair that with only four percent of the world's population, the US creates 25 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions? Is it fair that people's lives are in jeopardy because of the kind of cars we drive, the way we heat our homes and synagogues, or even the light bulbs we use?

Tu B'Shvat takes place in winter, but it foretells the coming of spring. Therefore, it is a time for renewal of our commitment to serve and protect all of creation. As in the Talmudic tale of Honi who planted trees in his time that would bear fruit for his grandchildren, let us begin making choices today that will sustain future generations.

Barbara Lerman-Golomb is associate executive director of the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL).