Arctic Threatened Again!
For the second consecutive year, the Bush Administration and Congressional leadership are seeking to bypass the usual legislative process and include a budget provision that would open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas exploration. By taking this approach, proponents of drilling are hoping to avoid public debate and in-depth study of the issue. Inclusion in the budget also means that it can't be filibustered and thereby requires only 50 votes for passage in the U.S. Senate (as opposed to the 60 votes necessary to override a filibuster).

The Arctic Refuge is one of America's last great wild places. It is home to a dazzling variety of species. It is holy ground to the indigenous people of the Arctic and it is part of the heritage that we will leave to future generations. Please contact your Senators and Congressmen and ask them to oppose the inclusion of any Arctic Refuge drilling provisions in the federal budget.

Shabbat in Harmony with Creation
Have you noticed this month that the days are getting longer? Each day dawns a little earlier and each day the sun sets a little later. In my garden, the first shoots of spring flowers are already coming up. A particularly Jewish way of viewing this natural phenomenon is through the timing of Shabbat. Shabbat now starts an hour later than it did in December and ends an hour later as well. It makes the preparation for Shabbat less frenetic and gives us more time to experience the restfulness of Shabbat afternoon. For those who celebrate Shabbat, it is a blessing. For those who seek to incorporate Jewish spirituality into their environmentalism, Shabbat is crucial. Click here for more on how to spend Shabbat in harmony with creation.

Awareness and Intimacy
Jewish mindfulness practice as a spiritual discipline has the capacity to both awaken Jews to the significance of the environmental crisis and their relation to it, and to support sustained, effective action in response. One way of understanding how Jewish life and thought may have dulled Jews' attentiveness to the natural world and care for its well-being is the experience of exile. This experience alienates one from oneself, from the world and from God. Yet, the Jewish tradition has also claimed that Jews (and people in general) are God's partners in perfecting creation. Click here for more about Jewish Mindfulness as the Foundation for Environmental Action.

Winter Wheels
In the wintertime, driving your car can be treacherous when it comes to safety as well as the environment. Many people think that idling the engine for five minutes or more to warm up the car up is a smart precaution. Actually, only a few seconds of idling is needed to insure proper oil flow and lubrication. Idling longer wastes fuel and does not warm up drive train components. Driving slowly initially will warm them up properly. In addition, jackrabbit starts and sudden stops are not only hazardous in icy conditions, they also can decrease fuel economy by up to two miles per gallon! Removing as much snow and ice from your car before driving improves visibility and increases fuel economy by lessening drag. And, while snow tires give better traction on icy roads which helps save gas, the use of them in good weather actually increases your fuel consumption. Remember the laws of bal tashchit and do your best to not waste gasoline this winter!

Tu B'Shvat Seder Stories
We know many of you have Tu B'Shvat seder stories to share. Here are three reports from the field that we hope will inspire you to join or host a seder next year!

Brooklyn, NY: The 4th Annual Park Slope Tu B'shvat Seder for Jewish environmental and social justice professionals took place in Brooklyn, New York at the home of Noam Dolgin, seder organizer and Assistant Director of the Teva Learning Center.Each year this seder brings together a diverse mix of environmental and social activists and educators for an evening of fun, food and fantastic discussions. This year's seder was at maximum capacity with 51 people in attendance. Commenting on the popularity of the event, Dolgin, said, "The close crowds helped facilitate the great discussions, songs, and celebration." The merriment continued well into the morning, with guitars, accordions, fiddles and human voices rejoicing in the New Year of the Trees, and the beauty of community.

Click here for more Seder Stories!