By Rabbi Gayle Pomerantz, Open Tent Founding Director
I just read in the paper that the Swedes are starting to put a new label on food – not the calorie number or protein content, but the amount of carbon used to produce and transport the product (e.g. “Climate declared: .87 kg CO2 per kg of product”, New York Times, October 23, 2009). I have heard that the average meal travels an astonishing 1500 miles from farm to fork.
All of us need to start paying attention to not only taking care of our bodies with the food we eat, but taking care of the world. There’s a midrash (a story) from Jewish tradition that says when God was finished creating the world, God took Adam and Eve on a tour of the Garden of Eden. At the end of the tour, God said, “Take care of this place. Because if you don’t, there will be no one to set it right after you.”
We here on Miami Beach, are trying to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint. This month, we are launching YAROQ, (which means “green” in Hebrew), an organic Jewish CSA (Community Supported Agricultural Initiative). The Open Tent and Temple Beth Sholom are working with an organization called Farm Fresh Miami to create a community of people who are interested in eating well and caring for our planet. Twice a month, Farm Fresh will deliver organic, locally grown produce to members of the CSA. About 60 individuals/families have already signed on.
Mindful eating has always been part of what it means to be a Jew. The tradition of sayings blessings before we eat is supposed to heighten our awareness of what we are about to eat, and our gratitude for the miracle of good food. (There’s even an i-phone ap now for which blessing to say before eating). I read a story about a teacher from Berkeley who told about a time when her students washed and trimmed and cut up all the ingredients to make a big salad. “Now wait,” she said, to the students. “Before we start eating, let’s stop to think about the people who tilled the ground, planted the seeds and harvested the vegetables.” Then the kids stood up at their desks and gave the salad a standing ovation. Now that’s mindful eating!
If you’re interested in being a part of our mindful eating community, Yaroq, please call: 786.507.6104, or write ma#mce_temp_url#.
