Hazon

Examining Durban: How Will the Last Climate-Change Talks Impact Jews, Israel and the World?

Jake W-M, Communications Associate — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:12:56 +0000

February 29, 2012
1 PM EST

The Green Zionist Alliance and COEJL: The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life will host a free webinar about the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP 17/MOP 7) in Durban, South Africa, and what actions we can take going forward. What happened at the climate negotiations? How will Durban affect Israel? And how can we be involved as a Jewish community? Join the discussion about the recent U.N. Conference on Climate Change Conference in Durban.

Co-sponsored by the American Zionist Movement, Hazon, Jewcology, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Religious Action Center and Siach.

Learn more about the panelists.

Full Calendar Next 30 Days

[California Ride] Route Update and Refer-a-Friend Bonus

Jake W-M, Communications Associate — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:21:37 +0000

California Ride Participant Updates

Welcome! We’re excited to see you at Hazon’s 3rd Annual California Ride & Retreat in just a few months! Read on for important information and updates about the Ride.

Route Update

We are currently developing the route for this year and will post details in the coming month. On Friday, we will offer three route options: 45, 65, and 85-mile rides, all of which will travel from Camp Newman near Santa Rosa to Walker Creek Ranch near Petaluma. On Sunday, we have a direct 55 mile route into San Francisco as well as a 40-mile option which involves a shuttle in the morning. All routes will end with a triumphant ride over the Golden Gate Bridge, through the Presidio, and to the Jewish Community High School of the Bay for our closing.

Refer-a-Friend Bonus

60 Registered Riders. If your friends are not yet registered, tell them to sign up today! Registration prices increase on February 20th. Together, we can reach even more people.

Easy posts for Facebook or Twitter:

For Facebook: Join me on a beautiful bike ride from Sonoma County to San Francisco at the Hazon California Ride and Retreat, May 10-13 http://www.hazon.org/caride

For Twitter: Join me on a bike ride from Sonoma County to San Francisco! Hazon California Ride and Retreat, May 10-13 http://bit.ly/nx6iKe #HazonCAride

If you successfully recruit someone to the ride before March 1st, you will receive a fundraising credit of $50. The majority of Hazon participants hear about our events through word of mouth and we would appreciate your support in spreading the word to your networks, family, and friends. In order to be eligible to win, make sure your friends write on their registration form that they heard about the Ride from you!

Email Your Friends

Ride Guide

Attached here is the 2012 California Ride Guide. This booklet contains tips and tools for fundraising and training to help you prepare for the Ride. There is also an overview of the work of Hazon, details about our grant allocation system and important information regarding the logistics of the Ride weekend.

Please review the information to help prepare you for all aspects of the Ride. If you are riding with Hazon for the first time, we’ll send you a welcome packet in the mail with a hard copy of this document included

Download the Ride Guide [PDF]

We’re Nothing Without Our Crew

Each year, the Hazon California Ride and Retreat is joined by a dedicated group of individuals and families that help to support the ride as Crew. The Crew is an integral part of the ride community and we are thrilled to welcome the handful of crew that have already registered! Please let your family and friends know that they can join you as Crew. Have them register here.

More Information About Crew

Training Rides

Free, fun rides of varying length and difficulty on most Sundays between February and May

We have just started our free training rides in the Bay Area, which will continue weekly until the California Ride. We are starting with shorter rides so you can build up your endurance and skills in preparation for the Ride.

This Week: Starting at the California Ave CalTrain station in Oakland at 10:30 am, a 15-mile ride with an option to extend to 25 miles. Rides are free, but please RSVP

If you would like to lead a ride, please email Rafi Rubin at raphaelhamalach@gmail.com. If you live outside of the Bay Area you can still lead a ride – just email Rafi.

Training Ride Calendar

A Successful Bike to the Beach in San Francisco

Hazon hosted the first ever Bay Area Bike to the Beach on Sunday, January 29th. There were groups of riders that rode from four starting locations around the Bay Area and converged at Ocean Beach.

It was a beautiful day with great urban cycling and culminated with a vegetarian, organic lunch and celebration at the ocean.

See Photos from the Beach

A Drawer Full of Spandex

Whitney Pollack, Bay Area Program Associate — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:49:13 +0000

By Adam Arenstein

My transformation, from purchasing a bike to becoming a more capable rider.

Adam Arenstein and Erica Hymen, California Ride alumni and members of the 2012 California Ride Planning Committee

My decision to buy a hybrid bike two years ago was motivated by my desire to drive less and get outside more. I had visions of rolling down the street to get ice cream or cruising a few miles to the beach. “Serious cycling” was not a part of my plan. However, here I am two years later with a drawer full of spandex and other gear to go out on comfortable multi-hour rides. How did I get here? Hazon was my catalyst.

In the dearth of last year’s wet winter, it seemed like a dream to cycle on the rolling hills of wine country, down the Sonoma coast and across the Golden Gate Bridge. I had no clue how to start training, what to wear or how to change a flat tire. Friendly Hazon volunteers, cyclists themselves, eased me into longer rides with a training schedule and abundant advice. Now I bike 20 miles to work at least once a week and love combining my workout with my commute. Hazon gave me a new way to appreciate nature and reconnect to my values. Let Hazon be your catalyst to a new experience.

Adam Arenstein is a member of the Planning Committee for Hazon’s 2012 California Ride & Retreat. Support Adam’s ride.

Join Adam and many others for the 3rd Annual California Ride and Retreat, May 10-13, 2012

Jewish Community High School of the Bay California Ride Video Blog

Jake W-M, Communications Associate — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:59:36 +0000

Get to know the Jewish Community High School of the Bay (JCHS) California Ride team in their wonderful video and slideshow from last year’s ride!

In 2010, the Jewish Community High School of the Bay established its first organic school garden. They have connected the garden to secular academic curricula and to all areas of Jewish life. JCHS strives to engage students, teachers and families in thinking about their food choices and strengthen their connections with nature. JCHS received a mini-grant to further establish the organic garden at their school as well as related programming. Learn more about how JCHS used their fundraising dollars.

This year, after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, the ride will close at JCHS the Jewish Community High School of the Bay for our closing.

Learn more about the California Ride and Retreat, support JCHS’s team, or register today!

[Newsletter] February 15 – CSA Season is Now Open!

Jake W-M, Communications Associate — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:47:59 +0000

In This Email

Announcing the Rocky Mountain Jewish Food Summit
CSA Season is Open: Let Food Justice Ring!
Prices Increase Monday for the New York Ride and Retreat
Prices Increase Tomorrow for the California Ride and Retreat
What a Week of Tu B’Shvat
Applications Open for 2nd Annual Siach Conference
Planting Seeds of Tikkun
Local Events and Features from our Partners and Friends

Not receiving our newsletters? Join our mailing list!

Rocky Mountain Jewish Food Summit

April 29, 2012, University Memorial Center at CU Boulder

Featuring:

Jewish Tradition and Learning
Colorado Food, Farming, and Gardening
Delicious, Kosher Food
Kugel Contest: Is Yours the Best in the West?
DIY Extravaganza: Learn About Preserving, Home Brewing, Composting, and More
Mini-Grant Opportunities

More Information | Register Today

CSA Season is Open: Let Food Justice Ring!

This past week, Trader Joe’s signed a Fair Food Agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. It was a key moment for for the food justice movement, and is a meaningful step towards creating a healthier and more sustainable world.

The fact that millions of people turned out to advocate on behalf of farmers in Florida who they’ve never met is an encouraging sign that our anonymous, global food system is gaining, in small but significant ways, more of a human face. Shopping at a Farmer’s Market or joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project are great ways to work for food justice in your community. Hazon supports 58 Jewish CSAs around the country. Read more about our CSA program and find a location near you – it’s never too early to sign up (and in many cases, shares will sell out) to support local, sustainable agriculture!

About Hazon CSA | CSA Communities Near You

Prices Increase Monday for the New York Ride & Retreat

Don’t miss out, register today!

More Information

August 31-September 3, 2012

Cycle for two days through the Hudson Valley into Manhattan

Register Today!

Did you know? This year, the New York Ride and Retreat returns to Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center!

Prices Increase Tomorrow for the California Ride and Retreat

Don’t miss out, register today!

More Information

May 10-13, 2012

A beautiful ride from Sonoma County to San Francisco

Register Today!

NEW! Get to know the Jewish Community High School of the Bay in their team video from the 2011 California Bike Ride!

What a Week of Tu B’Shvat

What a week of Tu B’Shvat it was! All over the country, Jews gathered in new and traditional ways to celebrate Tu B’Shvat. Here are a few highlights from celebrations on the East and West Coasts.

Siach: An Environment and Social Justice Conversation

Applications Open for 2nd Annual Siach Conference

June 15-18, 2012

Ohalo Manor on the Kinneret, Israel

Siach, an Environment and Social Justice Conversation, brings together committed activists from across Israel, North America, and Europe.

Flight and registration subsidies are available.

More Information | Application

Planting Seeds of Tikkun

This piece by Hazon Board Member Dr. Maya Shetreat-Klein was originally delivered as a Shabbat sermon on February 4th at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale.

As I prepared to speak about Tu B’Shvat, I came upon the writings of Rav Tzadok HaKohen, a 19th century Chassidic Rebbe, through the lovely work of a scholar named Sarah Schneider. Humanity’s first sin, according to Rav Tzadok HaKohen, was Adam and Eve’s eating without the right intention. The Tree of Knowledge was not a tree, or a food or a thing at all. It was a way of eating. Rav Tzadok HaKohen teaches that whenever we mindlessly grab pleasure from the world, we fall spiritually, and it is as if we are eating from the Tree of Knowledge.

Continue Reading

Local Events and Features

from our Partners and Friends

Hazon Hosts Wilderness First Aid Class

March 22-23, 2012, 8 AM – 5 PM

BJE (Bureau of Jewish Education)

639 14th Ave., San Francisco

Wilderness first aid is the specific discipline of first aid which relates to care in remote areas, where emergency medical services will be difficult to obtain or will take a long time to arrive.

Hazon is partnering with Foster Calm to offer a WFA class with lots of hands-on skills practice. The emphasis is on making good decisions by staying calm and safe, doing a good patient assessment, and having good communication and leadership. We will spend a little time framing this course in Jewish texts and teachings.

More Information

A Conversation with Michael Pollan

February 29, 2012, 7:30 PM

The Paramount Theatre

1621 Glenarm Place, Denver

Michael Pollan is author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Food Rules: an Eater’s Manual, and In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto.

Ticket purchases will go to support Ekar Farm.

More Information

3rd Annual National Day of Unplugging

Join Reboot in helping people around the world rejuvenate the ritual of Shabbat by signing on to sign off from technology for the 3rd annual National Day of Unplugging (NDU) on March 23rd-24th, 2012.

This year includes a “Unplug and Eat Together” campaign in partnership with Hazon and Slow Food USA.

More Information

The Home Grown Institute – Philadelphia

Registration for The Home Grown Institute March 24-25 is Open!

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Philadelphia

We are proud to be a Community Partner of The Home Grown Institute. Registration is open for the March 24-25 “Springing Good Intentions Into Action” conference to be held at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, in NW Philadelphia.

Learn More | Registration

18th Annual Teva Seminar on Jewish Environmental Education

June 12 – 17, 2012

Surprise Lake Camp

Cold Spring, New York

The premiere professional development opportunity for adults of all ages to explore experiential Jewish education, ecological sustainability, social justice, camping, gardening, and environmental stewardship. Join nearly 200 other students, rabbis, camp counselors, activists, scientists, educators and more! Focus in one of four dynamic tracks: Camp and Wilderness, Organic Farming and Gardening Education, Eco-Arts and Community Education, or Environmental Leadership and Organizing.

Early Bird Registration is now open: Only $450 for the entire 6-day conference, or $350 for the 4-day conference!

More Information

CSA Season is Open: Let Food Justice Ring!

Jake W-M, Communications Associate — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:50:42 +0000

Trader Joe’s photo by Sprew (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

What a week of Tu B’Shvat [Round Up]

Jake W-M, Communications Associate — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:45:02 +0000

What a week of Tu B’Shvat it was! All over the country, Jews gathered in new and traditional ways to celebrate Tu B’Shvat. Here are a few highlights from celebrations on the East and West Coasts. If you did something great for Tu B’Shvat, tell us about it in the comments!

Pinot & Pomegranate – Roulette, Brooklyn

Over 200 people gathered in Brooklyn to party the night away at Pinot & Pomegranate: The Best Tu B’Shvat Party in NYC. Party-goers visited four stations and tasted delicious desserts from Adamah Foods and four different glasses of wine inspired by the four worlds of Tu B’Shvat. They also were able to discuss the spiritual and environmental themes of the holiday through interactive activities at each of the four stations. Participants came from across the spectrum of diversity in Jewish New York, including many from our partners in the Russian speaking and Israeli communities.

Taste of Hazon: A Culinary Celebration of Tu B’Shvat – Philadelphia PA

Over 200 people gathered for a gala event at the National Museum of American Jewish History to celebrate Tu B’Shvat and pay tribute to Mark & Judy Dornstreich, and Mark Aronchick, leaders in the Philadelphia Jewish community and pioneers of the sustainable farming movement. The event was catered by James Beard Award Winning chef Michael Solomonov and Peachtree kosher, and featured courses inspired by the seven species of foods from Israel, including salmon in grape leaves with fennel and olives, and pumpkin olive oil cake with kumquats.

Tu B’Shvat Seder with Urban Adamah & Hazon – Berkeley, CA

Co-sponsored by Urban Adamah and seated inside a large tent on the Urban Adamah farm, 60 people gathered to celebrate Tu B’Shvat. We sang songs, told stories and imbibed drinks having to do with each of Israel’s shevah mineem, seven species. Instead of a Kabbalist’s Tu B’Shvat Seder, the Hazon/Urban Adamah Seder focused on the gratitude we feel for each of the seven species of the good land of Israel (All able to grow in CA’s similar climate). Seven different people presented something about each of the species. There were “dirty martinis’ to be drunk for olives, beer for wheat and barley, wine for grapes…you get the idea!

But, lest you think it was all fun and alcohol, there were alternative non alcoholic beverages for each of the species, an organic local meal and much discussion on what we can do to trim the trend of environmental degradation.

Tree B’Earthday Tu B’Shvat Retreat – Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, Falls Village CT

Hands drenched in kiwi juice, apples dipped in organic maple syrup, wine flowing into glasses, song lifting a room decorated with sweet smelling pine branches – these are just a few of the sensations that participants at Isabella Freedman’s first annual “Tree B’Earthday” celebration experienced at Saturday night’s Tu B’Shvat Seder. We learned how a pineapple really grows, meditated with a perfect slice of star fruit, and set intentions for the coming year in alignment with the trees. Our teachers were representatives from the many branches of the Jewish Environmental movement, as well as the Torah, Kabbalah, and Cat Stevens.

Miss the seder? Check out Hazon’s Tu B’Shvat hagaddah and Leader’s Guide to plan for next year!

18th Annual Teva Seminar on Jewish Environmental Education

Jake W-M, Communications Associate — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:31:36 +0000

The 18^th Annual Teva Seminar on Jewish Environmental Education and Shabbat Retreat (June 12 – 17, 2012) at Surprise Lake Camp in Cold Spring, New York is the premiere professional development opportunity for adults of all ages to explore experiential Jewish education, ecological sustainability, social justice, camping, gardening and environmental stewardship. Join nearly 200 other students, rabbis, camp counselors, activists, scientists, educators and more! Focus in one of four dynamic tracks: Camp and Wilderness, Organic Farming and Gardening Education, Eco-Arts and Community Education or Environmental Leadership and Organizing.

Early Bird Registration is now open: Only $450 for the entire 6-day conference, or $350 for the 4-day conference!

More Information

3rd Annual National Day of Unplugging

Jake W-M, Communications Associate — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:30:16 +0000

Co-sponsored by Hazon

Join Reboot in helping people around the world rejuvenate the ritual of Shabbat by signing on to sign off from technology for the 3rd annual National Day of Unplugging (NDU) on March 23rd-24th, 2012. Take the pledge to unplug and spread the word here: causes.com/unplug

For the third annual NDU they’re planning an “Unplug and Eat Together” campaign in partnership with Hazon and Slow Food USA.

Organizations that want to host an unplugging event of their own can register here for more info.

The NDU was inspired by the Sabbath Manifesto, an ongoing new take on the ancient notion of a day of rest. The Manifesto’s ten principles are open for interpretation and encourage carving out one day per week to relax, reflect, and recharge: Avoid Technology, Connect With Loved Ones, Nurture Your Health, Get Outside, Avoid Commerce, Light Candles, Drink Wine, Eat Bread, Find Silence, Give Back.

In 2010 when Reboot launched the NDU, they found that when people observe the first principle, “Avoid Technology,” it provides the space for thoughtful interpretation of the rest of the principles.

This year’s “Unplug and Eat Together” campaign is in honor of principle #8, “eat bread.” We hope you’ll take the challenge to unplug and interpret principle #8 (or any/all of the other principles!) in a way most meaningful for you—share a table with friends and family, gather a group for a tour of your local farmers market, collect donations for your community’s food pantry—it’s your NDU.

causes.com/unplug
facebook.com/sabbathmanifesto
twitter.com/sabbathmanifest

[Cross-USA Ride] Participant Email Feb 14

Jake W-M, Communications Associate — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:37:36 +0000

The Hazon Cross-USA Ride!

We’re excited to see you in just a few months!

Whether you’re excited to see the breathtaking state of Washington, to ride on car-free bike trails in Maryland, or seeing everything in between, you’ve signed up for a ride that will have a positive impact on your life!

As always we are thrilled to be embarking on this journey with you. Want to make it more fun? Bring a friend! In fact, email them right now.

If you have any questions about the ride, feel free to contact me at wendy.levine@hazon.org or 212-644-2332 x332.

Happy trails,

Wendy Levine, Cross-USA Ride Director

Facebook Group Just for You!

Get to know your fellow riders, share stories, find someone to train with you or recap your day of training with. The members in the group are on the same boat as you (or possibly the same bike!). We will post updates about the ride, and this group can be used a forum for questions among riders.

Join our Facebook Group

Route Highlight: Helena, Montana

We will be celebrating Shabbat with the Helena Jewish community. Our visit will include:

A walking tour of Jewish Helena, including the first synagogue built between St. Paul, Minnesota and Portland, Oregon.
Spirited services with the Rabbi from Bozeman, Montana, who will be cycling with us from Helena to Bozeman.
Accommodations in either a hotel or a college campus.

For constant updates on our overnights and updated route, follow us on Twitter, @HazonXUSARide.

See the Whole Route

Bike options

The ride is four months away! If you do not already have a bike, now is a good time to start looking. We recommend touring and sport bikes. These are perfect for the type of riding that will happen over the course of a multi-week trip. Our terrain will vary and we will be utilizing various trails, some of which are crushed gravel rather than asphalt. A touring bike will be able to adapt and keep you comfortable across the country.

See More Recommendations

Fundraising Tips

Your Personal Page

The first thing you should do for your fundraising campaign is personalize your website by logging in here. (If you lost your password follow this link or email us). Upload a picture of you cycling, tell your story, and update your page as you train! Send the link to your page out when fundraising. More Personal Page Tips

Who to ask!

The worst thing someone can say to you is “no,” so you might as well ask! We have suggestions on who to ask and how to ask them.

More Fundraising Tools

Training Advice

Now that you have your bike, or are getting it soon, it’s time to start planning your training!

Map Out a Plan.

Planning your goals, training program, and particular rides takes very little time and is extremely valuable as your Ride approaches. Think about when you can make time to ride, where you can ride, who you might ride with, etc. Make sure the goals are achievable and monitor them weekly. Check out our full advice for planning your training program.

More Cycling Skills and Training