Preserving Creation

The wonders of God’s creation are all around us: the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat. But it is easy for us to take this bounty for granted—or worse, contribute to its destruction. It is our duty to tend to what has been given to us. These rituals and prayers remind us of the sacred nature of that task.

Latest Rituals

Vermont Apple Trees at Tu B’Shvat

“Let light / reach all the places where blossoms would wantonly erupt…”

nature, trees, tu b'shvat, winter

A snowy landscape with bare trees under a partly cloudy blue sky.

A Bridge Unbroken Through Endless Time

“So as we save the scrolls from the fire’s roar, /we save ourselves and so much more.”

torah, wildfires

Open Torah scroll with decorative handles on a table, surrounded by people wearing prayer shawls.

A Prayer for Wolves

This is a prayer to say when you see a wolf, hear a wolf, or, simply, are thinking about wolves.

animals, awe, wolf, wolves, wonder

Three white wolves interact; one lying down playfully with mouth open, and two standing alert in a natural setting.

Through the Flames

“To build again with love and grace and heal this wounded, sacred space.”

forest, hope, wildfires

Bright red blossoms on a tree branch against a clear blue sky.

A Blessing in the Face of Wildfires in Los Angeles

“For the earth that burns, may healing rains fall swiftly.”

climate crisis, fire, wildfire

Close-up of green leaves with water droplets, set against a blurred background.

Tell me

“We are here together. We survived the rain together. / It was not a deluge and no trees fell…”

Animal companions, climate crisis, earth, generations, survival

A tree-lined path covered with fallen autumn leaves under a clear blue sky.

The Trees of the Talmud

“Only advice to plant first / and welcome the Messiah later…”

generations, trees

brown carob pods hang from a green tree

Bikkurim

“In the ripeness of the Ingathering, take of the seven species. / Shoulder your basket, golden or willow-green.”

environment, First Fruits, Seven species, torah

three purple figs hanging on a green tree

Hiking Time: Two to Three Hours

I walk the trail back to its origins / towards the slow pulse of life / flowing within contorted trunks / honey-colored limbs scarred by lightning

life, nature, survival, walk

a very narrow trail is surrounded by tall thin trees

The Word is Wood

Hear, O Israel / the prayer was dance / Adonai Eloheinu / there were no pews

call and response, memory, nature, prayer, shema

a split image, on the left are trees and grass, on the right are buildings and a road