Press release from Congregation B’nai Israel

There is a growing interest in the integration of Jewish traditions and values with education about food and the environment — and on Sunday, April 6,  Congregation B’nai Israel (CBI) in Rumson will host one of the most important thinkers on Judaism and the environment.

Nigel Savage, founder and Executive Director of Hazon, will lead a 9 am discussion about the relationship between Jewish texts and practices and the food we eat. Following his presentation, the audience will be invited to participate in small group discussions, facilitated by Savage, about the topic of sustainability as it relates to Judaism. Free and open to the public, the program will be followed by a kosher, organic, farm-to-table brunch.

Recognized by the Sierra Club as one of the top 50 faith-based environmental organizations, Hazon means “vision,” and its mission is to create healthier and more sustainable Jewish communities in the Jewish world and beyond. Savage founded Hazon in 2000, and in 2008 was named a member of the Forward’s “Forward 50” list of the most influential Jewish people in the United States. A dynamic and inspiring speaker, he has an MA in history from Georgetown University and studied at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, the Yakar Center for Tradition and Creativity and The Hebrew University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nigel Savage to Monmouth County,” said CBI Rabbi Jeff Sultar. “This public lecture is part of an ongoing CBI series of adult and youth education programs related to the environment and the Jewish food movement.”

“We have integrated Hazon education materials into the religious school curriculum in an attempt to inspire our students to understand more fully about where our food comes from, environmental sustainability and how this relates to our modern Jewish lives,” said CBI Youth Director Susan Alderson.

Admission to the lecture, which is supported by a grant from the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County, and the post-talk brunch is free, but reservations are requested. RSVP to www.cbirumson.org or Emilie Kovit-Meyer at (732)842-1800 x203.